How to Prevent Weather Changes from Affecting Your Door Locks

Our home locks can be greatly affected by weather changes. No matter where you live, any change in temperature will inevitably affect your door locks and the way you are able to secure your home. Every lock and door may react differently, and some homeowners will feel the effects of cold or warmer weather changes in varying degrees. Regardless, it is always a good idea to take certain precautions and also understand how weather changes may affect your door locks. Keep reading to find out how cold and warm weather changes can impact your locks and what you can do to minimize any trouble you may experience.

Warmer Weather and Your Door Locks

• The Door and Frame May Swell

Your door and door frame are more likely to swell in the warm weather months. Materials tend to expand when the temperature increases. You may notice that your door suddenly doesn’t fit as well in the frame or the lock does not fit properly when you try to lock your door.

• Your Deadbolt is More Likely to Become Compressed

Due to swelling materials, your deadbolt can become compressed. This makes it difficult to not only lock your door, but may also put stress on your locks. Over time, this can cause locks to wear down or break more easily.

Cold Weather and Your Door Locks

• Your Locks May Freeze Over

Freezing locks are common in colder weather. Due to excess moisture from rain or snow, you may notice a layer of water freeze over your locks. This can be frustrating since you may not be able to insert your key or turn the lock itself. You can try warming up the end of your key with a lighter and inserting it into the lock. Sometimes this trick can be helpful, especially if you find yourself needing immediate access to your home and have no other alternative entrances.

• Your Locks are More Likely to Contract

Your locks, door, and door frame will likely contract if the weather is cold or the temperature suddenly drops. This can make it so that the door does not fit properly into the door frame or your lock is slightly out of position when you attempt to lock it.

•  Secure Your Locks May Become Difficult

Because of how colder weather may ultimately affect your locks, it is important to know that you may have a more difficult time securing your home. To prevent any problems with your security, follow the suggestions below for how you can prevent lock problems during any season.

How to Prevent Lock Problems in Both Warm and Cold Weather

Below you will find 5 steps you can take that will help you beat warm and cold weather problems. Follow some or all of the suggestions to ensure your home is secure year-round.

• Lubricate Your Locks Year-Round

Lubricating your locks should be done periodically throughout the year. You should especially pay attention to lubrication during inclement weather. You can lubricate your locks yourself or hire a locksmith to do so for you. Regardless, make sure you don’t over lubricate your locks. This can lead to freezing if the lubrication builds up and causes a blockage of some sort in your locks.

• Replace Your Door with a Different Kind

Wooden doors are often the worst culprits in both the summer and wintertime when it comes to issues you may experience. Wood is more susceptible and durable compared to other materials, making it more flexible when the weather causes it to expand or contract. Consider upgrading to a different kind of material to avoid any issues.

• Switch Keyless Entry Locks

If you have been considering making the switch to keyless entry locks or some other kind of electronic lock, now may be the perfect time to do so – especially if your current locks are being affected by the weather. Electronic locks are not as likely to experience the same kind of problems and traditional locks. Since they don’t use a key, you don’t have to worry about being able to insert or extract your key from a slot that may become frozen over.

• Warm Up Your Garage to Help with Vehicle Lock Changes

Your vehicle locks are also likely to be impacted by the weather for many of the same reasons that your home locks may be affected. You may especially notice that you have problems during the wintertime. Try warming up your garage before you have to leave for the day to make it easier to unlock your doors and start your vehicle.