Your front door is more than just a welcome mat—it’s your first line of defense. But in many homes, outdated or low-quality locks leave that line vulnerable. Whether you’ve recently moved in, experienced a close call, or simply want to modernize your home’s security, upgrading your locks is a smart, affordable way to protect what matters.
From smart locks to reinforced deadbolts, small changes can have a big impact. And when you’re ready to make those changes, working with a residential locksmith giving service in cherry hill ensures everything is done correctly, securely, and to code.
Why It Might Be Time to Rethink Your Locks
Many homeowners still rely on the original locks that came with their house—sometimes installed decades ago. Even if those locks still function, they may not be up to today’s safety standards. Wear and tear, multiple key copies handed out over the years, or changes in neighborhood dynamics can all be good reasons to upgrade.
Plus, modern locks come with built-in features that can make your home not just safer, but smarter.
Go Keyless with Smart Locks
Keyless entry systems have exploded in popularity—and for good reason. With a smart lock, you can:
- Lock and unlock doors via smartphone app
- Set temporary codes for guests or service providers
- Track who accessed your home and when
- Eliminate the need for physical key copies
Smart locks aren’t just for tech enthusiasts—they’re for any homeowner who wants added convenience and tighter control over access. A residential locksmith giving service in cherry hill can recommend the best smart locks for your door type and lifestyle.
Deadbolt Matters: Choose High-Security Options
Even if you’re not ready for smart tech, upgrading to a higher-grade deadbolt can significantly increase your home’s protection. Look for features like:
- Reinforced strike plates
- Anti-drill and anti-bump design
- Solid metal construction
- ANSI Grade 1 or 2 certification
Deadbolts with these specifications resist common break-in tactics, giving intruders a harder time and you more peace of mind.
Reinforce the Door, Not Just the Lock
One weak point many people overlook is the door frame. During forced entries, it’s often the frame—not the lock—that gives way. Reinforcement hardware, such as longer screws, strike plates, and door edge reinforcements, can help your door withstand much greater force.
A skilled locksmith can easily add these upgrades during a regular lock installation, making your home significantly more secure without a full remodel.
Sliding and Back Doors Need Love Too
If your home has sliding glass doors or garage entryways, don’t ignore them. These are frequent targets for burglars because they’re often easier to force open or less visible from the street.
Add extra security with:
- Sliding door locks
- Security bars or rods
- Secondary locks for garage entrances
- Smart sensors or alarms for lesser-used doors
Re-Keying vs. Replacing—What’s Best?
Not every lock upgrade requires new hardware. Re-keying allows a locksmith to change the internal pins of your existing lock so that old keys no longer work. It’s a great option if:
- You’ve recently moved
- You lost a spare key
- You’ve had breakups with roommates or partners
- You want one key to open all doors
Re-keying is fast, affordable, and a great way to regain control without replacing everything.
Pair Physical Locks with Modern Tech
Today’s homeowners often combine traditional hardware with smart tools for better peace of mind. Options include:
- Doorbell cameras
- Motion sensors
- Keypad entry
- Smart home integrations (e.g., Alexa, Google Home)
Together, they provide both physical and digital security—helping you monitor your home whether you’re inside or halfway across the world.
Get It Done Right
Whatever upgrades you’re considering, the key (no pun intended) is professional installation. Poorly installed locks—no matter how high-end—can still fail under pressure.
That’s why working with a residential locksmith is the smartest move. You get expert advice, clean installation, and peace of mind knowing the job is done properly the first time.
By Chris Bates
