WHY PANIC BARS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING

If you have a public commercial facility of any sort, then you’re likely already aware that your property is required to have “panic hardware” in order to obey the law, so that you’ll be providing proper egress and ingress in case of an emergency. A panic bar is a push bar that must be installed on every exit door, which permits people to leave quickly. An uninterrupted and unobstructed departure path to a safe place is required also. These doors are usually necessary in schools, malls, restaurants, taverns, and other public spaces. It’s important that you follow the law when it comes to protecting everybody in the building. If you’re not up to code, you will not pass inspection, and you’ll be closed down. When you install these crucial devices, you’ll be safeguarding the wellbeing of every occupant ~ personnel, visitor, and customer alike.

Most of us cannot concentrate when we find ourselves in a crisis, so it’s vital that you correctly install panic bars throughout your building to avoid any mishaps. Follow all regulations, and maintain these doors routinely. Properly installed and functioning panic hardware will make all the difference in a life-or-death situation.

Panic hardware consists of a latching device, with a crossbar or touchpad spanning at least half of the width of the door, releasing the latch when it’s pushed. Panic hardware is also referred to as an “exit device” or “crash bar”; for fire doors, it’s called “fire exit hardware.” This dedicated hardware is used wherever the current code necessitates that you make it possible for a large number of persons to make a quick exit, and it also provides optimized durability.

The International Fire Code (IFC), the International Building Code (IBC), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Code are the most common fire safety and building codes in the United States. You’ll have to determine which code, and which edition of that code, applies expressly to your property. Local codes in your area may oblige you to follow additional requirements. Be sure you’re fully compliant.

On the inside, they make a fast exit in an emergency possible. Panic bars will also prevent entry from the opposite side of the door. A panic bar locking from the outside only is allowed on an exit discharge door. In general, rooms with electrical equipment must include panic hardware or fire exit hardware that permits a professional technician to leave if there’s an explosion or fire.

When you install panic hardware on balanced doors, a touchpad-style device is necessary. Code requirements normally prohibit the installation of any other kind of lock on a door with panic hardware, except for electromagnetic locks released by a sensor or switch. The touchpad shouldn’t extend more than halfway across the door. At all times, anyone who needs to get out has to be able to have access to an exit route door that opens from the inside ~ without having to use any tools or keys, and without having to know any specialized information.

Installed on doors that open to the outside, panic bars are available in a big variety of styles. Most are equipped with an alarm ~ stopping anyone exiting from stealing anything or avoiding paying a tab. Constructed vertically or horizontally, all panic bar door openers function the same way: When the bar is pushed, the door opens. The precise number of exit doors required, and the style guidelines you have to follow, will all depend on the size, height, and type of building, as well as its purpose and occupancy level.

The existing requirements apply to doors that either lock or latch. For instance, you don’t need to have panic hardware on a free-swinging door with only a pull handle or push plate. The prevailing code requires panic hardware only for specified occupancy types. A property designated as “assembly occupancy” is typically a space or building where large groups gather, such as a stadium, theater, or gym. An “educational occupancy” is a school building for children up to the last year of high school. Property used as college classrooms is considered “business occupancy”; note that some college classrooms ~ serving as lecture halls, for example ~ are big enough to be classified as assembly occupancy. The NFPA 101 Code includes a distinct occupancy classification for “daycare occupancy,” which is a place used for daycare for kids or adults. Finally, a “high-hazard occupancy” ~ any place containing a high level of hazardous materials ~ is a space at risk for explosions.

A panic bar’s push pad must be at least half the width of the door, so when you install a panic device, follow the template included with the packaging to mark the door for exactly where to place it. The template will show you where to drill the holes and mount the hardware. The center of the panic bar’s push pad should be at a standard height of 41″ from the ground. In schools and daycare facilities, this measure can vary. When you attach the panic bar to the door, use only the screws included in the packaging, so you won’t void the warranty. After installing the panic bar, test the push pad to make sure it’s fully functional.

There are all kinds of panic hardware. Rim devices are easily installed, and call for minimal maintenance. The panic hardware with surface vertical rods is more difficult to install. There’s also a panic bar with a concealed vertical rod, which is more costly as well as significantly harder to install. How do you decide? As we’ve discussed above, choose the panic bar required for each door based on your building’s parameters. In most cases, it’s best to hire an expert.

