Deadlocked over deadbolts
Q. The people who are buying my house hired a home inspector, and one of his recommendations strikes me as unreasonable. I have double-cylinder deadbolts on my front and back doors: the kind that require a key on the inside, as well as outside. This is a common way to discourage burglars, but the home inspector says these locks should be changed so no key is needed to get out of the house. My agent and I have argued with him, but to no avail. Could you please set the record straight. What is wrong with double-cylinder deadbolts?
A. This is an issue of conflicting priorities: home security vs. fire safety. Here is some history on the subject.
During the 1970s, there was a sharp rise in big-city burglaries. In response, police departments routinely recommended the use of double-cylinder deadbolts for added security. The apparent benefit was simple: A burglar could force entry by way of a window but could not carry away the stolen property, because a key was needed to unlock the door.
The downside to this arrangement became evident when fire departments reported people being trapped in their homes during fires, unable to locate their keys under conditions of smoke, panic and fear. Needless loss of life prompted the authors of the building code to enact a prohibition against the use of double-cylinder deadbolts on all residential exit doors. This is why home inspectors recommend replacement of these locks.
My advice is to comply with the inspector's recommendation. Single-cylinder deadbolts may not provide optimum burglary protection, but the loss of a computer or flat-screen TV is preferable to loss of life.
Q. I'm writing to share some fireplace maintenance advice that may be of benefit to your readers. Let them know they can save the annual cost of a chimney sweep by burning their Christmas tree after the holiday season. The high heat produced by the pine oils will burn out the creosote in the flue, leaving it as clean as a whistle.
A. Please be advised that burning a Christmas tree in your fireplace is an ill-conceived and highly dangerous procedure. In the past, you may have gotten away with it, but some people have managed to drive drunk without causing an accident. Sooner or later, both practices are likely to incur tragic results.
The creosote that accumulates in your chimney is a highly combustible fuel. When it ignites, unusually high temperatures are produced. These can literally melt metal chimneys and can cause structural cracks in masonry ones. Without realizing it, you may already be in possession of a damaged chimney. You could even be venting hot smoke into your attic.
You are therefore advised to have your fireplace system inspected by a certified chimney sweep and to cease from practicing Russian roulette with Christmas trees.
• To write to Barry Stone, visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com, or write AMG, 1776 Jami Lee Court, Suite 218, San Luis Obispo, CA 94301.
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