If you’ve been thinking about doing home exterior remodeling, you might want to consider replacing the entry door. Along with contributing to your home’s overall curb appeal, your entry door also welcomes guests when they come to your home. When it comes to the hardware, most people tend to focus on aesthetics, but what many don’t realize is that there have been a variety of new innovations in recent years that have resulted in entry door hardware that’s convenient and secure as well as attractive. Listed below are a few of the recent trends in hardware that are gaining in popularity.
Modern Style
Just as matte black hardware has become popular in other aspects of home design – such as kitchen and bathroom faucets and other fixtures replaced during kitchen or bathroom remodeling – iron black finishes are also increasingly being chosen for entry door hardware. In addition, the clean lines and simple designs of more contemporary entry door locks continue to gain traction.
Advanced Locking Systems
Pin-and-tumbler locks, which are unlocked using traditional keys, have been serving homeowners for years, but they are now seeing some competition. One such security system is Kwikset’s SmartKey Security system, which enables homeowners to rekey their locks in a matter of minutes. Not only does this eliminate the need for locksmiths, it also makes losing one’s keys a momentary irritation rather than a major inconvenience. With this system, temporary keys can be made for house or pet sitters who need short-term access to your home, after which the lock can easily be rekeyed.
Other locking systems now have electronic keypads that allow homeowners to create individual keycodes for family members and temporary codes for guests. These codes, which can be changed from anywhere, can also be assigned to service providers such as repairmen or cleaning help. This system also allows parents to check when their kids arrive home with the help of an accompanying smartphone app.
Increased Security
Another advantage of the aforementioned systems is that the locks are much harder to bump or pick, which adds up to increased security. Electronic locks frequently have a number of useful security features such as auto-locking, lock disabling and encryption security, which all help safeguard your home from intruders or those who otherwise haven’t been granted access to your home. Systems like SmartKey Security also make things easier for the remodeler. Because homeowners can rekey the locks themselves, they don’t have to worry about training the installers to do so.
If your entry door needs an upgrade, Callen can help. We carry energy-efficient doors and the latest styles in door hardware. Call Callen today at 414-765-2585 for more information.
