5 Problems that People With Low Quality Safes May Face

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Purchasing a safe is a decision which you’ll be glad you made even years after the purchase. Safes, at one time, were limited to wealthy and affluent members of society, but with influx of manufacturers and affordability of materials, more individuals have been able to join the safe club. However, not all safes are created equal and with low quality safes come a host of other problems you may have never heard of.  Check out these five problems, people with low quality safes may confront. Moisture Build-up Can Be Destructive   Fire safes, in particular, are prone to moisture build up. If you live in a humid climate the likelihood of this happening is further increased. One clear indication that there’s excessive moisture in your safe is if it smells like mould when you open it. Since fire safes are engineered to resist fire, they simultaneously keep fresh air out as well which is what leads to the build-up. This also occurs in safes that aren’t properly sealed around the opening. Check the perimeter of the door for any tears, cracks or imperfections prior to purchasing. Also, take a moment to check the moisture entering the room where the safe is being stored. If the stripping around a window isn’t done correctly, this could also contribute to the increased moisture levels. For individuals, or businesses like photography studios, who may keep paper documents and photographs in the safe it’s recommended to first place it in an airtight container before placing it directly in the same. That way if there is moisture build-up, the contents won’t be damaged. Don’t Underestimate Cunning Thieves   Thieves may dedicate their lives to illegal activity but that doesn’t mean that they’re dumb or inexperienced. If you purchase a safe with a lock that isn’t tested and certified for security, you may as well invite thieves into your home and point out the faulty equipment. It’s in your best interest to purchase a safe with EN 14450 Certification and AIS Approval, like on the Burton Torino Gold Electronic Security Cash Safe. Poor Construction Methods What’s important to keep in mind is the purpose you intend to use the safe for. As a general rule of thumb most fire safes are built using one of four methods—insulation, reinforced fireboard, composite fire cladded and simply composite. To manufacture inexpensively, low quality safes are made using fireboard—also known as drywall or fire liner. While these are adequate at providing fire protection, they’re not necessary built with the highest burglary protection in mind. Consider Weight in Grand Scheme of Things Weight should be at the top of the list of things to consider when safe shopping. If your home or flat does not permit you to bolt the safe into the ground or fit it into the wall, be sure that your safe has enough body to deter thieves from simply picking it up and making their exit. Experts recommend keeping safes above the ground floor under 453 kg. Solid Steel Doors and Walls are Indispensable There’s no substitute for solid steel doors and walls for protection against burglary. Because steel is pricey to manufacture, low quality safes may not have enough steel lining to protect the contents. Get a safe with at least ½” of steel door and at the bare minimum ¼” steel body. Anything less and your security may be impacted.