If your commercial property is anywhere in Virginia Beach, Virginia, find a reputable security professional, such as a commercial locksmith specialist at Virginia Beach Locksmith. Each technician on staff there is exceedingly qualified to help you find the perfect panic bars for all your building’s evacuation doors.

Aricle source here: WHY PANIC BARS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING

Keyless Entry System Benefits

Keys, in a way, are becoming a thing of the past. This doesn’t mean that we are no longer using locks, of course. Locks are more important than ever, as theft unfortunately continues to occur on a daily basis all over the country. However, new technology is becoming available, and many people are jumping at the opportunity to have something new and more convenient. Virginia Beach Locksmith is a lock and security expert in Virginia Beach, VA that has put together information regarding some of the newest technology available which is constantly improving – we are talking about keyless entry systems. If you haven’t taken the time to learn about keyless entry, then now is as good a time as ever – find out more about the benefits of keyless entry systems, and see why more and more people are opting to take advantage of this.

Let’s start with the basics. What is keyless entry and how does it work?

In the most basic sense, keyless entry means having the ability to gain access to a property without the use of a key. Generally speaking, a keypad device will be on the door or near the door, and one will enter a code to get in. This code can be shared with people who are trusted, so anyone who you trust can get into your property without you having to give them a physical key.

What are some perks to not using a key? Is it really more beneficial than having a key?

The answer depends on who you ask, but there are certainly perks to not having to use a key. You can share your code with anyone you choose, and you won’t have to meet up with them to give them a copy of your key. This saves you the cost of having to have a key created, and it saves time if you have family or friends coming to visit from out of town. Let’s say you are at work when they arrive to your home. Instead of making them wait around outside, and instead of having them come to meet you at your office, you can merely provide them with your code to get in. Not having to carry a key means less opportunity for your key to be misplaced or lost. These are just a couple of the perks to using keyless entry systems.

Auto Security

Keyless entry is also a solution that vehicle owners tend to take advantage of. When your car is keyless, it makes it more difficult for a person to break in. Cutting wires won’t work when the criminal doesn’t have the appropriate code that is connected with your transmitter fob. If the wrong code is entered, some systems will completely disable the ignition circuit. It is certainly a theft deterrent to have keyless entry for your vehicle.

Commercial Property Security

Commercial building owners know that security is important. They also know that having to carry around a lot of keys can get confusing. They also know that it can get expensive having to constantly rekey or change locks when employees leave. Even if your turnover isn’t all that high, it can still become costly to have to have locks replaced or rekeyed. When you go keyless, all you have to do is share your code with the persons you can trust to have access to your property. This will help to keep certain people out while increasing your security. If an employee leaves or is terminated, simply change the code rather than changing your locks. Keyless entry can also provide the opportunity to track where certain employees are at certain times.

Residential Property Security

Keyless entry for homeowners has been discussed in terms of how it relates to the ability to share your code with trusted individuals. Other benefits include being able to avoid hiding a key on your property. It just isn’t safe to have a key hidden under your doormat. This is the first place a criminal would look! It isn’t good enough to have a hide a key feature, because a criminal could figure this out. You won’t have to hide a key at all if you have keyless entry. In addition to being able to avoid hiding a key on your property, you can eliminate the chance of getting locked out of your home. Virginia Beach Locksmith frequently gets phone calls from locals who are locked out because they lost their key. If you know that you happen to be a little prone to misplacing things, then keyless entry should definitely be something that you consider.

Did you know that when you go keyless, you can control access to your property using your smartphone? This is a feature which can be set up, and it is extremely beneficial. Let’s say you have children who will be getting home from school before you will be getting home from work or from running errands for the day. With the simple push of a button, you can ensure your kids have entry to your home, and you can make sure that no one else is able to get in without your permission.

There are a vast array of benefits to keyless entry systems. Hopefully you now have a better idea of why so many people are making the choice to take advantage of this fairly new technology. Homeowners, car owners and commercial property owners alike should look into the newest options which are available to them. Everyone wants to be able to protect their property. Everyone wants their belongings to be secure. And of course, everyone wants convenience. Keyless entry offers a great deal of convenience. Talk to your local locksmith about some of the options which are available to you. If you aren’t quite ready to go keyless, then consider swapping out your locks or having them rekeyed if you have any concerns regarding the security of your property.

