Your Nashua home is your sanctuary, the place where you and your family should feel safest and that’s where residential locksmiths come in. While New Hampshire is a relatively safe state, proactive home security is a responsibility that gives homeowners peace of mind. It’s about creating a secure environment that deters potential intruders and protects your most valuable assets. True security isn’t just an alarm system; it’s a layered approach that starts with strong physical barriers. As professional residential locksmiths, we see where homes are most vulnerable. This essential checklist will help you walk through your property and identify key areas for improvement.

Layer 1: The Doors – Your Primary Defense

Doors are the most common entry point for burglars, so they must be your top priority.

Solid Core Construction: Every exterior door—front, back, and side—must be made of solid core wood, steel, or fiberglass. If you knock on your door and it sounds hollow, it’s an interior door and is dangerously weak.
A Quality Deadbolt: A simple key-in-knob lock is not enough. Every exterior door needs a quality, heavy-duty deadbolt with a bolt that extends at least one full inch. Look for locks with an ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 or 2 rating. This rating system, explained by organizations like the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), is a reliable indicator of strength and durability.
Reinforce the Frame: The strongest deadbolt is useless if the door frame splinters. Replace the short, half-inch screws in your deadbolt’s strike plate with long, 3-inch screws that anchor deep into the solid wood stud of your wall frame. Do the same for the screws in your door’s hinges. This is one of the most effective and affordable security upgrades you can make.

Layer 2: Windows and Secondary Access

After doors, intruders will probe windows and other access points for weaknesses.

Window Locks: Ensure every window has a functional lock and that you use it consistently. For vulnerable ground-floor windows, consider adding secondary locks or security film, which holds shattered glass together, making entry much more difficult and noisy.
Sliding Glass Doors: These are notoriously vulnerable. At a minimum, place a strong security bar in the track. For better protection, install a secondary bolt or a keyed patio door lock that prevents the door from being lifted off its track.
The Garage: Your garage door is another potential entry point. Keep it closed and consider a garage door security bolt. Most importantly, the interior door from your garage to your house should be treated like any other exterior door—solid core, with a high-quality deadbolt that you keep locked at all times. Home security guides from sources like the National Crime Prevention Council consistently highlight securing the garage as a critical step.

Layer 3: Keys, Habits, and Professional Help

Even the best hardware can be defeated by poor habits.

Key Control: Never hide a spare key under the doormat or a fake rock; these are the first places criminals look. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead. If you’ve just moved into your Nashua home, your very first action should be to have a locksmith rekey all the locks. You have no idea who has a key from the previous owners.
Landscaping and Lighting: Trim bushes and trees near your home to eliminate hiding spots. Install bright, motion-activated lighting around the perimeter to startle potential intruders.

Evaluating your home’s security can feel overwhelming. If you’ve identified weak points or have questions about the best way to protect your property, we invite you to contact us for a professional security assessment.

Your Dedicated Residential Locksmith in Nashua

Taking these proactive steps can significantly enhance the safety of your home and family. For homeowners in Nashua, New Hampshire, who need expert advice or professional service, the team at Mr. G Lock and Key is your trusted local partner. We provide a full range of residential locksmith services, from rekeying and lock installation to security upgrades, to give you lasting peace of mind.