Moving... security question.

[Bad_Jason]

Hello all,

I'm moving out of a large secure Apartment building in a major city to really cool bungalow, that's right off the street..

We're very excited, the place is in a nice area and the detail is impeccable, but I have one major security concern, the front door. The unit was probably built in the '40s and it has two rectangular paned glass windows that line the front door on each side. It was the first thing I noticed when I saw it. It looks like an opportunist's wet dream. I'm not sure if each pane is separate or if it's one solid piece of glass. Whatever the case, a rock, etc. through the window would easily allow someone to reach their hand in and unlock the door. I thought immediately... well we could just put a keyed deadbolt on it and done. If they don't have a key they're going to have to kick it in and if they want in that bad, well... then the 357 comes out and hopefully I draw first.

As it turns out it's against code to put a keyed deadbolt on a door where I live (WTF?) and the property owner asked me not to. On top of that, the two windows directly adjacent to the door wind open. Which is nice, but another security issue.

We're most certainly getting an alarm, but I was thinking of other ways to secure that door a little better. I don't want it to look like a prison from the inside (or outside), for instance, I don't want a huge reinforcement bar on it, so I thought a latch at the top of the interior of the door might give it a little added protection, a petty thief probably couldn't reach it or even know that it's there. Obviously this would only help when we're home as you couldn't secure it from the outside (unless we exit through the back door), but it's more important that me and my girl are safe when we are at home.

I guess I'm posting this fishing for other ideas so if anyone out there has a light bulb moment, I'd appreciate it.

Rremember we are leasing, so re-framing and heavy construction isn't gong to fly.

Thanks all,
~J

[mcm757207]

Well it seems you have a few options.

First is a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. These have a key on the inside portion that more or less stay in the cylinder all the time except when you are out on vacation, for example. You might see what the property owner thinks of that.

The second option is installation security laminate on the windows. This would make it more difficult for someone to break the window without the added eye sore of bars over your windows.

The third option is to replace the door with one lacking the giant windows. As I read it these windows are part of the door- right? This way also you could make sure you have a nice solid door installed instead of gambling on the integrity of a door that's 70 years old.

Good luck!

[Squelchtone]

As it turns out it's against code to put a keyed deadbolt on a door where I live (WTF?)

All deadbolts are keyed. I think you mean a double-cylinder deadbolt that is ALSO keyed on the inside. We talked about this in another thread a few days ago, because if you have a double cylinder deadbolt and there is a fire, and the key is not in the lock, you're stuck in your smoke filled house while trying to look around for the key. That's why its against code. But why the F are you even telling them this? Buy/rent the bungalow, and after you sign the papers, put in whatever locks you like.. It's not like they're coming over every day to check, right?

don't die in a fire and have a good weekend,
Squelchtone

[Bad_Jason]

Well it seems you have a few options.

First is a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. These have a key on the inside portion that more or less stay in the cylinder all the time except when you are out on vacation, for example. You might see what the property owner thinks of that.

The second option is installation security laminate on the windows. This would make it more difficult for someone to break the window without the added eye sore of bars over your windows.

The third option is to replace the door with one lacking the giant windows. As I read it these windows are part of the door- right? This way also you could make sure you have a nice solid door installed instead of gambling on the integrity of a door that's 70 years old.

Good luck!

Never heard of a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. I'll look into that.

The windows are not part of the door which likely makes it more "kick-able."

Thanks for the tips.

Please keep 'em coming.

[Squelchtone]

Never heard of a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. I'll look into that.

I'm used to calling it a Captive (Thumbturn) Double Cylinder Deadbolt.

http://www.cpslsecurity.com/v_imgUpload/community/190/img/custom/CaptiveDeadboltHowitworks.pdf

Enjoy,
Squelchtone

[Bad_Jason]

As it turns out it's against code to put a keyed deadbolt on a door where I live (WTF?)

