As a business owner, you need to invest in security for your office, facility or shop. Certain preventative measures can protect you, your employees, your inventory and equipment from criminal threats, as well as natural events like strong storms.
Let’s start at the front door. Since most standard commercial doors do not come with security upgrades, you should seriously consider making changes yourself as soon as possible. Highly secured doors put employee and customer minds at ease, and keep insurance companies happy.
Whether your commercial doors are made of wood, aluminum, glass or steel, there is a way to strengthen them. Here are some tips for reinforcing commercial door locks in Fairfax, VA.
Choose the best door locks
You can take a similar approach to choosing the best locking system for your commercial doors as you would for your residential doors. Start by taking a crash course in the ins and outs of commercial lock grading. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has put in place well-defined commercial lock grading systems based on numerous rigid and demanding tests. The lock test results determine how locks are graded. Grade 1 and Grade 2 are the two most common grades for commercial locks, and are based around three major parameters: strength, cycle and material used:
Grade 1 locks: Considered to be the best locks on the market, they are also the most expensive, but worth every last penny. Grade 1 is the strongest and most durable lock you can get for your commercial doors. They come highly recommended for use in areas where exterior doors on commercial buildings can use some extra security.
Grade 2 locks: Often referred to as medium-grade locks, grade 2 locks are primarily found on commercial doors that are less likely to be compromised. They are great for indoor offices and storage areas, but it’s also not uncommon for business owners in low crime areas to use them on exterior doors to save money.
Install door security hardware
There’s a wide range of door security hardware perfect for commercial door lock reinforcement. Let’s review a couple options:
Latch guards: Latch guards are built from gauge steel that is difficult to cut or bent. They go in the gap between the door and door frame—the weakest point in commercial doors that is most susceptible to attacks—to prevent crowbars and other tools from being jammed inside to force the door open.
Pick-resistant security locks: Some commercial door locks can be picked or bumped open by criminals. The easiest way to remedy this lack of security is to replace inexpensive door hardware as soon as possible. Talk to a locksmith about investing in high-security commercial deadbolts and door locking systems.
Take the necessary action to reinforce the door
The right door hardware can reinforce your commercial door and door frame. This list includes hinge security pins (jam pins), reinforcing strike plates and reinforcing the door material using a deadbolt and a door wrap.
Call Artie’s Lock and Key today for information about the best commercial door locks in Fairfax, VA!
Most lock kits for homes are affordable, but not all come with a deadbolt. This means homeowners have to wade through a plethora of deadbolt options to find the right one for their needs and their budget. Alternatively, you can hire a professional to select and install deadbolts for you. Below is some information to help you choose the best deadbolt for your residential door locks in Fairfax, VA.
Security features for deadbolts
The best feature to look for in residential deadbolts is bumping and picking protection. You want deadbolts with this feature because they are made with the most recent technological updates to protect your home from bumping and picking by criminals. This type of protection keeps criminals out and keeps your property safe, but keep in mind that you’ll have to go with known brands of superior quality instead of cheaper knock-off options.
While many people know about lock picking, not everyone is familiar with lock bumping. Lock bumping is another way for criminals to gain entry into homes undetected. Look for a deadbolt that comes with built-in features that resist lock bumping and picking. These locks are designed differently from standard deadbolt locks, so make sure to read packaging or get clarification from your locksmith.
Material durability is another important feature to look for in a new residential deadbolt. Only purchase deadbolts made of the strongest possible material available for locks. Weaker deadbolts are on shelves everywhere, sporting lower price tags and made of more plastic components than metal. Any reputable locksmith is going to highly recommend a quality metal deadbolt, which is what you’ll get if you hire or buy directly from a locksmith.
High-security deadbolts are worth every penny
Standard deadbolt lock cylinders are controlled by a key that is protected by the pins. The pins raise or drop their shear line when the key is inserted into the lock, while high-security locks use additional shear lines—dimple cuts are made inside the key or down the key’s side for added protection. These types of high-security deadbolts are built to destroy drill bits should a criminal attempt any drilling action.
High-security deadbolts utilize only the strongest, thickest materials on the market. You can test the difference by holding a high-security deadbolt lock in one hand and a standard deadbolt lock of a similar size in the other. The former will be much heavier thanks to it being made out of high-grade metal components.
Key copying resistance is another reason why high-security residential deadbolts are worth the investment, mostly due to the fact that the keys for these deadbolt locks cannot be duplicated by the average person—including criminals. It will take a professional locksmith possessing the skills, knowledge and right tools to duplicate these kinds of keys.
If you need someone to help fix or replace your residential door locks in Fairfax, VA, pick up the phone and call the experts at Artie’s Lock and Key to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you soon!
To keep your home or commercial space safe and secure, it’s essential that all of your locks and latches are kept in proper working condition. Unfortunately, latches and doors are susceptible to wear and tear over time that can prevent them from functioning effectively. To ensure that your doors continue working, it’s important to understand how to repair jammed door latches and when you need to call for commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA to address the problem.
What causes jammed doors?
There are several issues that can cause doors to jam. Plate misalignment is one of the most common issues associated with this problem. With plate misalignment, the metal latch inside the door mechanism isn’t aligned properly with the hole in the strike plate, and that makes it difficult, if not impossible, to fully close and lock the door. A plate misalignment can happen when moisture gets into your wood door and causes components to expand and shift out of place. In other cases, this problem can be caused by shifts in your building’s foundation. To fix this problem, you might simply need to replace the locking mechanism, but it may also be necessary to replace your door if the situation is bad enough.