Aricle source here: Keyless Entry System Benefits

Protecting Your Home at All Times

While you may think that you have done all that you can to protect your home from an intrusion, you may not take the same precautions when you’re leaving your home for an extended amount of time. If you’re planning a vacation, you should also plan on ways to ensure your home isn’t broken into. We know, you’re probably thinking that you can just lock up and be on your way. This is something that most people assume should be enough to avoid a break-in. This is where you make your mistake. You need to take some precautions to avoid a break-in while you are away. Most burglars are looking for time and opportunity. This is what is afforded to them whenever you are away on vacation. In most instances, homes that are broken into is because of something that the homeowner did or did not do. At Virginia Beach Locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA, we take your safety and security very seriously. This is why we do our part in helping you remain safe at all times.

You might not be aware of it but there might be burglars in your area, looking for the next home to break into. Don’t make it easy for them to break into your home when you are away. Create a list of things to do prior to leaving for an extended amount of time. Planning for a vacation should include taking precautions to avoid a break-in. This means you may have to develop a list of things to do before you leave home. By developing a list and checking things off, you’ll decrease your chances of experiencing a break-in. If a burglar is looking for their next home, don’t let them choose yours based on something you do or do not do. Think ahead and avoid dealing with such a problem upon your return home.

Keep It to Yourself – Traveling is exciting and this is why you might want to share you plans on social media. Don’t do it! Keep it to yourself. We know this may be hard to do but just consider how many people you do not know who you may be sharing your vacation plans with. You may want to be the envy of the office but this is not the way to do it. You don’t know everyone who follows you on social media and this is why you should avoid announcing your plans on social media. It is very easy to find out where people live these days. Since this is the case, you can be sure that if a burglar wants to target your home, they will. If you want to post something on social media, post it upon returning home. This way your home is not left susceptible to an intrusion.

Lockup – We cannot stress this enough. Lockup your home when you leave on vacation. You would be surprised how many people leave on an extended stay and do not lockup their doors and windows. It is easy to forget, especially with so much on your mind. People walk right out the front door, not giving a second thought as to whether or not all of the doors and windows have been locked. In some instances, they even forget to lock their front door. Intruders can get in through windows as easily as they can get in through the doors. This is why you should always remember to double check doors and windows throughout your home. In some cases, we even find that not only are the windows unlocked but there are sometimes windows left open. Wow! This is an invitation to come on in and get what they want. If there are other family members in your home, you may not even know that they have opened a door or window without closing it. The only way to find out is by checking it out for yourself. Go through the home and make sure the doors and windows are all locked and secured before leaving for your vacation.

Set Your Alarm System – If you have an alarm system, you may even forget to set it once you leave. Your alarm system will not be of much use to you if the system is not set. It can’t be set if you do not have one. If you don’t already have an alarm system, you should consider investing in one today. When there is an alarm in the home, you are less likely to experience a burglary. Burglars see an alarm as a deterrent. They do not want to be detected and surely if there is an alarm in you home, this is one chance they wouldn’t want to take. If you have an alarm system, make sure you ask for a sign that you can place in the front of your home. Something as simple as an alarm system sign can thwart off a burglar. There are some homeowners who have the sign displayed but do not have the service. A burglar doesn’t have to know this. All that they know is that you have an alarm system in your home and that they can’t afford to take the chance of being discovered. They will likely move on to the next home.

Don’t Leave Yourself Exposed – When you do not have blinds or curtains up at your window, you are exposing yourself to others who may want to get what you have. If there is nothing hanging up at your window, you are showing everyone what they can gain by getting inside your home. This leaves you susceptible to a home intrusion. Don’t advertise to the whole world what is inside your home; instead, cover your windows.

If you are guilty of doing some of the aforementioned things, don’t worry; we’re all guilty. However, now that you know what can be done to prevent a burglary, don’t forget to do it. You might just be able to avoid a break-in.

