Traditional Keyless and Smart door locks

June 27, 2023

Along with wallets, headphones, and glasses, house keys are one of the items that get lost all the time. An average American loses 25 days each year, looking for house keys ! That’s almost wasting a whole month searching for house keys! Now think of all the amazing places you could have vacationed in that amount of time! Or had a good quality time spent with your friends, your spouse or kids!

Besides that, the safety issues posed by locks that can create problems due to break-ins caused by bump keys, that can be easily purchased for less than $5 in many cases!

Hence, it’s not a surprise that people are switching over to keyless locks. Keyless seems to be the new wireless, and it’s taking households like a storm.

Keyless locks, whether they are the traditional type, or smart door locks, are definitely more convenient. There is no need to have to worry about multiple copies of the house keys made for you, and then on top of that, worry about them being stolen and misused by other people. There is no need to worry about lock-pickers and other criminals easily getting access to your house, with tools that are less expensive than what your lock was worth!

Both traditional keyless and smart door locks, enable you to have a certain code, (which only you know) and easily open the doors to your house. If you have close family and guests coming over, instead of making them spare keys, all you need to do is give them the code via a simple text message from anywhere you are! Make sure you don’t make this a habit though.

Also, if you suspect someone knows the secret code, all you do is change the code quickly. No need to search for your nearest lock and key shop to make a spare key!

Now, both types of keyless door locks are quite similar, but it is important to know what exactly is unique about each of them. Both are great alternatives to traditional locks, but each one is curated for a different type of user.

Traditional Keyless Locks: These locks are quite traditional. Think of them as traditional locks, but without keys. Surely, it’s not as simple to compare the 2 like that, but in general traditional electronic keyless locks have been around for a while. These keyless locks were first patented for the hotel industry back in the 1970s. They were also used in commercial settings, and then later entered the residential market. Ever since then, the locks have become more sleek, colourful, and aesthetic, and have features like Bluetooth connectivity, but the design stays the same.

Pros :Traditional keyless locks are relatively simple to set up and operate. They don’t need a smartphone connection to operate, and hence, are great for people that do not have them, or are not very good with technology. All you need is a single code, which can often be reprogrammed at will, and disclosed to other people needing access to your house, without needing any spare keys.

Cons : The one major disadvantage of these electronically powered locks is that, in the event of a power outage, they could potentially stop working. Also, if you forget your code, which is as bad as losing your house keys for a traditional lock, if not worse, you could be locked out, and there is no room for lock-picking tricks to get into your house!

Smart Door Locks: Smart locks are much newer in the field. You can say that there is almost a generational gap between traditional keyless locks and smart door locks. Without the smartphone (invented in 2007) there is no place for a smart lock! The first company to officially get into the game was August Home , which is a San Francisco-based company, now owned by Assa Abloy conglomerate. Smart locks connect wirelessly and are remotely operated, via your smartphone. The wireless connection could be either Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Z-wave or Zigbee. The locks themselves have batteries that power them, and in most cases, the smart lock app would give you a warning when your lock’s battery is low.

Pros : The advantage smart locks have, when compared to traditional locks is that they can be remotely operated, and instead of remembering a complex code, all you need is a swipe that locks or unlocks the door! The lock itself is battery powered, and hence a power outage should usually not be a concern for the lock not working. Smart locks are also customizable with many features like biometric recognition, face and voice recognition that can be changed whenever you want.

Cons : Firstly, for those that are not tech savvy, or don’t own a smartphone, this is clearly not the option. People who aren’t comfortable with smartphones could accidentally unlock the door at the wrong time, and an intruder can get in. A bigger problem though, is like any app, there can be malfunctions with the software and there have been instances where customers got locked out due to the app malfunctioning. Of course, these are not the days when smartphones are in their infancy, and choosing the right smart lock brand can go a long way.

As you can see, both traditional and smart keyless door locks have changed what it means to have a lock and key for your house. In today’s generation of pioneering smart technology there are many keyless ways to open your door. However, you need to see what kind of a user you are.

If you are a tech savvy person that can’t live without their smartphone and knows which smart lock app will give you the best security and value for money, you cannot beat the convenience of smartphone locks. However, if you are not comfortable with technology to the same extent, and just want the same functionality of a traditional door lock, just without the key, and the headaches that come with losing them, and you are an expert in memorizing passcodes, go for the traditional keyless option.

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How to Secure Basement Doors and Windows

