Choosing a lock for your commercial door can be a challenging process. You want something that’s going to guarantee security, but not one that’s going to break the bank. You may be wondering whether you need more than the classic lock and key combination. The answer depends on what kinds of elements you’re looking for and how secure you’d like your business. However, you may be surprised to learn that many of the classic options lack the protection you may expect. This week’s Urich Lock Co. blog post is here to help break it down and help you find solutions for your business that offer ultimate protection.
Urich Lock Co. specializes in a range of locksmith services, including mechanical access control systems, electronic access control systems, and contract door hardware. We can help you find, install, replace, and maintain security systems for your business that will offer the highest level of protection. Read this week’s blog post and connect with us today to make us your Oak Creek locksmith!
Interior or Exterior
When choosing commercial door locks, you want to first consider whether these locks will go on the outside of your business, or remain inside, as this will have a significant impact on the types of locks you’ll want to look for.
Door locks come in a variety of different styles and finishes, which affects durability and security. If you’re looking for exterior locks, you should always choose a deadbolt, as they offer the highest level of protection. This deadbolt should be the highest grade available. You’ll also want to choose a high-quality handle set and a knob or keyed lever.
If you’re looking for interior options, your lock and handles won’t need to be as high-tech. You’ll still want to ensure they align with the functional needs of your business, and the tips below will help you do so.
Lifestyle
As a business owner, you want to ensure that your employees and customers have a good experience each time they enter or exit your business. Depending on what type of business you run, you may want to consider lifestyle elements when deciding on a commercial door lock.
This can include things like health restrictions, ADA compliance, the age of your customers, etc. For instance, if you own a candy shop where many little kids are coming through, you may want to consider using door knobs on doors that need a little bit of extra security, as children may have a more difficult time opening a knob as opposed to a handle.
Door Function
Door function is critical to the efficiency of your business practices. When choosing locks for the doors within your business, consider things such as what room the locks will be used in. Take time to understand the desired privacy, passage, and entry for the door. This will help determine the level of security and durability you’ll need. For instance, if you’re looking for a lock for a hallway door, you won’t need one that’s as heavy-duty as a front door lock.
Many door types determine your lock set choices. If you have an all-glass sliding door you’re looking to secure, that requires a much different mechanism than a metal one-way door. These are all things to keep in mind when searching for your commercial door locks, as knowing what you need ahead of time can save you some frustration down the line!
Climate
In order to get the most out of your lock, you’ll want to consider climate, as it may play a role in the lifespan of your locks, especially for exterior locks. If you live in a very humid climate, you’ll want to consider commercial door locks that are tarnish-free and will hold up in a variety of weather conditions.
Looks and Finish
As a business owner, you already know that looks are important when it comes to drawing in potential customers. That’s why you’ll want to choose locks that fit the current look of your business.
Luckily, most grades come in a wide range of styles and finishes, leaving you with plenty of options!
Cost
While you don’t always have control over what you’re going to pay for a lock, you should have a budget in mind before you start shopping. What will each lock cost? Will you need to pay for installation services.
We recommend doing some research beforehand to determine price ranges for each type of lock to get a better idea of fair pricing.
Smart or Traditional
There have been many incredible technology advancements in all aspects of our world, including commercial door locks. Gone are the days where the only choice is a simple lock and key mechanism. Now, you have the option to install smart locks on your business, which offer added convenience and an extra level of security.
These types of locks can be useful in situations where you forget to lock your doors or you need to provide someone with special authorization to enter your building. Many have smartphone apps that allow you to control everything with the touch of a button, including remote locking and unlocking.
To learn more about smart lock options, contact our team at Urich Lock Co. today! Our team of professionals can help you determine which option may best suit your business.
Types of Locks
Now that we’ve determined what to look for when buying commercial door locks, let’s discuss some general types of locks.
Conventional Door Locks –– These are the types of locks that require the old lock and key mechanism. They don’t offer any fancy features, but highly rated conventional door locks can certainly help keep your business secure.
Smart Locks –– As discussed above, smart locks offer many helpful features that you can control right from your smartphone or tablet.
Retrofit Smart Locks –– These locks take smart locks to another level by allowing you to replace the inside of your deadbolt, rather than your whole deadbolt. They also offer the same remote control features as a traditional smart lock.
Need Professional Assistance?
Choosing the right commercial door locks for your business can be a challenge. There are many different options, and you want to choose something that’s going to look good, function well, and ultimately, provide optimal protection. Our professionals here at Urich Lock Co. can help! We offer electronic and mechanical access control systems that provide high-quality security solutions for your business!
To learn more about our options or to schedule an appointment with us, reach out to our team of experts and choose us as your Oak Creek Locksmith today!
