Written by: Alec Bigras
Reviewer: Editorial TeamReplacing a front door comes with a lot of decisions, and the lock is one most people don't realize they even have a choice in. There are options, and the one you pick makes more of a difference than you might expect.
At Verdun Windows and Doors by Nordik, we believe every homeowner should feel confident about what they're choosing and why. Here's what you need to know.
Types of front door locks
Not all locks are created equal, and most articles waste your time listing padlocks and cabinet locks alongside front door options. We're here to cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters for an exterior front door. Here are the three types of door locks worth knowing about.
- Choose a deadbolt if… you're doing a quick, budget-friendly security upgrade on an existing door that's still in good shape, and safety isn't a big concern where you are.
- Choose a multi-point lock if… you're replacing your front door entirely, you care about energy bills, or you just want the most secure option money can buy.
- Choose a smart lock if… convenience is your priority. Just know that smart locks don't replace a deadbolt — they work best alongside one.
Deadbolt locks
A deadbolt is the classic front door lock, and for good reason. When you turn the key, a solid metal bolt extends into the door frame, making it significantly harder to kick open than a spring latch. A single-cylinder deadbolt (the standard) is keyed on the outside and has a thumb turn on the inside. Simple, reliable, proven.
homeowners looking for a solid, affordable security upgrade on an existing door that's still in good shape.
Smart locks
Smart locks replace your deadbolt cylinder with a keypad, fingerprint reader, or Bluetooth-enabled mechanism. This means you can lock and unlock your door without fumbling for keys. Some integrate with home automation systems, send access alerts to your phone, or let you create temporary codes for house guests or contractors.
A smart lock is a convenience upgrade, not a security upgrade on its own. The bolt mechanism itself is similar to a standard deadbolt. The "smart" part is just how you control it. At Verdun, we offer three types of smart locks: Powerbolt2, Aura, and Smartcode 10 Contemporary.
households where convenience and remote access matter most. Think families with teenagers, frequent travellers, or anyone who's left the house and forgot whether they locked the door.
Multi-point locking systems
A multi-point locking system is the gold standard for front door security in Canada, and it's the lock type most homeowners have never heard of until they start replacing their door. Instead of one bolt engaging the frame (like a deadbolt), a multi-point system locks the door at three separate locations at the same time: top, middle, and bottom.
We offer a multi-point system that works like this: the moment the door closes, the top and bottom latchbolts automatically lock in place. Turning the key or knob then locks the middle deadbolt, creating a three-deadbolt system. It's easy to use as a regular lock, but far harder to defeat.
homeowners doing a full door replacement who want maximum security and better energy efficiency.
Why your door lock affects energy efficiency
This one surprises most people. Your door lock isn't just about keeping intruders out. It also plays a direct role in how well your door seals against Ontario weather.
A standard deadbolt locks the door slab at a single point — the middle. That leaves the top and bottom of the door free to bow slightly away from the frame, especially in older doors or frames that have shifted over time. The result is small air gaps around the door's perimeter, where cold air can sneak in and warm air can escape.
A multi-point locking system changes this entirely. By engaging the frame at three points (top, middle, and bottom), it compresses the weatherstripping along the full height of the door every single time it locks. At Verdun, that compression works together with the magnetic weatherstripping on the header and latch jambs, creating a tight seal that a single deadbolt simply can't match.
In an Ontario winter, that difference matters. A multi-point lock, combined with a properly installed door system, helps keep the warmth where it belongs.
Why multi-point locking systems outperform standard locks
Security is about force resistance, and force resistance is about how many places the door is anchored to the frame when it's locked.
A single deadbolt creates one anchor point. A break-in attempt (usually a kick aimed at the lock area) puts all that stress on that single section of the door frame.
A multi-point system distributes that load across three anchor points spanning the full height of the door. There's no single weak spot to target. The latchbolts at the top and bottom engage automatically on closure, meaning the door is already secured in two locations.
The multi-point system comes with security strike plates applied to the door jamb at the handle and lock location, along with heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges. Our hardware is Weiser, a 115-year-old brand that needs no introduction in Canadian homes. The entire system is covered under Verdun's 25-Year No-Bull Warranty — parts and labour, no fine print, no excuses.
When a deadbolt is still good enough
If your door is solid, the frame is in good shape, you're in a safe area, and you're not replacing the door anytime soon, a deadbolt with a reinforced strike plate is genuinely sufficient security for most Canadian homes.
The multi-point upgrade makes the most sense when you're doing a full door replacement. Installing a multi-point system into an existing door is possible but complicated, and the benefits are maximized when the lock, door, frame, and weatherstripping are all working together as a complete system. If you're just replacing the lock hardware on a door, book an in-home consultation with us and we can help find a lock that works for you.
How to choose the right front door lock in Ontario
A few things worth checking before you decide:
Door compatibility — Multi-point locks require a door specifically designed to accommodate them. They can't typically be fitted into a standard door without significant work. If you're doing a full door replacement, this is the time to build the multi-point system in from the start.
Warranty — At Verdun, every piece of hardware installed is covered under the 25-Year No-Bull Warranty. That includes Weiser locks, deadbolts, smart lock options, and multi-point systems. That means 25 years, parts and labour, fully transferable, no pro-rating, no pages of fine print.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most secure type of front door lock?
A multi-point locking system is the most secure option for a front door. By anchoring the door to the frame at three points simultaneously, it distributes forced-entry resistance across the full height of the door, eliminating the single weak point that a deadbolt, however high-quality, always has.
Can I add a multi-point lock to my existing front door?
In most cases, no, not practically. Multi-point locking systems require a door frame and slab specifically designed and routed to accommodate the bolt points at the top, middle, and bottom. Retrofitting an existing standard door is complex and expensive. The best time to upgrade to a multi-point system is when you're replacing the door entirely.
Are smart locks as secure as deadbolts?
The bolt mechanism itself is comparable. Smart locks are essentially deadbolts with a different control interface. The security advantage of a smart lock is access management (temporary codes, remote locking, activity logs), not improved forced-entry resistance. For maximum security, pair a smart lock with a multi-point system rather than using a smart lock as a standalone upgrade.
About Verdun
Verdun Windows & Doors has been manufacturing and installing windows and doors for Ottawa and Gatineau homeowners for over 40 years. Every product is custom-built in Canada, every installation is managed by one accountable team from start to finish, and every job is backed by the 25-Year No-Bull Warranty, covering product, parts, labour, and installation with no fine print.