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Should I use Double Key Deadbolt locks on my doors?

As an Atlanta Home Inspector here is a question that we received form a home owner:

We have double key deadbolt locks on our doors. Are these safe or should we replace the double key deadbolt locks with single key deadbolt locks?

Answer:
Double key deadbolt locks present a serious safety issue to household occupants in the event of a fire. First, in the event of a fire you won't be able to find the key. And secondly, in a fire the clear air is no more than eighteen inches above the floor but the lock is typically installed about forty two inches above the floor so you won't be able to insert the key to open the door.

I would replace all double key deadbolt locks. If your concerned about home security, I recommend that you get a home security system from our partner Brinks Home Security.

IHI Home Inspections serves Canton, Alpharetta, Roswell, Cumming, Woodstock, Atlanta and all of North Georgia. Be sure to visit us at www.AskYourGeorgiaHomeInspector.com

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Posted by Atlanta's Home Inspector for all your Atlanta Home Inspections -David & Bonnie on 04/14/2008 10:12 PM

Comments (23)

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23 Comments on Should I use Double Key Deadbolt locks on my doors?

APR

2008

David, Thank you for this great piece of information! I am all for safety

Jean, I hate to thnk of anyone locked in their own home trying to get out. I don't even like a single dead bolt, to many times when in a hurry I can't get the key to work right. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a great week.

I don't understand how my deadbolt uses the SAME key. What's the point? If someone gets a hold of my key (God forbid), they will not only be able to open the bottom part but also the top part! I don't like deadbolts THAT much. LOL Thanks for the blog though :)

I think it's "catch 22". Especially if you have side lights next to your door. A newer style deadbolt (with the knob on the inside / key on the outside) is very easy to open if someone simply smashes the window and turns the knob. When your not home, someone can smash the window and easily open both locks. (unlike a deadbolt with a key on the inside).

However, the double keyed units (Key on the outside AND the inside) can be difficult to open in an emergency (fire) when seconds count. We have a key on a string that is on the door hinge as a backup. In the event of a fire, we know exactly where the spare key is.

We leave a key in the deadbolt at night and use the "key on a string" as a backup just in case. Leaving the key in the deadbolt at night is just as good as having a deadbolt with a knob on the inside. (in fact, many home inspectors in our area suggest gluing the key in the older deadbolt. (Which I think is ridiculous and dangerous. If the key breaks off, your stuck).

APR

2008

David, I always write up a keyed entry door as a safety concern and tell my clients that you need to change the keyed lock to a thumb bolt. If people want to get in, they will. You need to have a quick way to leave in the event of an emergency. Good post!

Good post.It is a code violation in many townships as you may not be able to escape if there is a fire and you can not find the keys.

More than one person has died because of these locks in a fire situation. I would like to see them outlawed everywhere.

David: Thankfully I don't have to worry about this problem...In Blue Ridge, most of us don't even bother to lock our doors!

Great post David, Not many people would think about this as a safety hazard in reverse, just extra security. I agree with Kevin, they should be outlawed.

David, great topic. I always make sure to inform my clients of this. It's a serious issue, thanks for sharing.

It is dangerous to have these, good idea to let the word out.

Jennifer, You right, if someone gets your keys, they're in. I don't like deadbolts either, Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Brian, I had not thought about a key on a string, I like that idea if I had dead bolts. But I can't believe someone especially a home inspector would suggest glueing it in the lock. That's not wise at all. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Michael, I write them up to for the same reason and pretty much say the same thing. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Gita, I didn't realize that it was against code, but I think that is a good thing. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Kevin, I know that people have dies and it is such a loss and shame. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Kim, we have friends who live up in the mountains and they don't lock their doors either. It is my opinion that a locked door just keeps honest people honest. Have a great day, thanks for stopping by commenting.

David, I totally agree with you and Kevin. Thanks for taking the time to stop by and comment.

Joseph, you're right it is a serious issue, and I don't mind sharing it at all. Have a great week.

Keith & Robin, I'm glad to get the word out. Have a great week. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

APR

2008

Never thought about that, good food for thought! I always wondered what would happen if you lost the key or the key broke, but never thought about the worst...A fire! Thanks for the advice.

Todd, so many times it's the little things that people don't truly thnk about and sometimes it is the most dangerous things. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

MAY

Making sure of everything is what counts when security is the concern. Great tip. -Aroundtheclocklocksmith.Com

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