Important Security Tips for Sliding Doors

Sliding doors provide superior airflow and easy access to decks and patios. However, these doors are vulnerable entry points for intruders if not completely secure. Fortunately, there are easy steps you can take to protect from unwanted visitors effectively:

Install a sturdy lock

The strongest way to secure your sliding door is with a sliding door lock. These locks are installed at the top of your door where the stationary glass and the sliding glass door meet. These locks work in addition to the door locks and can only be opened by an adult or tall child. They make it impossible to jimmy the door open, from either the inside or the outside. Some of these locks come with two locking positions: one that will lock it completely closed and a second that will let you lock the door in place between 7 and 15 cm open to allow for ventilation.

Installing these locks is more complicated than the other items on our list, but not by much.

1. Close your door all the way
2. Clean out the upper track on your sliding glass door
3. Position the lock in place and mark holes
4. Drill pilot holes
5. Secure the lock in place

After you’ve installed the top piece in the upper track, you’ll need to follow a similar process for the locking piece on the door itself. You’ll position the lock, mark the spots you need to drill, then drill the holes and secure the lock in place. (For more detailed instructions, see the manufacturer’s guidelines.)

These locks are both super secure and subtle. Guests will likely not even notice them, but your doors will be much safer and just as beautiful.

Source: Safewise

Put a security film on your door

To prevent a potential burglar from simply breaking the glass to get in, consider security film. Security film is a self-adhesive film that attaches to the glass of the door and keeps the glass from shattering if it’s impacted. (It also adds a layer of safety to your door in case of accidental breakage.) Security film also comes in heat reduction, mirrored, and tinted varieties, in addition to clear, so it can do double duty. The downside to security film is that it might make your view slightly distorted, even with the clear variety.

Source: LifeHacker

Set up a security system

A home security system, whether self-monitored with an app and a smartphone or professionally monitored by a home security company, can bolster the physical security you’ve already added to your door. Cameras will provide a warning that someone is loitering in proximity to your home, and they potentially may ward off would-be intruders by letting them know that someone is watching. If a break-in does occur, cameras may help identify the intruder and help you reclaim stolen items.

Security systems offer glass-break sensors and door-opening sensors, as well as cameras, so you can be alerted to someone trying to get into your home should they manage to bypass your patio door lock. If you’re home, this notification can give you time to exit the home from another location or secure your family in a safe room in the home; it’s best not to confront someone trying to break in. These sensors can also be programmed to trigger loud alarms that should scare off an intruder. Alarms are particularly important if you have opted not to install glass security film; the loud alarm may convince a burglar who has smashed the glass to run immediately without taking anything once they’ve broken the glass on the door.

Source: BobVila

Keeping your home safe is our top priority. For a FREE consultation about home security, call us today!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Things to Remember When Deep Cleaning Hardwood

Maintaining your hardwood floor properly will extend its life and keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Here is what you need to know before you start:

Clean up first

Before you get down to deep cleaning, give your floors the standard, regular cleaning treatment. Use a vacuum cleaner with a floor attachment (consult the user’s manual to make sure your vac is safe for wood) to pick up dirt and crumbs from the floors, paying special attention to the corners of the room and other hard-to-reach spots. For floors that have deep grooves between the boards, a putty knife can be used to loosen up debris for easy vacuuming. Next, mop in the direction of the floorboards with a dry microfiber pad (it’s not time to spray just yet) to collect any fine dust and grime. Source: PureWow

Be cautious when steam cleaning

Steam mops are great for cleaning non-porous floors like sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, polished cement, and stone. However, the high temperature and infusion of too much moisture can cause hardwood floors to discolor, warp, and crack over time, especially if the wood is not sealed properly.