All deadbolts are keyed. I think you mean a double-cylinder deadbolt that is ALSO keyed on the inside. We talked about this in another thread a few days ago, because if you have a double cylinder deadbolt and there is a fire, and the key is not in the lock, you're stuck in your smoke filled house while trying to look around for the key. That's why its against code. But why the F are you even telling them this? Buy/rent the bungalow, and after you sign the papers, put in whatever locks you like.. It's not like they're coming over every day to check, right?

don't die in a fire and have a good weekend,
Squelchtone

You're right, I misspoke, double-cylinder is what I should have said.. The reason I brought it up to the landlord...was that was one of things I requested to be fixed before I signed the lease. He then told me it was against code. I suppose I could install a double cylinder (or have one installed) and they'd be none the wiser.

I was just looking for other alternatives.

Oh, and I'll try not to die in a fire, thanks.

~J

[Bad_Jason]

Never heard of a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. I'll look into that.

I'm used to calling it a Captive (Thumbturn) Double Cylinder Deadbolt.

http://www.cpslsecurity.com/v_imgUpload/community/190/img/custom/CaptiveDeadboltHowitworks.pdf

Enjoy,
Squelchtone

Interesting, thanks.

[Bad_Jason]

Never heard of a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. I'll look into that.

I'm used to calling it a Captive (Thumbturn) Double Cylinder Deadbolt.

http://www.cpslsecurity.com/v_imgUpload/community/190/img/custom/CaptiveDeadboltHowitworks.pdf

Enjoy,
Squelchtone

So, does the lever turning mechanism just pull out exposing a keyway?

[Legion303]

First is a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. These have a key on the inside portion that more or less stay in the cylinder all the time except when you are out on vacation, for example.

But wouldn't the potential thief just be able to break the glass, reach in and unlock it in that case? I like the security laminate idea.

-steve

[Bad_Jason]

First is a key-retaining double cylinder deadbolt. These have a key on the inside portion that more or less stay in the cylinder all the time except when you are out on vacation, for example.

But wouldn't the potential thief just be able to break the glass, reach in and unlock it in that case? I like the security laminate idea.

-steve

I need to look into that. I have no Idea what that would entail.

[mcm757207]

The idea is that you take the key out of the inside half of the deadbolt when you aren't home.

[Evan]

As it turns out it's against code to put a keyed deadbolt on a door where I live (WTF?) and the property owner asked me not to. On top of that, the two windows directly adjacent to the door wind open. Which is nice, but another security issue.

We're most certainly getting an alarm, but I was thinking of other ways to secure that door a little better. I don't want it to look like a prison from the inside (or outside), for instance, I don't want a huge reinforcement bar on it, so I thought a latch at the top of the interior of the door might give it a little added protection, a petty thief probably couldn't reach it or even know that it's there. Obviously this would only help when we're home as you couldn't secure it from the outside (unless we exit through the back door), but it's more important that me and my girl are safe when we are at home.

It sounds like your city/town AHJ feels that renters should never even have the possibility of being locked inside by a double cylinder lock...

If you install such a lock it would not be you getting in trouble, your landlord would face the fines and penalties for having their rental unit in non-compliance... That is why they specifically asked you not to install a double-cylinder lock...

I would go with the alarm system and if you feel so strongly about the windows next to the front door see if the landlord would allow you to install thin lexan or plexi-glass panels on the inside of the windows in a way in which the panels can be removed for periodic cleaning...

Good Luck...

~~ Evan

[Legion303]

The idea is that you take the key out of the inside half of the deadbolt when you aren't home.

I probably should have figured that out when you mentioned removing the key for vacations. :)

-steve

[unlisted]

don't die in a fire and have a good weekend,
Squelchtone

Best.

Advice.

Ever.



Oh, and buy a good solid door, or metal security door, and just remove/store the original in the basement. Thats what a few of my friends have done in the past when they rented. Oh and upgrade the screws in the hinges/frame.

[loki-aka]

Consider installing a steel guard on the door/frame to help protect the bolt and latch from pry attack and saw attack
on the bolt work (a la Milwaukee Sazall). Don Jo and ProLok (Entry Armor range) are among manufacturers offering these products; http://www.don-jo.com/, http://www.pro-lok.com/ .

The two piece guards also help defend against door spreading.

Stay safe.