The Essentials of Garden Gate Security
A garden that allows the breeze to flow and offers a clear view of the surroundings is ideal but not the best – security-wise. With the growing number of thefts targeting valuable garden items such as furniture, expensive plants, and garden equipment – enclosing your outdoor space and adding a secure gate has become essential.
A well-protected garden adds a layer of security to your home and provides many other safety benefits. However, security features can prove ineffective if they’re not the right kind or improperly installed, so hiring professionals from reputable service providers like Lock & Key is worth considering.
If you want to find out more about garden gate security, our emergency locksmith approved guide has the information you need to get started – why it’s important., how to check if your garden gate provides enough protection, and the various garden locks available.
Why is Gate Security Important?
In a home, the most vulnerable area to unwelcome visitors is often the back garden. Burglars find these spaces especially attractive for several reasons: pricey outdoor items can be found there (plants, furniture, bikes, garden equipment, and others); it’s typically easy to find places to hide especially at night; and some home have garden gate locks that can be easily opened or fences that are easy to climb over.
Studies show that burglars tend to avoid homes with well-fortified outdoor spaces and instead target those which they can break into directly without having to bypass a highly secured garden. This means that having a secure home starts with a yard or garden that effectively deters intruders. A garden gate that offers high security not only makes it hard for criminals to enter your property, but also prevents your home from being a target altogether.
Garden Gate Security
The level of security your garden requires largely depends on your location. If you live in a relatively isolated rural area, aesthetics may play a bigger role than security. However, if your home is in an urban environment where criminal activity is common, a sturdier, more secure garden gate may be the better option.
Regardless of where your home location may be, the protection your garden gate provides must be up to par. It’s a good idea to inspect your gate closely as one in bad condition is a break-in waiting to happen. If you want to be doubly sure, an expert locksmith can not only check your garden gate but also identify other areas in your home that can be exploited by intruders to enter your property.
When checking your gate, be on the lookout for the following:
Damage and Signs of a Break-in
The most advanced surveillance and alarm systems are practically useless if your garden gate is rickety or damaged. A rusty gate can be easily broken or bent with pressure as rust weakens and corrodes metal. In addition, rusty locks and hinges have reduced functionality or even fail completely. This can lead to problems for you or family members such as becoming trapped inside your garden because the gate wouldn’t move.
Make it a point to regularly inspect and maintain your garden gate. It is also important to have additional security measures in place – especially if there are signs that someone has tried to break into your property.
Garden Gate Locks: Factors to Consider
Make sure that your garden gate is fitted with a durable exterior lock. A professional locksmith can help you choose the best option for your needs and ensure that it’s properly installed.
Another important factor to consider is who has access to the keys. Only reliable and responsible members of the family should be given duplicates. Distributing more copies – even amongst trusted individuals – increases the likelihood of loss and mishandling, which can lead to unauthorised access to your property and render your garden security ineffective.
If you have just moved into a previously tenanted property, the former occupants or owners may still have keys to the garden gate. Moreover, even these individuals may have made duplicates and distributed them to their trusted family members or friends. This means that there may be other people who can still easily enter your garden and you have no way of knowing who they are and how many duplicate keys exist. The most practical and secure solution is to change the garden gate locks and have a professional locksmith handle the job.
Types of Garden Gate Locks
A garden gate lock should be weatherproof to prevent rust and corrosion, and dustproof to keep the internal mechanism free from particles like sand that can cause clogging and lead to malfunction. In addition, it must be tamper resistant – able to withstand cutting, drilling, and picking attempts and, ideally, key-operated as this type typically provides a higher level of security than digital locks which can be easier to manipulate.
The following are the different types of garden locks:
Rim Cylinders
Rim cylinders are locks with the keyhole or cylinder mounted on the exterior surface of the door. The mechanism consists of internal pins that align when the correct key is inserted allowing the lock to either open or close with a turn, depending on the direction. Versions for outdoor use are typically made from stainless steel or brass for weather resistance and are usually paired with a night latch. They are easy to install and commonly used on metal garden gates.
Hasp and Staple Lock
Hasp and staple locks are exterior locking hardware designed for use with a padlock. They are typically installed on gates and outbuildings. The mechanism consists of two pieces: the hasp – a metal plate with a slot and a hinge, which attaches to the door; and the staple – a hinged metal loop that the hasp latches onto, into which and the padlock is hooked. The level of security they provide largely depends on the type of padlock used so it’s important to choose one that offers strong protection. However, it is equally important to choose one that is of high quality and ensure that it’s properly and securely installed.
These locks are affordable and can be easily installed on various surface types, including wood, metal, composite, and plastic. Hasp and staple locks have limited functionality, as they can only be locked from the outside. Additionally, they are vulnerable to tampering especially if made with inferior material. Low quality locks should be avoided because they can be forcefully opened using a boltcutter.
Garden Gate Latch
Gate latches are locking mechanisms consisting of a metal bar with a lever that is raised to open the gate and lowered to secure it. There are four different kinds: bolt – which involves a rod that slides into a bolt that secures the gate in place; lever – which, when raised, disengages the arm from the catch and swings the gate open; ring – which lifts the arm from the catch when turned; and thumb – which is a double-sided mechanism that works by pressing the thumb to lift the arm.
Double Throw Gate Lock
These locking mechanisms offer a good level of security, as it takes two turns of the key to fully engage or disengage the lock, making them harder to pick, manipulate, or force open. Double throw locks can be operated from both sides of the garden gate using a key. These locks are suitable for both single and double gates, making them a good choice for back garden security.
Keypad Entry Locks
These locks don’t require keys or a power source but operate by simply entering the correct PIN code using a keypad. There are two versions: single-sided, with the keypad on one side and a handle, thumb turn, or other mechanism on the inside; and double-sided, with keypads on both sides of the door.
Reinforcing Garden Gate Security
To be doubly sure that intruders cannot gain access through your garden gates, here are a few additional security measures you can take.
Installing a garden gate latch in addition to the main lock increases the difficulty of opening it by force or manipulation. The extra lock serves as another barrier that intruders must overcom unnoticed, often making a break-in not worth the risk.
Another option is to install a security bar, typically made of metal and positioned across the gate to prevent it from being opened by force. It acts as a physical barrier, making it difficult to open a gate even after the main lock is bypassed.
Installing security spikes on top of your garden fences and gates makes it challenging for intruders to climb over them. They offer an affordable way to enhance the security of your home and garden.
In Summary
A garden filled with expensive outdoor furniture, plants, and even gardening equipment can be an attractive target for burglars and may also serve as a gateway into your main home. That’s why garden gate security is vital. The first step is to assess the condition of your garden gate to determine whether it needs repairs or be replaced altogether. Choosing the most suitable lock for your garden gate is equally important. You can further reinforce the security of your garden by adding extra features to your garden gate.
However, having security hardware is not enough – they have to be the right ones and proper installation is necessary to make sure they work effectively. To carry out these tasks with confidence, it’s best to enlist the help of professional locksmiths. They have the skills and expertise to assess your garden and home security, recommend and install the most appropriate locks, and advise you on additional security measures you can take.