By Ghulam Mustafa • August 1, 2026

Securing basement doors and windows is essential because these entry points are often less visible, less frequently used, and more likely to be overlooked than the main entrances of a home. Reinforcing locks, maintaining the surrounding frames, improving lighting, and regularly inspecting basement access points can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry. Many homeowners spend time securing their front and back doors but pay little attention to the basement. Because basement entrances are often hidden behind landscaping, fences, or below ground level, they can provide the privacy that opportunistic burglars look for. Whether your basement includes exterior doors, hopper windows, sliding windows, or egress windows, treating these access points with the same level of security as the rest of your home is an important part of protecting your property. Quick Answer To secure basement doors and windows, install quality locks, reinforce the door frame, ensure windows close and lock properly, improve outdoor lighting, trim nearby landscaping, and inspect all basement entry points regularly. Keeping these areas well maintained and visible helps reduce vulnerabilities and strengthens your home's overall security. Why Are Basement Entry Points More Vulnerable? Basement entrances often receive less attention than front or back doors because they are used less frequently. Many are located at the side or rear of the property, partially hidden from neighboring homes and street traffic. This additional privacy can make them more appealing to someone attempting unauthorized access. Because homeowners may not inspect these areas regularly, worn hardware, loose locks, or damaged frames can remain unnoticed for long periods. Giving basement doors and windows the same attention as other exterior entry points helps eliminate these common weaknesses. How Important Is a Secure Basement Door? If your basement has an exterior door, it should provide the same level of protection as your front entrance. A quality deadbolt , durable lock cylinder , reinforced strike plate , and solid door frame all contribute to stronger security. The door should close tightly without excessive gaps and allow the deadbolt to extend fully into the strike plate. If the door sticks, sags, or requires extra force to lock, correcting the alignment helps both security and long-term lock performance. A secure basement door forms one of the most important barriers protecting the rest of your home. Why Should Basement Windows Be Inspected Regularly? Basement windows are often smaller than standard windows, but they can still provide access if they are damaged or left unsecured. Over time, window locks may wear out, frames can deteriorate, and windows may no longer close completely because of foundation movement or moisture. Testing every basement window periodically ensures the locking hardware operates properly and that there are no visible gaps that could compromise security. Regular inspections also allow homeowners to identify water damage or structural problems before they become more serious. Can Door Reinforcement Improve Basement Security? Absolutely. Even a high-quality lock provides limited protection if the surrounding door frame is weak. During a forced-entry attempt, the frame and strike plate absorb much of the impact. Reinforcing these components improves the door's ability to withstand force while allowing the deadbolt to perform as intended. A reinforced basement entrance also reduces long-term wear by maintaining proper alignment between the door and locking hardware. Why Does Outdoor Lighting Matter Around Basement Entrances? Basement entrances often remain darker than other areas around the home. Without adequate lighting, someone can approach the door or window with a reduced chance of being noticed. Motion-activated lighting immediately increases visibility whenever movement is detected, making concealed access more difficult. Installing lighting near basement stairwells, exterior doors, and window wells also improves safety for homeowners accessing these areas after dark. Good visibility is one of the simplest and most effective security improvements. Can Landscaping Affect Basement Security? Yes. Dense shrubs, tall plants, or overgrown vegetation around basement windows and doors may provide cover for someone attempting to enter the home unnoticed. Keeping landscaping neatly trimmed improves visibility while reducing hiding places around vulnerable entry points. Clear sightlines also make it easier for neighbors or passing pedestrians to notice suspicious activity near the basement. Balancing privacy with visibility helps create a more secure property. Why Is Proper Lock Maintenance Important? Locks that are rarely used often receive the least maintenance. Dust, moisture, and dirt can accumulate inside the keyway , affecting the smooth movement of internal pins and springs. A lock that feels stiff today may eventually become difficult to operate if ignored. Cleaning and lubricating basement door locks with an appropriate dry lubricant helps extend their lifespan while ensuring reliable performance whenever the entrance is used. Routine maintenance also allows homeowners to identify worn components before they fail. Should Egress Windows Remain Secure? Yes, but they must also remain functional for emergencies. Basement egress windows are designed to provide a safe exit during fires or other emergencies. While they should always be secured against unauthorized entry, any security measures used should still allow occupants to open the window quickly from inside when necessary. Regular testing ensures both the locking hardware and emergency release function correctly. Balancing security with emergency accessibility is especially important for finished basements used as living spaces or bedrooms. Can Smart Security Devices Help Protect Basement Entrances? Smart home technology can provide additional protection for basement access points. Security cameras positioned near basement doors or stairwells allow homeowners to monitor activity remotely. Motion sensors and smart lighting systems can also provide alerts whenever movement is detected around these less frequently used areas. These systems work best when combined with strong physical security such as reinforced doors, quality locks, and properly maintained windows. Technology should enhance—not replace—solid mechanical security. When Should You Have a Locksmith Inspect Basement Entry Points? If your basement doors or windows have not been inspected in several years, a professional evaluation can identify issues that may not be immediately visible. A locksmith can examine the deadbolt , lock cylinder , door frame , strike plate , hinges, and overall door alignment to ensure the entrance provides dependable protection. They can also recommend repairs or adjustments that improve security without necessarily replacing existing hardware. Professional inspections are especially valuable after renovations, foundation movement, or signs of attempted forced entry. Frequently Asked Questions Are basement doors easier to break into? They can be if they have outdated locks, weak door frames, poor lighting, or are hidden from public view. Proper reinforcement greatly improves security. Should basement windows always be locked? Yes. Every basement window should remain securely locked whenever it is not being used for ventilation or emergency access. Can landscaping affect basement security? Yes. Overgrown shrubs and dense vegetation can provide hiding places near basement doors and windows, making unauthorized access easier to conceal. Do basement locks require maintenance? Absolutely. Cleaning and lubricating locks periodically helps maintain smooth operation and extends the life of the locking mechanism. Are security cameras useful for basement entrances? Yes. Cameras help monitor areas that are less frequently used and may discourage suspicious activity around basement doors and windows. When should I call a locksmith? You should contact a locksmith if your basement door becomes difficult to lock, the frame shows signs of damage, the hardware feels loose, or you want a professional security inspection. Final Thoughts on How to Secure Basement Doors and Windows Basement doors and windows deserve the same level of protection as every other exterior entrance. Reinforced door frames , quality deadbolts , secure window locks, proper lighting, and regular maintenance all help reduce vulnerabilities that could otherwise be overlooked. Creating a secure basement is about combining strong physical security with consistent inspections and preventative maintenance. By identifying small problems early and ensuring every basement entry point remains in good condition, homeowners can improve the overall security of their property while gaining greater peace of mind.