Aricle source here: Protecting Your Home at All Times

VARIOUS KINDS OF LOCKS

Locks are as varied as the uses for them are. You can find locks securing valuables in homes, businesses, cars, government offices, schools, and hundreds of other applications. If you do an online image search for locks you’ll find an array of items from diary locks to biometric entry systems and hundreds of others in between. That’s why our Virginia Beach Locksmith pros decided that it would be fun to make a post about many of the varied kinds of locks in use today. Read on and see what we have to say; you might just learn something new and fun in the process! Don’t forget to call our shop or that of your favorite Virginia Beach, VA lock and key firm with any questions or ideas that you may have.

Always choose quality!

The best quality lock brands don’t have to be expensive or out of reach of most buyers. Just use the right lock and key shop and you’ll get affordable access to best names in the lock industry, including Master, Baldwin, Ace, Schlage, Dexter, ASSA, Primus, Medeco, Abloy, Sentry, Kwikset, Llco, Yale, Falcon, Sentex, Mul-T-Lock, and many others. Keep in mind that even the best quality locks will do little good if they are not installed properly and if they are not used! Anyway, here are some of the most common and useful locks in use today:

Padlocks

Padlocks are very common and very useful! You see them everywhere on storage rooms, bicycles, lockers, yard gates, and backyard sheds. One reason that they are so popular is that they are portable and not built-in. As such, they are easy to transport and re-use to secure other items. Padlocks use a dial with a number sequence or sometimes a key to open. Overall, they are secure and do the job needed though they can be opened with a lock cutter or pried open with a crowbar.

High security locks

These amazing locks are better made and offer greater protection as they are not able to be smashed, picked, pried or cut open! You’d think that they would be super expensive but in fact, they are quite affordable. Some high security locks are also bump proof and this desirable combination can give you lasting security and peace of mind when used to secure your home, business or recreational property.

Ordinary locks are usually made of tin and are hollow. Not high security locks! Solid brass rules the day, here! They also have steel inserts placed inside the lock that prevents them from being drilled open, too. How’s that for sturdy construction?

Deadbolt locks

Our Virginia Beach, VA lock professionals recommend deadbolt locks to all of our customers. There’s a good reason for this; they work! Deadbolts are simple, easy to install, affordable and when used; effective. You can use deadbolt locks at home, at your business or anywhere else that needs an added layer of security. We recommend getting a high quality deadbolt and making double-sure that it is installed right.

Here’s where the magic of deadbolt locks comes into play. They are small, unassuming and offer a much needed second line of security wherever they are installed. A burglar wants to get in and out of your property as fast as possible. They want the “goods,” not to linger and say hello! The longer a burglary takes, the greater the chance of discovery and that can lead to arrest, confrontation with the homeowner, and even death. Once the crook bypasses your main door lock, they are now faced with having to deal with your deadbolt. This takes additional time and effort. It’s so much easier to simply move on the next property or just give up and call it a day!

Keyless locks

How on earth can you have locks with no keys? It’s easy; just use keyless locks and you can forget having to lug around burdensome keys that can become lost, broken or damaged. Consumers have been using keyless locks for years on automobiles and in banks. Now, these special locks are virtually everywhere including jewelry stores, museums, hospitals, high rise condos, nursing homes, restaurants, office rentals, storage facilities, retail stores and hundreds more. We are now also starting to see keyless entry in residential homes in all price ranges.

Keyless locks can be operated by key codes, number sequences, remote devices, thumbprints, badges, magnetic strips, swipe cards and in some cases, even retina scanners! As keyless lock technology advances, you’ll see more and more use of it in day to day life.

Mortise locks

The word mortise means recessed and that’s what these locks are; recessed into the door as opposed to being installed on the door’s surface. This method of installation provides the lock with added stability and security. These locks are very common on residential front doors. These are the ones where you turn the handle from the inside to open it, and where you use your key and then push down on the handle to unlock from the outside. These locks can be a bit awkward to install on a do-it-yourself basis, so you might consider the services of a local Virginia Beach, VA locksmith to make sure that it’s done right.

Cam locks

Right off the bat you may not know what a cam lock is, but you sure would recognize one if you saw it! They are distinguishable by the “cam” or tail that rotates 90 to 180 degrees when you lock it. You see cam locks installed on mailboxes, file cabinets, vending machines, small appliances and other similar low level security items.

Find out more

The more you know about locks, the better your overall security will be. You don’t need to be an expert but you should strongly consider having 24-hour access to a full service Virginia Beach, VA lock shop. Preferably find one that offers all forms of lock and key expertise including emergency, home, auto and business needs. Locks are our friends and when used right, can save time, money, and even lives!