If you want to use a steam mop, be sure that your hardwood floors are well-sealed with no worn spots in the finish. Set the mop to the lowest temperature setting and do not create “steam bursts” as you work. Never leave the mop in one spot for too long. Source: RealSimple

Use gentle cleansers

Stay away from abrasive cleaners or alkaline products (like vinegar). “Abrasive cleaners can scratch the floors and alkaline can dull the finish on the floor,” explains Turley. “If you are going to use vinegar, you will want to dilute it with water—a 50/50 mixture should do the trick.” Source: SouthernLiving

Is your hardwood looking less-than-perfect due to some chipped sections? Worry not! Give us a call and we’ll take care of it in no time!

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How To Avoid Getting Locked Out of Your Home Again

With all the daily distractions that can pull you in different directions, there is no surprise why getting locked out of your house could happen so easily. Though having a locksmith readily available should give some sense of relief, knowing how to avoid being locked out altogether will put an end to this stressful mishap. Here are our top tips on how to keep yourself from being stuck outside.

Invest in a smart lock

A smart lock is a keyless mode of entry that connects via Bluetooth to your cellphone or other mobile devices. Physical keys can be easily lost or stolen, but smart locks can:

• Open doors to friends and family even when you’re not there;
• Track and record who’s entered your home and when;
• Give house guests and workers temporary access;
• Change a passcode at a moment’s notice. Source: FamilyHandyman

Give trusted friends a spare key

Your friends might not love having to travel to meet you at your apartment at 1 a.m., but they will probably love that more than the idea of you sleeping in the street. This is also helpful for instances when you’re out of town and need someone to go check on something at your place. Source: Lifehacker

Keep your keys in a convenient place 

This may seem like a simple tip, but it is also the easiest way to ensure that you don’t walk out of your house or car without your keys in hand. Practice creating this mindset by asking yourself where your keys are before leaving your house or car, even if they’re in your hands. This will help you remember to think about your keys every time you use them and make it less likely that you will forget them in the future.

When it comes to your house keys, you can also help yourself by keeping your keys in the same place in your home, preferably near your door. Don’t get in the habit of dropping them off on any available space when you get home. Keeping them in the same spot will help you remember to grab them on your way out the door, and avoid frantic moments when you can’t find them. Source: LifeSavvy

You can always call us if you find yourself in this situation again! We’ll get you inside in no time.

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Tips for Vacuuming Carpeted Stairs

Carpeted steps, if installed correctly, can add a decorative touch to your home. Unfortunately, stairs can quickly pick up dirt and grime without regular maintenance. So to keep your stairways intact for years, we have compiled some essential tips on keeping them clean:

Clear the path

Before you start vacuuming, check the stairs and remove any objects left there so you have an unobstructed path. Also pick up scraps of paper or larger dirt items that could clog up the vacuum cleaner. Now is a good time to dust the handrail and stair spindles before you vacuum. Source: SheKnows

Choose the right vacuum

A canister vacuum or detachable upright canister with attachments is the best choice for vacuuming stairs. The flexibility of the hose and attachments will help maneuver the tight corners and crevices. If possible, choose a cordless vacuum to prevent the possibility of tripping over the cord. If using a handheld vacuum, which is usually less powerful, make multiple passes over the carpet to suction away as much dirt as possible.

Select the crevice tool, powerhead, and upholstery attachments to use when vacuuming the stairs. Before you begin, empty and clean the bag or dust bin to make the vacuum as lightweight as possible. Source: TheSpruce

Deep clean the carpet once in a while

Using carpet shampoo is the next step in the ultimate where stair cleaning is concerned. However, you should always make sure you aren’t doing it too often since this can damage your beautiful and expensive carpet. It will also depend on what style of carpet you’re dealing with. Every 12 months or so is a pretty safe bet, and just a touch more often if you have pets. Make sure to check with the manufacturer of the carpet before using any cleaning solutions. When in doubt, do a spot test. Source: GadgetReview

Making sure you are thorough in your cleaning will ensure that your stairways look fantastic for a long time. However, if any of these tips feel overly challenging or time-consuming, we can take care of the task for you. Just give us a call!

