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Double key deadbolt install#Remove the lock and install an appropriate one, install decorative grills on small window planes, or redesign the area to not include windows. Some articles I have read state if you the double-keyed lock already, to just leave the key in it, or close by. ![]() Double key deadbolt code#This is not an arbitrary code, or a code designed to make manufacturers money. Double key deadbolt windows#All means of egress (ways to get out of the house), such as windows and doors, must be operable from the inside without the use of special knowledge or tools. Perhaps they know where the key is, but the fire has blocked access to it.īuilding code is quite clear on this issue. The danger here is that during a fire, occupants will be panicked, hurried and may not be able to find or operate the key. What’s the danger with double-keyed deadbolt locks? It is more prudent to consider the danger involved. If a burglar wants to break into your house, they will find a way. Why did the homeowners do this? Some homeowners I meet during home inspections mistakenly believe that this is a safety upgrade. Why do people install double-key deadbolts? A double-keyed deadbolt requires a key from the inside to operate. In my opinion, this applies to many building codes as well.īuilding codes reflect decades of experience and are written to prevent repeat incidents of damage, injury, or even death.ĭuring a routine home inspection in Richmond, Virginia, we found this fire safety hazard. Double key deadbolt series#T Series Tubular Deadbolt, 2-3/4 Backset, 7-Pin Housing Double -Keyed x. Double key deadbolt manuals#For that reason, I typically recommend replacing double-keyed deadbolts with a thumb-latch type that doesn't require a key to escape.In a prior life, when I worked on aircraft, we used to say that the maintenance manuals were written in blood. Best 8T37M-STK heavy-duty Grade-1 double cylinder commercial deadbolt lock. They may provide some added security, but as a home inspector, I'm much more concerned with safety. In short, double-keyed deadbolts are legal on existing Minnesota homes. Any recommendation or promotion of double cylinder dead bolt locks must include a warning about their potential fire danger and procedures to minimize the danger. (g) Double cylinder dead bolt locks. No provision of the code or appendix chapter of the code may prohibit double cylinder dead bolt locks in existing single-family homes, townhouses, and first floor duplexes used exclusively as a residential dwelling. Minnesota Statute 326B.106 (d)(4)(g) says this about double-keyed deadbolts: Once a person has taken occupancy of a home, they can do whatever they want with the locks. ![]() At the end of section R311.2 of the Residential Building Code, you'll find this: Egress doors shall be readily openable from inside the dwelling without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.īut that's only for new homes. The only style of double-key (also known as double cylinder) deadbolt allowed is one that captures the key when locked from the inside - you can not remove the key when it is locked. Here in Minnesota, you can't build a new home with a double-keyed deadbolt. ![]() That makes sense, but still, you have an increased potential for someone in the home to take the key out of the deadbolt while it's locked. People who advocate for double-keyed deadbolts suggest leaving a key in the deadbolt at all times, except for when you leave the home. When it comes to deciding between safety and security, I choose safety. If someone needs to get out of their home during an emergency but the double-keyed deadbolt is locked, you're stuck looking for a key or a window to climb out of. The problem with double-keyed deadbolts is reduced safety. One or two well-placed spartan kicks from a large person is all it would take to destroy a door jamb, rendering any type of deadbolt useless.īut to go down the rabbit-hole even further, the whole kick-in-the-door thing is a good reason to consider a jamb reinforcement kit like the StrikeMaster II for added security. I’m not here to debate the validity of these argument, but here goes anyway. With double-keyed deadbolt locks, however, that’s not such an easy option. If someone gains entry to a home by sneaking through a window, they can get out of the house very quickly with a lot of stuff by opening from the front door from the inside. Police officers also like double-keyed deadbolts because they make it difficult to steal big stuff. The burglar simply smashes the glass, and then they can reach in to unlock the door. It’s fairly easy to break into a home with a glass sidelite (window) on the front door. Police officers seem to prefer double-keyed deadbolts because of added security. This means if the door is locked, there’s no getting in or out without a key. It’s a deadbolt that locks from the inside and the outside with a key. Are double-keyed deadbolts legal? Are they safer? More secure? Great questions.įirst, let’s define a double-keyed deadbolt. ![]()
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