(BPT) – Short, chilly days mean more time spent indoors with family and friends. This is the perfect time to focus on home improvement, starting with finding the right door hardware. While home security is typically top-of-mind, door hardware such as locksets and deadbolts are generally overlooked and purchasing new locks is not a simple decision. Does it need to withstand repeated, long-term use? Or heavy impact, in the case of an intruder? Does it need to be capable of withstanding certain weather conditions?
Developed by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association, the BHMA Certified Secure Home label makes it easier for homeowners to find the right lock for their specific needs. Only products with this label have been rigorously certified to the highest performance standards when it comes to security, durability and finish. BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain these standards. Products without the Secure Home label are not assured to have been tested and certified by a third-party laboratory.
Before shopping, know what type of lock you need. Consider the following:
* How much security do you need?
* Will the door be used frequently?
* Will the protective aesthetic finish be exposed to the elements?
When you are ready to make your selection, it is important to check the ratings. Once a lock or deadbolt is tested to ANSI/BHMA standards for security, durability and finish, it is given a rating of Good (C), Better (B) or Best (A) in each area based on its performance during testing. The rating system is defined by progressive levels of performance requirements. Be sure to select the lock or deadbolt that is rated highly in the area(s) most important to you. For example, when looking for a new interior lock, you may not require the same rating for security or finish as you would for a lock being installed on your front door.
“As the experts in the industry, we recognize that it isn’t ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to hardware for the home,” said Ralph Vasami, the executive director of BHMA. “Every household has a different need — the Certified Secure Home label not only makes it easy for homeowners to determine which locks or deadbolts have been certified, but also helps them assess which products are the best fit for their specific needs.”
To learn more about BHMA Certified locksets and deadbolts, or the BHMA Certified Secure Home label, watch the short video at http://securehome.org/learning-the-label/ or visit www.securehome.org.