Aricle source here: VARIOUS KINDS OF LOCKS

IF YOU’VE MISPLACED YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY, HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Back in the day, if you lost your car key, you could get a spare one duplicated at the hardware store, a locksmith company, or at your dealership. Nowadays, however, losing your car keys has become much more complicated than it was before the 1990s ~ that is, before computer chips. A regular car key, with its singular cuts and grooves, used to be just like a house key, so you could get it copied for almost nothing.

The disadvantage to a basic car key in those days was obviously that, since it was so easy to copy, it was also a breeze for a car thief to steal your vehicle. Vehicles are much more difficult to steal today because of advances in transponder key technology. Unquestionably, a transponder key, even though it’s expensive, is worth the peace of mind you get from it.

But what should you do if you lose your transponder key?

What’s kind of transponder key have you lost?

Inside the transponder key’s plastic head is a transponder chip, which sends a unique signal, which goes to the receiver in your car, telling it to start up. The major difference between a transponder key and a standard key is that the chip inside the transponder key has to be programmed. For most automobiles today, an electronic key fob (also referred to as the remote) is an integral component to your key set. It’s imperative that you safeguard your transponder key, because, depending on the complexity level of its design and on the automaker, the replacement of a lost electronic fob is often very expensive. The fob must be properly programmed. There are some dealerships that will do it for nothing, but most will charge a lot.

A switchblade key is another type of key with a transponder chip inside. A switchblade key has a shank, which folds into the fob when you’re not using it. Press a button, and it pops out. This key has either a regular cut or a laser cut. One benefit of the switchblade key is that you can get the parts separately. If you’ve really lost your key for good, then both components will require programming.

For some cars, the transponder key and the fob are all in one unit. Also known as a laser-cut key, the shank is a bit thicker, and has fewer carved-out grooves. Laser-cut keys are sometimes referred to as “sidewinder” keys, because of the winding-shaped cut on the shank. The laser-cut key’s built-in transponder chip has to be programmed. It’s more difficult to get a spare key made anywhere, except at your dealership. It costs more, but your car’s more secure.

A smart key is not a key at all ~ not in the usual sense of the word. It’s just a fob. You either put it into the dash, or you keep it in your pocket, on your belt buckle, or in your purse. You just sit in the driver’s seat, and start or stop your car with the press of a button. A smart key is extraordinarily secure, because it has rolling security codes. That means it’s continuously randomizing the correct code, a significant feature that prevents a potential car thief from hacking it using a code grabber. Get your smart key replaced at the dealership.

Make a spare key.

Are you constantly unable to find your keys, bickering with your spouse or teenager over who lost whose keys? Save money on transponder key programming when you make a third spare key. Since you probably already have two keys (which you would have received when you bought your car), a lot of makes and models will allow you to program a third key. First, hire an automotive locksmith to cut a third key for you, and then you can follow your owner’s manual to program it on your own.

The following procedure will work on many American-made vehicles. But before you spend any money, check with your dealership or with a local automotive locksmith professional to ask if it will work with your specific vehicle. If you’re located anywhere in Virginia Beach, Virginia, find a local reputable locksmith, such as the skilful mobile automotive locksmith specialists on staff at Virginia Beach Locksmith.

1. Insert one of the two working keys, and turn the ignition to the “on” position for about 3 seconds (don’t start the car).
2. Do the same thing with your second key.
3. Now insert the new third key, and turn it to the “on” position for another three seconds. This will successfully program your extra key.

DIY.

One thing you can do to get in your car is that you can get only the basic key, without the transmitter. This costs less, and you’ll at least have a key to get you inside your vehicle. This comes in handy if you lock your car keys inside the car. The programming element, which does the remote locking and unlocking, is a luxury, since it’s not required for gaining entry or for driving your car. You can program this part yourself by following the owner’s manual’s instructions, or hire a professional automotive locksmith technician in Virginia Beach to do it for you.

Never lose your transponder key again!

Any way you slice it, a transponder key is expensive. The best defense against misplacing it again is to prepare ahead of time. Don’t tempt fate! If you have only one car key, it’s a lot better to have a backup spare key made right now, than to get stressed out over it later, when you’ll end up spending more than you wanted to, in what will likely be a crisis.

