A double-sided deadbolt (also known as “double cylinder deadbolt” and simply “double deadbolt”) is a lock that can be operated by a key, both from the front side of the door and its back side. This lock provides a high level of security for your property, but there are certain restrictions concerning its use.
The possibility to have a double-sided deadbolt in a house or office is regulated by the law in some locations. For example, it’s not allowed to install this kind of lock on a fire exit, since it might limit people’s ability to leave the place easily in case of emergency. In Canada – it’s illegal to do so, because according to their laws – people older than 6 must have the possibility to leave a building without the need to have any keys.
Moreover, all buildings that reach a specified size or/and specified occupancy, are required to have 2 or more exits. These minimum of 2 exits regulations concern both public and private buildings. However, owners of big houses are free to decide whether they wish to install double-sided deadbolts in their houses or not.
It’s up to the home owner to figure out which potential emergencies his house might be exposed to and decide whether it’s necessary to install double deadbolts in basic door exits or not. What if a fire starts at night, when everyone is asleep? What if you have kids or disabled people living in a house, who are unable to unlock the door? Such situations should not be disregarded, so it’s better to think twice before installing this kind of lock.
Listed below are some cases, when double-sided deadbolts lock are not advised:
· Toddlers living in the house
· Retired or disabled people living in a house
· There is only one exit door
· If you don’t feel like keeping a key in the lock 24/7
In these cases, it is better to avoid installing double-sided deadbolts in your house.
Do you still intend to opt for this kind of lock? Then make sure there are other available exits in your house and there is a key always kept inside the lock, just in case. Experts recommend using double-sided deadbolts only when there is a critical need to do so, security-wise. Otherwise, there are many alternative ways to protect your house from unauthorized access and keep your loved ones safe.
