Do you want to take extra steps to ensure your safety and peace of mind in your apartment? Whether you’re at home or away, even the most secure apartment buildings can leave you wanting just a little extra protection.
It should always be a top priority to maintain the safety of yourself, your home, and your loved ones. While you might not be a homeowner, there are a few extra steps you can take to improve the security of your apartment door.
If you have any serious concerns, make sure to reach out to your landlord about changing your locks. Let’s break down our top four tips for keeping your apartment door secure.
1. Install A High-Quality Deadbolt
The truth is not every apartment unit is equipped with upgraded locks or reliable deadbolts. It’s recommended to do a quick inspection and test out the durability of your lock.
If you don’t have a high-quality deadbolt installed, it might be a good idea to get your lock replaced. Ensure you have confirmation with your landlord before installing any new locks.
If you get the go-ahead, contact a locksmith. They’ll be able to inform you of the next steps for finding the strongest deadbolt.
They typically come in three grades, with Grade 1 being the most heavy-duty. An upgraded deadbolt is also detectable from the outside and serves as an excellent deterrent to steer potential home invaders the other way.
2. Strengthen the Deadbolt Strike Plate and Install Hinge Bolts
While a strong lock is essential, it’s just as important to check your deadbolt strike plate. This is the metal piece attached to your door frame, where the bolt sits when the door is locked.
A strong strike plate and hinge bolts prevent intruders from kicking in the apartment door. It’s recommended to check your deadbolt strike plate routinely. If necessary, replace it with a high-quality plate installed with long anchor screws for maximum security.
Hinge bolts are installed above and below the hinges of the door. These are a great idea for added protection, particularly if your door opens outwards. The strength of your door is just as important as high-quality locks, so it’s essential not to overlook this step.
3. Reinforce Your Home With A Strike Plate Lock
Many people are familiar with interior door chain locks; however, a strike plate lock is more durable to prevent intruders. It’s an affordable option if you want an extra touch of home security without breaking the bank.
A Strike Plate Lock sits in your interior door frame, secured by two screws, and can be flipped out whenever you want added safety. It’s proven that a strike plate lock can sustain up to fifty kicks, whereas a door chain would break in only a few.
4. Take Your Security Seriously and Restrict Access
It’s tempting to want to let anyone come over or share spare keys with multiple friends around town. Unfortunately, many home invasions or robberies occur from acquaintances in our lives.
When you live in an apartment, keep your quarters close, and don’t be too generous with leaving the door open to anyone. If people pick up on the fact that you don’t take your security seriously, it creates a lot of red flags.
Park Avenue Locks – A Lock Above the Rest
Don’t let choosing the right commercial or residential door lock be a tedious process. If you don’t know where to start when selecting the right hardware for your doors, then Park Avenue Locks can guide the way.
We specialize in all high-security, heavy-duty door locks and hinges that come in various finishes. And our inventory is always full of options. Call us at 332-600-4046 or contact us for personalized assistance
