WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR LOCKS?
Sometimes, you will have trouble with locks and keys. Even if there’s a locksmith somewhere who will be available in the middle of the night, it’s still better to be pro-active instead, so that you’ll already be prepared if you encounter difficulties. Then you’ll be sure to prevent most potential key and lock problems.
For all of us, keeping your home safe and secure is very important. You want your place of residence to be a sanctuary, where you’ll always enjoy your privacy and feel comfortable. Accordingly, it’s essential to keep all your residential locks in topnotch condition. Be sure that your front-door locks ~ and any other exterior locks ~ are always functioning well, with tiptop durability. You’ll keep your loved ones and possessions suitably protected when your locks are solid.
Consider These Important Points
New Roommates or Tenants
If you rent out space in your house or apartment, or if you have any rental properties, you absolutely must replace the locks, every single time you switch occupants. Even if the previous people returned their keys, you cannot be totally sure that they didn't keep their spare keys. If a break-in ever were to happen, you don’t want to have doubts about former residents. Keep your property effectively guarded with the resilient, dependable locks.
A New Home
When you move into a new residence, the same principles that apply to your rentals apply. You just never know who may still have an old key to your place lying around; that’s why it’s critical that you get the locks changed right away.
Lost Keys
Did you mislay your keys? It might take some time for you to admit it, but if you have to accept the fact that your keys are lost for good, then you must change out your locks as soon as possible. All outdoor locks, which could allow a trespasser access, ought to be replaced. Once all exterior locks are secured, replace interior locks in the order of your personal security preferences.
Normal Wear and Tear
Worn-out or rusted locks are a major weak spot in your home security. They’ll grow increasingly hard to open as the years pass. Old or rusted locks are much easier for a burglar to pick or break. If you have a rusted lock, or if it’s badly tarnished, or showing any other signs of wear, it’s time to replace it. If it’s difficult to open a lock with the key, particularly in cold weather, then it’s a good idea to replace it.
Rusty Locks
You and your family go in and out your doors so many times, day in and day out. As time goes by, locks will become worn-out or rusted, which means they’re bound to break. If you observe any signs of rust, you’ll see that it’s almost impossible to put the key in the lock mechanism, and you may not even be able to turn the key at all. If so, replace the lock.
Stuck Keys
In a faulty lock mechanism, your key can get stuck, or may even break off. If there’s any issue with an internal lock mechanism, the key simply won’t slide into the lock as effortlessly as it should. If you notice resistance when you turn your key, that’s a sign you should soon replace the lock.
Combination Locks
Are you always losing your keys? Then you may want to decide to replace your standard lock with a combination door lock. Combination door locks are opened using a code you choose. If the combination input ever fails, or if you need to gain entry because you lose or forget your code, don’t fret, because most combination locks also have a keyed lock as well. Change the combination if you ever realize that its access could’ve been compromised, as you would replace a regular lock if you ever misplaced your keys.
Deadbolts
Depending upon your living circumstances, if you’re feeling vulnerable at your place for any reason, any professional locksmith will advise you to replace your traditional locks with deadbolts to best enhance your security.
Damaged Locks
If your locks are ever tampered with, then get new locks. Don’t take risks! Replace your locks, now. Don’t keep a damaged lock, because it will make you susceptible to more problems, and make it easier for an intruder to enter.
Break-ins
If, heaven forbid, you’ve sustained a robbery, it’s imperative that you replace your locks. The brute force involved during a break-in definitely compromises the lock mechanism’s integrity. A damaged lock puts you at a greater risk of another burglary. What’s more, mechanical malfunction could possibly leave you locked out. Moreover, you never know if your keys might’ve fallen into the wrong hands. Replace all your locks without delay.
Going Digital
Do you want to go high-tech? Then replace your conventional locks with digital locks. It’s a great way to secure your home’s doors, and you won’t have to use any keys at all. Keyless locks have certainly opened new horizons in home security technology. They work with keypads; smart devices; remotes; alarm systems; biometrics; and so on. Once you are accustomed to them, keyless locks are fairly uncomplicated to use. Most include an attractive selection of features to provide you safety and convenience.
Peace of Mind
Your locks don’t necessarily have to show visible signs of damage to tell you that you need to replace your locks. After quite awhile of living some place, you may forget how many friends, neighbors, and family members you’ve given copies of your keys to; therefore, to fortify your security, it’s a good idea to periodically replace locks, in order to maintain your home properly. You’ll have much-deserved peace of mind, knowing that you’re keeping your family and possessions extra safe.
If you live anywhere in Federal Way, Washington, and you have questions about replacing locks, hire a reliable locksmith professional. You may want to schedule an appointment with a staff mobile residential locksmith specialist of Federal Way Washington Locksmith, where free consultations are available.