It’s been firmly established that we’re in the middle of a heatwave. What better time to dream of cool late summer breezes and open windows? But when we can open our windows again, don’t forget to keep security in mind. Often, a break-in is just too easy for criminals because the homeowner forgot to lock their doors and windows.

 

To protect your home and family, be sure your exterior doors, including the door between your garage and house, have ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt locks. ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, helps identify the quality and durability ofdoor security locks through a series of operational and security tests. It has identified three grades of locks. Each grade specifies minimum acceptable requirements for operation, key torque cycles, pull strength, impact resistance, and finish.

Grade 1 is the highest grade you can buy. Grade 1 deadbolts:

 

• Have been tested to 250,000 open/close cycles


• Have a bolt that projects 1 inch into the door frame


• Can withstand 10 hammer blows without giving way

 

Grade 1 deadbolt locks are resistant to just about anything a thief might use to get in, including lock picks, saws, crowbars, hammers, and kick ins.

For over 90 years, Schlage has built commercial grade quality into every product we make including electronic deadbolts, keyless door locks, and keypad door locks. Your security is our commitment. But remember, when cool breezes blow again, even the best locks in the world cannot substitute for caution and common sense. Fifty percent of unlawful entry is through unlocked doors and 51% of break-ins occur during daylight. Experts recommend keeping your doors locked 24/7. 

Looking for a quick and easy way to update your home décor? Try some new door hardware. It won’t bust your budget or take a weekend, or even or a whole day. No matter what your style, today’s selection of decorative designs offers something to harmonize with every décor.

Schlage’s new Decorative Collection of high quality lever and knob features designs and finishes for every taste. You’re sure to find something just right for you; there are over 1000 design and finish combinations. 

 

• Choose from five inspired design collections, from traditional to contemporary.

• Combine with complementing Schlage handlesets and electronic security products.

• Install in five minutes with just a Phillips-head screwdriver (Quick to install with self-guiding screws and field reversible levers).

• Count on the solid and sturdy die cast construction to last a lifetime.

 

Create a consistent look by matching with your lighting finishes, cabinet and furniture hardware, faucets, and other metal trim. Available door hardware finishes include aged bronze, chrome, black, satin and distressed nickel, bright and antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and antique pewter.

 

Take a look at the new Decorative Collection, coming up soon, by visiting the Schlage Web site and then use our interactive Style Selector to see the how the door hardware style you’re considering looks in a room or on a door.

 

 

Every homeowner wants their house to look as good as possible, and with spring upon us and summer rapidly approaching, now is the time to start thinking about your curb appeal. Home improvements can be large, costly projects, but they don’t have to be. You can easily add some style – and value – to your home with these 10 do-it-yourself projects, all for under $100.

1. Change the exterior light fixtures on your porch. To change the look of your front porch, replace existing light fixtures with something new and stylish. Most wall-mounted light fixtures will cost between $30 - $100, depending on brand and style. Installing new outdoor lighting will freshen up your curb appeal, and you can save money by installing energy efficient lighting.
2. Install ground lighting. Adding lights around flower boxes or walkways is another simple, affordable way to brighten up your home’s exterior and curb appeal. The easiest and most cost effective way to accomplish this is to use solar powered, staked lights. You can find an 8-pack of Portfolio brand, solar landscape lights for about $40 at any Lowes.
3. Trim overgrowth and pull weeds. After a long winter, the front yard could probably use a little TLC. Head to your local hardware store and pick up trimming shears, lawn bags and a pair of gloves to revitalize your front yard. Removing the old growth will make your plants look greener, more vibrant and can also make your yard look larger.

4. Plant some flowers. Nothing brightens up your curb appeal more than freshly planted flowers, and they’re not expensive. Planting a variety of colorful flowers around your front yard will add vibrancy to the area, and make your home more attractive. If planting flowers in the yard is not an option, you can always use flower pots and set them around your porch or in windows.
5. Spread some fertilizer. Another way to add more color to your yard is by using fertilizer. Most landscape experts would suggest fertilizing your grass, at minimum, once in the fall and once in the spring. A bag of Scotts Turf Builder generally runs $15 - $20 and a basic rolling-spreader should cost less than $50.
6. Refasten loose boards or trims. As a home settles over time, its structure shifts, potentially causing some of your trims and fascia to move and separate. A quick visual inspection around all the windows, doors and along the roof line is all it takes to identify loose spots or wear and tear. If you do find a place that needs to be repaired, carefully remove the old nail and hammer in a new nail. A few firm wraps is all you should need to tighten it back up. Hammer the nail flush with the wood, being careful not to dent the wood with the hammer.
7. Paint the trims and fascia. The trim around the roof line, doors and windows gives your house character. You can really liven up your curb appeal with a new coat of paint on the trim, brightening up those old colors. Give your home a fresh look by changing the trim color. Of course, every house is different, but generally two gallons of paint is enough. To make sure you’re adding to or maintaining your home’s value, it’s a good idea to take a look at common housing color trends.
8. Paint the front door. This is your chance to get creative. Your front door is often the center piece of your porch and there are no set color rules. Try to think of a color that contrasts the rest of the colors in your front yard, to stand out. If you need help figuring out your color schemes, you can visit the paint experts at Benjamin Moore. A gallon should be plenty.
9. Change the hardware on the front door. A shiny new door knob or handle is a small modification, but can make a big difference. Over time, the finish on your existing outdoor hardware can fade or corrode. Installing an ornamental, new door knob will modernize the front porch. A new lock set on the front door also improves home security. Schlage, an industry leader in door locks and security, has numerous quality products under $100.
10. Mount new address numbers. With all the font and color options available, changing your house numbers is another small improvement you can make with little cost and effort. Make your house stand out with new, decorative numbers. You can also change the location of the address, and the style in which the numbers hang.

A well-kept house is a home you can take pride in. And keeping your home looking great doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. With a little time and effort, you can improve your curb appeal and add value to your home without breaking the bank.