Anywhere you choose to program your transponder key, you will need:

• your vehicle’s chassis number
• proof that you’re really the owner, with two forms of ID
• the code from the manufacturer’s original code card, which came with your vehicle

If you don’t have that code, track down an automotive locksmith technician who will do the proper reprogramming to get you back on the road again. A trustworthy professional will be highly qualified to help you, normally at a lower price than what the dealership charges.

Aricle source here: IF YOU’VE MISPLACED YOUR TRANSPONDER KEY, HERE’S WHAT TO DO!

Virginia Beach Locksmith: Access Control

Controlling or limiting access to certain rooms is sometimes mandatory for safety purposes. Luckily, access control is a solution which is available through many locksmiths throughout the country. The team of experts at Virginia Beach Locksmith might be based in Virginia Beach, VA but the information that they have provided here could be helpful for anyone, anywhere. Here, you will find everything that you want to know about access control and you will see why it is important.

How would one define access control?

Simple. Access control is the restriction of access to certain areas or the restriction/limitation of access to specific resources. If one has permission to go into a certain area, then what they have is better referred to as “authorization.” If you are looking for a security solution which can control or regulate who goes into a certain area or who utilizes certain resources, then you will want to take advantage of access control. Even college campuses will use this feature, as they might want to limit access to certain networks or rooms. Companies might not want customers to be able to walk around in areas which could be considered unsafe. And some businesses might only want their most trusted employees to be able to enter certain rooms. There are various reasons as to why one might want to control access to certain areas or resources. If you get on the phone with a locksmith in your local area, you can talk with them about why they are trusted to provide this comprehensive, physical solution.

One of the issues, according to the team at Virginia Beach Locksmith, is that many people don’t have security on their to-do list. They put security on the backburner, and often times don’t think about it until their property is broken into or their valuables are stolen. It is best to take action early and to ensure that access or use is limited from the very beginning. Think about it. If you own a business that sells high-end items, and you keep very expensive items in one specific room, why wouldn’t you want to limit access so that only trusted employees can enter this area, or so that only a couple of customers can go in at a time? It is a benefit that certainly should be considered because it can save you a great deal of hassle and grief in the long run.

How does access control work?

There are several ways that restricting access to certain areas or resources might work. A person must be properly identified in order to enter a restricted area or to use a specific, restricted resource. A user ID and passcode is often times used to identify persons. In other cases, one might take advantage of a physical security device, such as a key card. Some might even use finger print scanners in order to identify a person. When discuss property security, people often times end up using a key card, a finger print or a code to get into a building, or a certain part of a building which is otherwise closed off.

What are the benefits of access control?

Access control is a solution which is beneficial because it can stop or prevent unauthorized access to areas or resources. It can also restrict the access that employees have to certain areas. If you own a building in which you house chemicals, you will only want trained and experienced employees to be able to enter the rooms which have the chemicals in them. If you have a building with a lot of money in it, maybe you only trust one or two managers with access into the area in which the money is. You can easily keep track of people who are entering and leaving your property with access control, too. As a matter of fact, you can even invest in a system that alerts you any time someone enters or leaves a certain area. Some systems will generate traffic reports. If anything goes wrong at your place of work, you could benefit from knowing where people are at different times of the day. This will allow you to pull up audit data. In many cases, you can control your access control system remotely, but you can also have someone else overlook it or manage it for you. It is a very wise idea to get in touch with a security company or locksmith in your city to get more information about the different types of systems which might be available to you.

Clearly, access control is a great security feature, and it is no wonder that many commercial property owners take advantage of it. Perhaps you are interested in controlling access to your home. Many homeowners use keypad devices to enter certain parts of their property. You will often times see garages that have keypads on the outside, so only people who know the specific code are able to get in by opening the garage door. Access control is a great solution to take advantage of, and if you opt to use a finger print scanner or pass code system, you won’t have to worry about carrying a key around. For people who are looking for one less item to lug around during the day, they will be glad to know that access control via scanners and passcodes is a possibility.

Virginia Beach Locksmith has been helping customers in Virginia Beach, VA with security features such as access control for quite some time now. If you’re in the area, be sure to take advantage of a free consultation to ask any questions you have. But make note: most lock and security providers opt to offer information to locals totally free of charge, so this is a benefit that you should be able to take advantage of no matter where you happen to be in the country. Hopefully you found this information to be useful, and will consider the importance of restricting property access!

