5 Signs It’s Time to Repair Your Commercial Door

Have you stopped to ask yourself, "How do I know it’s time to repair my commercial door?" If this is something that you have found yourself asking, then you need to know about some of the tips that Artie’s Lock and Key Locksmith can offer. We hear from customers every day about their needs to get a commercial door unlocked after they have somehow gotten themselves into a situation where they need a locksmith to come out and take care of their commercial door needs. Thus, we wanted to pass on some tips for when you will know that it is time to do something about this. 

You Notice Strange Noises When Opening or Closing the Door

You shouldn’t be dealing with strange noises at any point in time when you are opening or closing your commercial door. You may not necessarily need to replace the whole door to fix this, but it is an early sign that there is something wrong going on. 

It Is Challenging to Open or Close the Door

Are you currently struggling, wondering why is my commercial door not closing? If that is where you are, then you need to take a look at getting some professionals out to take a look at your door and see what is going on with it. 

The Doors Are Decades Old

We are sorry to burst your bubble, but your doors are not meant to last for such a long period of time. Perhaps you have gotten lucky up to this point and managed to keep the doors from giving you too much trouble, but doors that have been on the hinges for decades are probably in need of repair and/or replacement. It is not surprising in any way to discover that you may need to take action to do something about your doors if they are that old. 

There Is a Draft in the Building

You shouldn’t have to deal with a draft in your building if you have great doors put on. If you have noticed that there is a significant draft in the building, then it may be time to take a look at how the doors that you have installed are doing. 

The Doors on Your Building Are Old or Rough Looking

Sometimes you just have to admit that your doors have lasted as long as they have and done a lot of good, but that you may need to replace them simply based on their looks. If you have doors that are old or rough looking, then there comes a time when you just need to get in there and get them replaced. They are only meant to last for so long, and you need to make sure they are looking and working their best. Take some time to pick out the perfect replacement doors for your commercial space when you can. 

Look at these signs and others to make sure you know when it is time to get the doors on your commercial building replaced.

Different Types of Home Security Systems

Are there different types of home security systems? Yes, many different types of home security systems are available on the market today. Which one is right for you will depend on several factors, including your budget, home layout, and personal security needs.

Let’s dive further into the different types of home security systems available to homeowners.

What Are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?

Today, you have several options to choose from when you want to protect your home.

Wired Security Systems

Wired home security systems are the most traditional type of system. They require running wires throughout the home to connect the various components of the system.

While this can be a bit of an undertaking during installation, wired systems are very reliable and tend to have fewer false alarms than their wireless counterparts.

Wireless Security Systems

Wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular, as they are much easier to install and can be easily expanded. As the name implies, wireless systems don’t require wiring, making them ideal for homes that are difficult to wire or for homeowners who don’t want to deal with the mess and expense of running wires.

While wireless systems are convenient, they can be more vulnerable to false alarms and signal interference.

Self-Monitored Security Systems

Self-monitored security systems are exactly what they sound like — you are in charge of monitoring the system yourself. With a self-monitoring system, there is no monthly fee, and you will be responsible for any costs associated with false alarms.

Self-monitoring can be a great option if you are comfortable taking on the responsibility of monitoring your own home security system. Just be sure to stay on top of things and keep your system up-to-date.

Professionally Monitored Security Systems

Professionally monitored security systems are the most common type of home security system. With a professional monitoring service, you will have someone to keep an eye on your system 24/7.

If there is an alarm, the monitoring center will be notified and will contact you (or the authorities, if you’re not home) to make sure everything is okay. Professional monitoring services can be a great peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently or are often away from home.

You Have Many Home Security Options

Choosing the right home security system can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to assess your needs and do some research, you can find the perfect system for your home. And don’t forget, the best home security system is the one that you actually use. So make sure to choose a system that is easy for you to use and keep up with.

Is Your Home Security System at Risk of Being Hacked?

Home security systems have come a long way in the last several years. Today, you can secure your home and keep a visible watch over it even when you are away. Voice activation locks make it super convenient to manage your security even when your hands are not free. No doubt, our smart security systems far surpass old-fashioned systems. However, there are still some vulnerabilities to these systems that older systems simply did not encounter.

Smart systems are at risk of being hacked. Understanding where the vulnerabilities lie and how to safeguard against them will help you keep your home secured and safe 24/7.

Can My Home Security System Be Hacked?

Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Any type of smart device that is connected to the internet can in theory be hacked. However, the chances of your system actually being hacked are very slim. These chances are even further decreased if your security company has digital security best practices in place.

What Makes a Home Security System Easy to Hack?

You should understand that all systems are not equally vulnerable to hacking. There are certain factors that would make a system easier to hack than another system. Some of these factors are things you can control and some are things you cannot control. Let’s look at a few of these factors.

Missing or weak passwords. The passwords for a security system should be long and complicated. Although many people like to avoid using long, complicated passwords because they are difficult to remember, this is exactly what you want when it comes to your home’s security system. If you do not make the effort to create a secure password, you are creating a vulnerability for your system.

Missing authentication. A truly strong security system will have two-factor authentication. This means that along with a secure password, there will also be another authentication step that will further secure the system. This could be a passcode sent to connected devices or even fingerprints or facial recognition. A two-step authentication process is a good way to further secure your home.

