Most entry doors have a single point locking mechanism, such as a deadbolt lock. As the name implies, multipoint door locking systems have locks at several points along the door slab and have a central locking point, usually in the middle of the door frame.
The locking mechanism generally runs the whole length of the door. Opening the door with a key or with a keypad will disengage all the locking points simultaneously. There are advantages and disadvantages to multipoint door locks.
Having a locksmith install multipoint locks in your doors ensures proper function and benefits.
Advantages of Multipoint Door Locks
Multipoint door locks offer more security than a single point locking mechanism because a thief has to breach more than one lock point when breaking down the door. Most burglars will attempt to kick a door in order to gain illegal entry into a home.
A single locking mechanism will give way with pressure or blunt force at the top or bottom of a door.1 If the home has a multipoint locking mechanism, it becomes harder to breach because the force of the break-in or kick is distributed across multiple locking points, making it harder for the door to give way.
Another major advantage of a multipoint door lock is stability. Older homes generally have doors that are 80” or roughly 6’6” high. Most newer homes, and some older high-end homes, have higher ceilings in the entry so a standard 80” door doesn’t look right proportionally. These homes generally have 96” (8 ft.) high doors.
A single mid-rail latching point on an 8-foot door often allows the door to go “out of square and perform poorly” with bowing, twisting and warping being common.2 This doesn’t occur if the 8-foot entry door has a multi-point lock.
Multipoint locks also make doors more energy efficient.
Because the multipoint locks secure the door in a number of places, not just in the middle as a single locking mechanism would, they secure the door tight against the frame, creating a tighter seal to keep out air and moisture.
Disadvantages of Multipoint Door Locks
Multipoint door locking mechanisms are generally offered on entry doors, French doors and sliding glass doors, so if you require a different style of door it may be difficult to find with a multipoint door locking mechanism.
Multipoint door locks are more costly than single point locking mechanisms. It is preferable to buy a door with a multipoint lock pre-installed. Most major door manufacturers, like Andersen, Marvin and Pella offer doors with multipoint locks.
Multipoint door locking mechanisms are more complicated than single point locking systems. Failure of multipoint systems can occur if the lock unit is misaligned, the door frame or lock is damaged, there is wear and tear of the bolts, and for a number of other reasons.
In the event that your door lock fails, it is recommended that it be serviced by a professional locksmith. As many multipoint locks have Euro cylinders it is best to let the locksmith know upfront before they visit your home that they will be servicing a multipoint lock, as many U.S. locksmiths are unfamiliar with these imported Euro cylinders.3
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1 How a MultiPoint Door Lock System Keeps Your Home Safe & Comfortable, 12/6/2023
Link: https://www.weathertightcorp.com/blog/multipoint-door-lock-system-keeps-your-home-safe/
2 The Secret of Successful 8-Foot Entry Door Performance,
Link: https://www.builderonline.com/products/doors/the-secret-of-successful-8-foot-entry-door-performance
3 What to Know about Residential Multipoint Locks by Tim O’Leary, 11/2/2020
Link: https://www.locksmithledger.com/locks/locks-cylindrical/article/21156159/what-to-know-about-residential-multipoint-locks