Get matched with top door pros in Bridgewater, SD

You should rekey your house every three years to minimize the chances of someone gaining access to your home. You can do it more than that, but it depends on the level of foot traffic and visitors you get. Businesses, for instance, routinely rekey their locks every six months to a year. If you experience a break-in or a house key has gone missing, rekey the locks immediately. The same goes if your lock becomes damaged.

Continuous hinges are some of the sturdiest hinges available, which makes sense, given that they provide support along the entire side of the door. These hinges are often used for heavy commercial doors, but are impractically expensive and unnecessary for residential use. Among the hinges commonly used in homes, the ball-bearing hinge is the strongest, and it reduces friction to help heavy doors open more smoothly.

Wood, steel, and fiberglass are common choices that offer durability and style.

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.