Data breaches. A data breach at the company your system is run through could also create a vulnerability. If this happens, companies are required to inform you quickly so that you can create new authentication for your system.

Types of Hacking

There are different types of hacking that can take place. Hacking can include:

  • Blocking access
  • Gaining access through another device
  • Collecting data

Note that not all security system hacking is directly connected to gaining access to your home. Hackers may be even more interested in accessing your personal information or payment information through the company.

How Hacking Happens

Hacking can take place through a few different methods as well.

Phishing. Phishing is a type of account in which phony emails are sent to you requesting your authentication credentials. The email will appear to be legitimate but there will be small differences that can tip you off. Any time you receive a communication asking for authentication credentials, be sure to double-check the source of the email before responding.

Programing Hacking. This requires a hacker to gain full access to the system and is much harder to accomplish. This type of hack, however, can be more devastating as it pertains to data breaches.

Choosing the Best Smart Lock for Your Home

You may be contemplating choosing the best smart lock for your home. This is something that many homeowners want to incorporate, and they want to get the best smart door locks in 2022 and protect their properties. However, if you have not seen smart door lock reviews, selecting the best smart lock for your home will be a challenge. So here are the smart locks to consider.

1. Schlage Encode Smart Wi-Fi Deadbolt

This is a good option if you are looking for a deadbolt to connect to your home Wi-Fi. It is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, which gives you the ability to lock and unlock your door using voice commands. The best thing about this smart lock is that it has a built-in alarm to notify you if someone tries to tamper with it. 

2. Yale Assure Lock SL

The Yale Assure Lock has been considered a great option if you are looking for a smart lock that is easy to install. It also comes with various features, such as the ability to lock and unlock your door using your voice and the ability to see who is at your entry using the Yale app.

3. Kwikset Kevo Convert

This is a great brand if you are looking for a smart lock that is easy to install and use. It also comes with a variety of features, such as the ability to lock and unlock your door using your voice and the ability to see who is at your door using the Kwikset app.

4. August Smart Lock Pro + Connect

If you are looking for a smart lock that is easy to install and comes with various features, then the August Smart Lock Pro + Connect is a great option. It comes with the ability to connect to your home Wi-Fi and the ability to lock and unlock your door using your voice.

5. Nest X Yale Lock

The Nest X Yale Lock is a great choice if you are looking for a smart lock that is easy to install and use. It also comes with the ability to connect to your home Wi-Fi and the ability to see who is at your door using the Nest app. This smart lock also has a built-in alarm to notify you if someone tries to tamper with it.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing the best smart lock for your home, there are a few things you need to consider. First, you need to decide what features are important to you. For example, do you want a smart lock that is easy to install? Do you want a smart lock that is compatible with voice commands? Do you want a smart lock that has a built-in alarm? Once you know what features are important to you, you can narrow down your options and choose the best smart lock. Artie’s Lock and Key can assist you further in selecting the best smart lock for your home.

How To Replace A Key Fob

Replacing car keys can be a hassle and is not always easy. Some individuals even spend huge amounts of money as they look for alternatives. However, this process doesn’t have to be complicated. Using known and tried techniques, you can replace your car keys seamlessly. Here’s how to replace a keyfob.

Know the Type of Your Key Fob

The first step is knowing the type of your key fob. In this case, you need to see if it’s a standard car key or a transponder key. A standard car key is a metal key that has no extra features. On the other hand, a transponder key has an electronic chip that signals the car’s ignition, allowing it to start. Therefore, you need to know which type of key fob your vehicle uses before replacing it.

Get a New Key From the Car Dealership

If you have lost your car keys, damaged a key, or don’t have spares, the best place to get replacement keys is from the car dealership. In most cases, the car dealer will record the vehicle identification number (VIN) in their system. With this information, they can easily get you a new key that will match your car.

However, getting a new key from the dealership can be quite expensive. The good thing is that you can avoid this cost by following the other methods below.

Use a Locksmith

If you don’t want to get a new key from the dealership, you can use a locksmith. A locksmith is a professional who has the skills and tools to create new keys. You need to give them your car’s make, model, and year, and they will create a new key for you.

However, not all locksmiths are created equal. Some will make duplicate keys, while others will create new ones. You must find a reputable locksmith to avoid getting duped. You can ask your friends or family members for recommendations.

Get a New Key From the Car Manufacturer

Another option is to get a new key directly from the car manufacturer. This will be cheaper than getting one from the dealership in most cases. However, it might take some time before getting the new key. Your car manufacturer will first have to create a new key from scratch before sending it to you.

What Is the Cost of Replacing Car Keys?

As you already understand, the cost of replacing a car key will vary depending on the method you choose. If you decide to go to the dealership, you should expect to pay $100 and $250 for a new key. On the other hand, if you use a locksmith, you will only pay $50 and $100. This means that going to the dealership is more expensive than using a locksmith.

Conclusion

Replacing a car’s key is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right information, you can easily replace your car keys without spending much money. Use the methods above the next time you need to replace your car keys. Contact Artie’s Lock and Key if you’re looking for a professional locksmith in the Tampa, FL, area.