Shared housing can be a great way for people to keep the cost of living down while sharing the vital responsibilities of day-to-day life. However, while most people who live in shared housing find that they get on well with their new housemates, they might not fully trust them. At the same time, you need to be aware that shared housing can attract potential intruders who might see such a property as a soft touch. With that in mind, having something as simple as a chained door can work wonders.
Of course, like any other home security implement, what chain to buy is not always an easy query to answer. With that in mind, we searched out specialists in door locks and chains at locksandhardware.co.uk. In this quick guide to buying a chained door add-on, we learned a lot about the subject matter. Let’s take a look at how you can make choosing the right door chain for shared housing an easier process. Shared housing needs quality security to protect both its residents and the property itself.
So, where do you start?
Why Shared Homes Benefit From Chained Doors
There are several reasons why shared accommodation benefits from the installation of a chained door. When we spoke with Locks & Handles, they noted that the most common reasons included:
- The shared property does not come with suitable privacy and protection security in place
- People wishing to feel more secure living in a property with potential strangers around
- Shared accommodation can often be a more specific target for burglars and break-ins
- The potentially high turnover of residents means building trust with newcomers again
- Reducing noise pollution, as many shared properties can have noisy, busy hallways
- Privacy – you never know when one of your housemates might try to walk in on you
These reasons alone should give you a good idea as to why you might benefit from the installation of a new chained door. Something as simple as a door chain lock can help to negate the potential flaws of shared accommodation, allowing you to enjoy the benefits without worrying so much about your possessions being stolen and/or your privacy being invaded.
Shared accommodation can be a necessity, especially for people who move to new areas for work or study. If you don’t know anyone else, and your earnings don’t allow for bespoke accommodation, then shared housing might be your only option. With that in mind, it’s better to protect yourself and make sure that you can stay safe while you live in these conditions, no matter how temporary they may be.
Selecting Durable Chains For Shared Environments
Now, as you probably know, most door chains out there are pretty modest. They tend to be quite low-profile and, to some, they look weak and easily broken through. Therefore, it is imperative that you make sure you invest in a chained door that actually does the job you need. From the above list, you likely can pick out at least one reason that you agree with. How, though, do you find a suitable chain?
Understand Your Personal Needs
Some people want a chain that is purely for security. Others want a chained door that is for privacy. Your first task is to determine what you need. More secure chains can be harder to use, lock/unlock, or remove. Meanwhile, privacy chains might be lighter on a security front, but they can stop the door from being opened even slightly once locked into place. You also need to factor into account your budget for buying a door chain and how long you intend to stay in this accommodation.
For most people, having a door chain that allows the door to open a few inches is suitable. You can still talk to people through the door, answer questions, and, for example, receive a parcel.
Focus On Chain Length
Another important discussion to have with yourself when choosing a new door chain is length. A longer door chain can mean that the chain slides along longer, meaning that the door might open up a bit more. That can be fine for someone who wants security whilst still being able to open the door. One of your fellow residents might have a parcel for you; they might even have made you a cup of tea. Therefore, you might want a slightly longer chain lock for your door.
Length matters a great deal when choosing a chain. Shorter chains can feel more durable, but that is not always the case. Shorter chains can catch more, meaning the door only opens up slightly. Most people benefit from having a slightly longer chain than the shortest options on the market.
Sash Reinforcement
You might also wish to think about buying a sash jammer to go alongside your new chained door. Sash jammers are an extra security measure that are primarily aimed at UPVC doors. They help to stop the door from opening up in full, meaning that even if someone breaks the chain, they might not be able to get through the minor gap that the sash jammer allows.
Reinforcing the sash is so important if you want to feel confident that your chained door is going to hold in the face of physical impact. When paired with a door chain, a sash jammer can make sure that unwanted entry into your room becomes almost impossible.
User-Friendly Designs
Look, some chained door implements can be a bit on the awkward side to use. They may need to be fitted in very specific ways, or they might have mounting fittings and security rivets that are not suitable for your type of door. Review any potential chained door locks for compatibility and ease of use; if there is an emergency, you want to know you can get that chain off without any issue!
Balancing Simplicity & Protection
Your best bet for buying a door chain that works well from a security standpoint and remains easy to use is to buy a Police-Approved chained door add-on. Any model that has Secured By Design accreditation can be trusted to be of the standard that the police require for an effective door chain. Police approval means that it has been tested to the point where it can take up to 200Nm of breaking force, meaning that you would need someone of incredible physical output to snap the chain.
Keep the above in mind, and you should find it much easier to go ahead and buy a quality add-on to make your chained door as secure as possible.
