5 Locking Mechanisms to Improve Your Aluminum Door Security

5 Locking Mechanisms to Improve Your Aluminum Door Security

If you’ve chosen aluminum doors to secure your premises, then you’ll already know they provide exceptional protection against criminals intent on breaking in, stealing or simply vandalizing. Aluminum is well-known for its low cost, but this doesn’t translate into low quality. They actually serve as a very strong barrier and as a deterrent against intrusion. The properties of aluminum mean that they are virtually corrosion-free, and they can be easily customized to the style that best suits your premises.

When Aluminum Doors Alone are Not Enough

Regardless of how strong aluminum is, a security barrier’s locking system can be a weak point. Criminals dedicate a great deal of time and energy to finding ways of subverting security arrangements, which means the security industry must keep improving its solutions to stay at least one step ahead. Locking systems that were once thought impenetrable are now easily breached by clever, determined burglars, so if you use aluminum doors, it’s well worth taking the time to look at some of these upgrades available for your locking mechanism.

Multipoint Locks

This is one of the most effective options. As the name suggests, it involves the installation of several locking points along the length of the door. Locks are typically located at the top, middle and bottom, along with a latch. The locking points need to be spaced at precise heights to maximize resistance, but the principle is that three separate locks make the door virtually impossible to break down with force, while making it a long, arduous task to try disabling all three locks. In many cases, the presence of a multipoint system will deter any bad actor from proceeding.

Deadbolts

This is a very robust alternative to a spring bolt because it can only be opened with a key or a handle. When the deadbolt is in place, it offers very strong resistance to physical force. Deadbolts are used in multipoint systems for this reason. There are three grades of deadbolt, the minimum being ANSI Grade 3, which offers limited protection. The most common residential and commercial model is ANSI Grade 2 while the highest grade deadbolt for both commercial and residential use is classed as ANSI Grade 1. The most sophisticated modern deadbolts are activated automatically when the door is closed.

Anti-snap Cylinder Locks

One of the most common techniques of forced entry is known as lock-snapping. Instead of lock-picking, burglars now exploit the weakness at the centre of the double cylinder and break the lock in two. Anti-snap locks are built to withstand this and thereby frustrate the attackers.

Codelocks

These are a cost-effective alternative to locking mechanisms such as electronic keypads, strikes and magnetic locks, and they can be easily retrofitted to existing aluminum doors. They are ideal for both internal and external doors and usually come with a code-free access option for emergencies or quick access.

Mortise Locks

These work on the same principle as deadbolt locks, the difference being that a mortise lock opens with a sash and bolt. It also tends to be a heavier duty mechanism that resists wear and tear very well.

5 Locking Mechanisms to Improve Your Aluminum Door Security

If you've chosen aluminum doors to secure your premises, then you'll already know they provide exceptional protection against criminals intent on breaking in, stealing or simply vandalizing. Aluminum is well-known for its low cost, but this doesn't translate into low quality. They actually serve as a very strong barrier and as a deterrent against intrusion. The properties of aluminum mean that they are virtually corrosion-free, and they can be easily customized to the style that best suits your premises.

When Aluminum Doors Alone are Not Enough

Regardless of how strong aluminum is, a security barrier's locking system can be a weak point. Criminals dedicate a great deal of time and energy to finding ways of subverting security arrangements, which means the security industry must keep improving its solutions to stay at least one step ahead. Locking systems that were once thought impenetrable are now easily breached by clever, determined burglars, so if you use aluminum doors, it's well worth taking the time to look at some of these upgrades available for your locking mechanism.

Multipoint Locks

This is one of the most effective options. As the name suggests, it involves the installation of several locking points along the length of the door. Locks are typically located at the top, middle and bottom, along with a latch. The locking points need to be spaced at precise heights to maximize resistance, but the principle is that three separate locks make the door virtually impossible to break down with force, while making it a long, arduous task to try disabling all three locks. In many cases, the presence of a multipoint system will deter any bad actor from proceeding.

Deadbolts

This is a very robust alternative to a spring bolt because it can only be opened with a key or a handle. When the deadbolt is in place, it offers very strong resistance to physical force. Deadbolts are used in multipoint systems for this reason. There are three grades of deadbolt, the minimum being ANSI Grade 3, which offers limited protection. The most common residential and commercial model is ANSI Grade 2 while the highest grade deadbolt for both commercial and residential use is classed as ANSI Grade 1. The most sophisticated modern deadbolts are activated automatically when the door is closed.

Anti-snap Cylinder Locks

One of the most common techniques of forced entry is known as lock-snapping. Instead of lock-picking, burglars now exploit the weakness at the centre of the double cylinder and break the lock in two. Anti-snap locks are built to withstand this and thereby frustrate the attackers.

Codelocks

These are a cost-effective alternative to locking mechanisms such as electronic keypads, strikes and magnetic locks, and they can be easily retrofitted to existing aluminum doors. They are ideal for both internal and external doors and usually come with a code-free access option for emergencies or quick access.

Mortise Locks

These work on the same principle as deadbolt locks, the difference being that a mortise lock opens with a sash and bolt. It also tends to be a heavier duty mechanism that resists wear and tear very well.

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