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How to Amp Up the Security of Your Front Door

The front door is the first line of defense for your home, and it’s important to make sure it’s as secure as possible. With burglaries and break-ins becoming more common, taking steps to increase the security of your front door can provide you with peace of mind and protect your family and belongings.

Check the integrity of the doorframe

The door itself is not the weakest point of the entryway—that honor goes to the doorframe. A solid door is typically secured with a heavy deadbolt, but that deadbolt is only securing the door to the frame, which is usually made of wood and secured to the house with a few screws. Doorframes are exposed to weather and heavy daily use as doors open and close, swinging in and out and tugging on the screws that secure the frame to the house. If the doorframe is older or showing signs of wear (such as splitting or cracking, shifting when the door is opened or closed, or moving when the door is pulled), it’s time to replace it. Source: BobVila

Replace the lock’s keys

If you’re not the first to live in your present abode, re-keying the entry locks is yet another way to enhance its security. Re-keying kits matching most lock brands can be found at hardware stores and home-improvement centers and work on both entrance and dead-bolt locks. They also allow up to six locks to be re-keyed for the same key. Source: RD

Use the right screws for the strike plate

The deadbolt in your entry door is only as effective as its strike plate. The strike plate is the piece of the deadbolt mechanism that the bolt is inserted into when it’s locked. If the strike plate has screws that are less than 2 ½ inches long, the deadbolt will not be nearly as secure as it could be. 

Replace the small screws in your strike plate to make your home more secure and help to keep your family safe. Source: Angi

If you’re ever feeling uncertain about how secure your front door is, don’t hesitate to call us for a professional assessment. We’ll be more than happy to help!

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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How to Design a Timeless Home Interior

Are you looking to revamp your living space? Do you want a timeless look that embodies classic elegance but won’t go out of style anytime soon? Re-designing the interior of your house can be an arduous task, given all the elements involved. The good news is you don’t need to break the bank with the following tips:

Think about symmetry

When creating a classic look one of the main things to consider is symmetry. The human eye is drawn to symmetry and balance which means that no matter what happens with decorating styles, symmetrical rooms will always be pleasant to look at. In order to achieve symmetry, you’ll want to double up on items so that you can create matching halves that make up a whole room. That said, not everything has to be a pair. For instance, you’ll still want a single focal point, but you’ll want to accessorize that focal point with pairs. So on a mantle, for instance, place matching vases, lamps or whatever else you’d like to use on either side and then place a single item in the middle. Or you may still only want a single sofa, but you’ll want to place matching chairs in front (or on either side). The idea is to more or less create a mirror image on each side of the room, or at least balance what’s on one side with what’s on the other. Symmetrical rooms naturally create a sense of balance, so let your eye dictate where things should go. Source: TheSpruce

Keep it simple

Timeless design is functional and sensible. It is a style that suggests a quiet confidence. It’s not over the top nor is it boring. Timeless design is perfectly scaled and proportioned.  When creating this functional space you will see that your furniture should fit in a room perfectly. It should belong to a room and be neither too large as to overpower, or too small as to seem unimportant. To create a room that is timeless steer away from oversized, over pouffy couches as well as those which appear to be overly streamlined. Timeless design, much like classic design, also steers away from overly decorated and overly busy patterns, shapes and spaces. Here, less is often more. There is much talk, in design, about the color of the year. Be careful when incorporating a Color of the Year into your home. Many of these, while fun and energizing, will not stand the test of time. It may be best to incorporate this color with accent pieces and accessories. Many designers suggest investing in solid antique pieces to give your space a sense of history that can forever be expanded onto.  Antique furniture, even though reflective of the past, becomes timeless when incorporated with other styles and furnishings. Source: MyMove

Take the technology out of the picture

Shift the main focus of a room away from any high-tech items that could feel dated within a short time. Technology can still be present, just don’t display any pieces as focal points. Source: Decorilla

If you’re also thinking about giving your flooring a much-needed update, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We can help you find the perfect look that will fit your budget and lifestyle!