Another issue that might cause door latch jamming is a buildup of corrosion or debris inside the locking mechanism. Rust, dirt, debris and dust can all interfere with the locking mechanism and jam your door. You might be able to fix this jam by removing your locking mechanism and cleaning it thoroughly with diluted vinegar. After cleaning your locking mechanism, you should also reseal your lock components using car wax or a similar product that will reduce the risk of corrosion reappearing.
In some cases, a jammed latch is simply caused by broken components inside the locking mechanism. Many of the parts inside your lock are fragile, and they are more likely to become damaged or broken as time passes and your door experiences regular wear and tear. If you have an older lock, it might be time to replace it. You can consult with a technician who specializes in commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA to determine the best option depending on your particular door. They will be able to recommend new locks that will offer better functionality and long-term performance.
Schedule commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA
If you’re looking for a provider of commercial door repair in Fairfax, VA that you can rely on to do the job efficiently and with the utmost professionalism, reach out to the team at Artie’s Lock and Key. We are fully licensed, bonded and insured, so you can always feel confident in the quality of the services that you receive from our team. Whether you simply need a new set of keys or you want to replace the locks in your home or business, give our team a call for professional assistance. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation and get a service quote. We look forward to helping you soon!
As a home or business owner, safety is likely one of your top priorities. Regardless of whether there are factors at play that might increase your fire risk, it’s important to consider fire safety in your home or business so you can protect yourself, your family, your employees and your property from the dangers of fire.
Fire doors are used to improve outcomes in the event of a fire and ensure that people in a home or business are able to make it to safety. Understanding more about fire doors in Fairfax, CA can help you improve your fire safety protocol at your property.
What are fire doors?
Fire doors are specialized doors that are designed to improve fire safety in homes and businesses. These doors are highly fire resistant, which means that they can help slow the spread of flames in the event of a fire. Even delaying the spread of a fire by a few minutes can make a huge difference in the overall fire safety of a home or business. In many commercial spaces, fire doors might be required in order for buildings to be compliant with safety codes. Even when they aren’t required, though, fire doors can be beneficial for property owners.
Commercial fire doors typically have some additional features and functionalities that make them different from standard residential fire doors. In addition to their fire resistance, commercial fire doors are designed with specialized locking mechanisms to ensure that people inside a commercial building have the ability to quickly and safely exit in the event of an emergency. In many cases, fire doors are only intended to be opened from the inside of a building, and they are only to be used in the event of an emergency. Some fire doors are integrated into the fire safety alert system in a building and will trigger an alarm if opened.
Ensuring the effectiveness of fire doors
If you have a fire door or are considering investing in one, you need to ensure that you choose the highest quality materials and locking products. The right locking mechanisms and fire-grade doors can make all the difference when it comes to the performance of your fire doors in Fairfax, VA. If you need help finding a locking mechanism for your fire door or are having trouble with an existing locking mechanism, you should consult a locksmith who can point you in the right direction.
Get help with fire doors in Fairfax, VA
At Artie’s Lock and Key, we know how important fire doors in Fairfax, VA can be, and we are here to help you ensure that yours are kept in good working order. We have been providing residential and commercial customers with comprehensive mobile locksmith services for decades, and we continue to develop a reputation for the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our customers. Give us a call or come by and see us today to learn more about what we can do for your property.
Living on campus offers students the opportunity to pursue their education while enjoying the fun of getting involved with activities, social events, and school functions. While colleges and universities prioritize the safety of their students, it’s important to take additional precautions to ensure that you are well protected. Dorm room security in Fairfax, VA, for example, is an important consideration. By following a few key tips, you can significantly improve your safety on campus:
Keep doors and windows closed and locked: One of the most important things you can do to protect your dorm room to keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Whether you’re leaving for the day or you’re just going to the communal bathroom, your dorm room should always be protected. People who are looking to grab valuables and make a quick exit from a dorm are much less likely to bother with a door or window that’s been locked.
Secure your valuables: A break-in is a terrible experience no matter what’s taken by an intruder, but there are certain valuables that you should take extra precautions to protect. Invest in a lockbox or safe that you can use to store items of value, including money, private documents, jewelry or electronics. Hide this lockbox in a closet or under your bed to keep it as far out of sight as possible.
Get insured: In the event that you lose your possessions in a burglary, fire or other disasters, you need to have some security that you will be compensated for what you’ve lost. Investing in insurance for your possessions gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re protected. If any of the items under your insurance policy are stolen, you will be able to get the value of those items back from your insurer.
Keep track of your valuables: You should maintain a list of the valuable items and assets you’re keeping in your dorm room so that you can keep track of things more effectively. Sometimes, people don’t even realize that they’ve been robbed until days, weeks or even months after the incident. By keeping a log and checking on your possessions regularly, you will know as soon as something goes missing so that you can promptly file a report after a theft.
Maintain your privacy: You should avoid sharing too much private information about your schedule online. Potential intruders could get information about your schedule via social media and use it to break into your dorm room when you’re away.
Dorm room security in Fairfax, VA
For more advice about dorm room security in Fairfax, VA, reach out to the team of experts at Artie’s Lock and Key. Since 1975, we have been proud to provide our customers with exceptional locksmithing services and security products. We provide commercial, residential and automotive locksmith services so you can feel confident you’re getting the assistance you need from an experienced and knowledgeable team. Reach out to us today to find out more about everything we have to offer and to request an appointment with a member of our team.