Aricle source here: Virginia Beach Locksmith: Access Control

How You Can Find the Right Locks

When you’re thinking of the types of locks you’ll use for your business or home, you should always take your time to make sure you find the ones that will be the most effective when it comes to security. Your objective in selecting the right locks should be the level of security the lock can offer you. Regardless of where you choose to purchase your locks, you should go, knowing what you’re looking for. You could certainly make things easier on yourself by purchasing the same locks that you currently have. If you have not had your locks changed in a long time, there is a chance that the locks may be obsolete and are not being made anymore. If this is the case, you’ll definitely need to know what your next option would be. In this article, we will offer you some information that will be most useful when you are in the market for new locks. Finding the right lock means finding a lock that cannot be easily broken or compromised. Finding this type of lock is possible when you know what you are looking for.

What Do You Need to Know

You may not think that the expression, “You get what you pay for”, but there is some truth to this expression. This is actually true in terms of locks. A really good lock will cost you more than a traditional lock. While there are some locks that help keep your doors shut, there are some that are designed to offer you maximum security. If you want to secure your home, you will have to invest in a good, solid, durable lock. Locks have ratings. When you see the number ratings on the lock, you likely do not know what these numbers mean. These locks are meant to represent the level of durability of the lock but recent years have indicated that these ratings are not conclusive. If you really want to know whether or not the lock that you are considering is going to be as durable as you would like, you can always consult with one of our professional locksmiths at Virginia Beach Locksmith in Virginia Beach, VA.

Pricing

Again, when it comes to finding the best locks possible, you’ll have to consider just how much you want to spend because price does matter. The more expensive the lock, the better your chances are of selecting a really good quality lock. One type of lock that is considered a real investment due to its higher price tag is the smart lock. This is one of the locks that will undoubtedly provide you with the best level of durability. The smart lock uses advanced technology to make this lock more effective than your traditional lock. Many businesses tend to use smart locks because of the cost, however, homeowners who really want to improve the quality of their security, have also invested in smart locks. No worries though, if you are not interested in a smart lock, you can still find a great lock. When you are buying a new lock, keep in mind that what you are paying for is the way the lock is designed and the components that make up the lock. A good lock has solid construction, stable materials and security pins. Having these is how the level of effectiveness can be determined.

Lock Brand Information

Are you already familiar with Schlage locks or Kwikset locks? While you may have heard of these brands before, you may not know for sure whether or not they are actually good locks. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that simply because you are familiar with a certain brand that it must be a good lock. Some brands offer a range of locks to capitalize on the market. So they make locks that will suit everyone’s budget. Not every lock that is made by a popular brand will prove effective. The brands that are most popular tend to have the more expensive locks and have built brand awareness. Those that you may have never heard of are likely being made oversees. The craftsmanship of these types of locks is not too good. It isn’t the brand that you select that will determine the durability of a lock though. It is the fit of the lock, which determines this.

Finding a Deadbolt Lock

A deadbolt lock is often found with another type of lock. Deadbolt locks are often found right along with your exterior locks. It is always a good idea to have a deadbolt alongside your homes front door lock. This is where your keyed door-knob is located. A deadbolt lock is double-sided or single sided. With one, the lock can be opened from both sides but with the other, it can only be opened from one side. The problem with the deadbolt that unlocks from both sides is that if you’re unable to find the key for one side, you will not be able to open the door. This can be disastrous if there is an emergency situation. You’ll definitely need to carefully consider whether or not the double-sided deadbolt lock is best for you. A certified locksmith technician in Virginia Beach, VA at Virginia Beach Locksmith will be able to provide you with information about the locks advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you find the right one for your home or business.

What You Actually Need

Correct Installation

If your lock is going to be effective, it needs to be correctly installed. When you do not have the training or experience to do the job of installing your own lock, let a professional locksmith handle the job. Not only do they have the right training, they also have the experience that is needed in order to effectively handle the job. A professional locksmith will know whether or not the lock that you would like to install can actually be installed alongside the existing lock on your door. Hire a professional locksmith.

Aricle source here: How You Can Find the Right Locks