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Tips and Tricks From Your Trusted Locksmith

We know how important it is for you to have confidence that your family, possessions, and property are secure against would-be intruders. This blog post will give you the inside scoop on tips and tricks about how to keep your home safe and sound!

Provide a key to your housekeeper

Ask me to key your door so that your master key works on both the deadbolt and the doorknob, but hers, works just on the knob. On the day she comes, lock only the knob. Source: RD

Check the door first

The most common issue is that people assume they are locked out – without actually checking the door. When the locksmith arrives they try the door and often it opens. Source: DailyMail

Install a deadbolt

The best lock is a deadbolt that’s properly installed. It should have at least a 2.5cm “throw.” On the “strike side” there should be a security plate with screws that go all the way into the door’s wood frame. Source: Handyman

Be cautious when buying at flea markets and auctions

You may think that this would be a cheaper option, but it may only lead to heavy expenses later on when you realize that your purchased locks were not able to withstand burglary. Therefore, always invest in a decent quality when you are choosing locks and deadbolts. You may never know the kind of situation that will occur if anything goes wrong. Source: TechIcy

Get new keys for your new home

When you buy a new house, always have your locks rekeyed. Otherwise there’s probably a master key out there that can easily open your home. 

Avoid doing this with your safe

Spinning the dial too fast, trying to open it before it’s unlocked, and forcing it closed when there’s obviously a problem. Source: ReadersDigest

Whether you’re looking for advice or need emergency lockout assistance, we’ve got you covered. Call us today to learn more about how we can help protect your home and property!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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Tips for Keeping Your Elderly Family Member Safe at Home

Keeping elderly family members safe in familiar surroundings as they age is possible with some planning and prevention. Whether you’re renovating an existing space or building something new, here are some tips on how to design a home that meets the needs—both physical and emotional—of your aging relative.

Eliminate fall hazards

Falls can happen in any home to anyone, not just elderly people. However, older people are more likely to suffer fractures and injuries when they fall, and they’re more likely to be living alone without immediate assistance available. As a result, the first step in making sure a home is safe for elderly living is eliminating as many likely fall hazards as possible.

First, you’ll need to identify places where slips are likely. Throw rugs are an unexpected hazard: While they’re pretty and may add a bit of a cushion during a fall, they’re also flexible and not stable, so catching a toe under the edge of the rug can lead to a fall. Taping them to the floor or carpeting can reduce this hazard without sacrificing style. Thresholds and stairways are also likely locations for falls; making sure there are secure handrails and adding textured no-slip strips or safety steps with treads can help. Source: BobVila

Provide easier access to the bathroom

The bathroom can be the most dangerous room in the house. Can the shower be accessed without stepping over the high side of a bathtub? Is there a sturdy grab bar to get up and down from the toilet and into the shower?

“Many people just use the towel rack to hold onto, but they’re designed to hold a few pounds of towels, not 150 pounds of a person,” says Stewart, who points out that they will likely come crashing down if grabbed onto during a fall. “If you’re handy, you can install a grab bar yourself, but if not, you might want to hire someone to do it.” Source: Care

Install a medical alert system

For elderly adults living alone, a medical alert system is a must. There are basic models that involve pushing a button and smartphone-based systems for an easily accessible operation. What the different systems have in common is the ability to make contacting emergency services quick and easy no matter where you or a loved one are in the house.

Make sure you or the system’s user is comfortable with the technology. At the very least, consider buying a wearable button that you can press to dial 911 and/or alert family members or neighbors. Source: ThisOldHouse

If you need any assistance with flooring that works best for seniors, please don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call. We know how much your loved ones mean to you, and we’re committed to making sure they have a safe place to stay at home as they age.

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Ways to Tamper Your Door Lock

As a locksmith, we’ve seen our fair share of lock tampering attempts. Unfortunately, this kind of criminal activity is an increasingly common occurrence these days, and homeowners should be aware of the warning signs that their property may have been targeted. Here are some of the methods burglars use to break into your home:

Using brute force

This is the hastiest, and therefore messiest, form of attempted break in. Often a criminal will try to bash in a lock, drill through a deadbolt, or kick down a door, leaving a trail of twisted metal and splintered wood. There are less obvious ways to force through a lock though, so you might also look for some of the following signs of unnatural wear.

Signs of brute force

• Paint circles from lock fixture movement (like it was loosened and retightened out of place)
• Bent deadbolts or latches
• Warped doors/door frames

If you notice that your key is suddenly harder to turn than usual, this could indicate pin deformation—a result of more refined methods of lock manipulation like bumping or picking. Source: SafeWise

Bumping

Lock bumping is a simple and inexpensive lock-picking technique where an intruder can unlock your door quickly using a special key.

Insert a bump key into the lock; “bump” or tap the key with a hammer, screwdriver, or other solid object; and the pins in the lock will almost magically drop to the position where they are weakest. A little twist of the key will pop the lock open. What is a bump key? Unfortunately, it’s not a specialty item or something that has to be carefully manufactured. It’s basically a blank key with some valleys filed into it for the pins to drop into when a criminal strikes the key with a hard object. If the key can slide into the lock (and many locks use the same basic blanks), it can become a bump key. Well-prepared intruders may have multiple keys purchased online or prepared by hand. The simplicity of the bump key is part of what makes lock bumping prevention so challenging—it’s not difficult to accomplish, requires little skill, and nearly every household lock is vulnerable. Source: BobVila

Picking

If you’ve ever seen a heist movie, you’re probably familiar with lock picking. This traditional method of lock tampering is gentle and doesn’t leave much of a trace. Typically, a burglar uses a small pick or flat screwdriver to rake the pin tumblers in your lock until they all catch and the lock turns.

As these small tools wiggle around inside your lock, they may cut into edges and leave marks. If you notice that your key is harder to turn than usual, check around the keyhole for tiny scratch marks or fresh, shiny metal marks finer than those left by your key. These are hard to notice but could be signs that someone tried to pick your lock. Source: Angi

If you have any concerns about tampering or other vulnerabilities in your home, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!

 

Contact:

Prime Locksmith

(778) 868-4628

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A Guide to Choosing Area Rugs

Are you looking for the perfect area rug to complete your home? With so many different options on the market, it can be a daunting task to determine what size and material will best suit your needs while staying within budget. But never fear! Here are some tips to help you:

Play with textures

The key to layering carpet over carpet is to vary the texture. Area rugs generally work best over short-pile or looped carpet. In those cases, laying a thick, luxurious shag rug adds a wonderful sense of softness and elegance to the space.

Similarly, if you have a more plush style of carpet installed, choosing a low-profile Berber or woven rug is your best bet. Don’t put an area rug over a very long-pile carpet, such as a frieze carpet or a newer “soft carpet” (such as SmartStrand) because the area rug will not have firm support, and will shift, buckle and wrinkle. Source: TheSpruce

Try different sizes

If you want to partition your space, use a couple of smaller rugs that complement each other. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cover as much of your wall-to-wall carpet as possible, go bigger with a room-sized area rug.

Get a rug pad

In my opinion, you can’t have a rug without a rug pad. Just because it’s carpet doesn’t mean this marriage should be broken up. Look for rug pads that are specifically for use over carpets or try double-sided carpet tape. Both work well when trying to combat creeping. Source: ApartmentTherapy

Take inspiration from the season

As the seasons change, it’s natural for you to want to do some simple swaps around the house to get you in the spirit, but don’t stop at throw pillows and holiday decor. You’d be surprised how easy it is to update the entire feel of your room every few months with a simple rug swap. Changing your rugs a few times per year will keep your design fresh, satisfy your ever-evolving decor cravings, and help you ring in new seasons with minimal effort and maximum payoff. Source: MyDomaine

If you’re ever in doubt when it comes to choosing the right area rug or flooring for your home, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re here to help.

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