When was the last time you inspected your door locks? For most homeowners, locks are often something we think about if there is an issue, such as a key sticking in the lock. Most of the time, door locks are just another tool that do not get much thought. However, door locks are similar to a furnace or a roof in that they do not last forever and require replacing over time.
Installing high quality doors is an excellent investment for the home, and taking care of the hardware is a necessary component to ensuring the longevity of the door. Our doors must endure the elements year-round, from the biting winter winds in Edmonton or the dry summer heat in Calgary. These climate conditions put unique stress on the home’s entry points, which over time requires care and replacement.
Door Lock Replacement 101
As a general rule of thumb, most door repair experts recommend evaluating and replacing the door locks every seven to ten years. While many high quality deadbolts are rated to last longer, the internal components, such as the springs, pins, and cylinders, undergo thousands of cycles of friction over those seven to ten years. In Canada, this wear and tear is accelerated by our dramatic temperature swings that cause these metal components to expand and contract over time.
Indicators of Compromised Door Locks
While there is a general timeline to replacing door locks, the age of the lock is only one factor to consider. Security is not just about whether the lock physically can turn, it is also about the technology and the condition of the hardware at any age. The following signs may encourage homeowners to contact a professional door technician to review the strength and security of the door lock.
- Mechanical Failure: One of the most obvious reasons to call a professional door expert is when the door lock simply stops working properly. If it is necessary to jig the keys or pull the door handle upward to ensure the deadbolt closes properly, this is a sign of potential mechanical fatigue and failure. These are not inconveniences to disregard, these are signs that the lock may be on the verge of failure.
- Mechanical Wear & Tear: Rust or corrosion is a sign of compromised metal. Take a close look at the lock, especially inside the keyway, for signs of visible rust. Loose components or difficulty turning the lock are also signs of mechanical wear and tear that may feel wobbly or unusual when locking the door.
- After Moving Into a New Home: After a move, it is important to replace the door locks, regardless if the property is a brand new build or a character home in an established area. For new builds, many developers use a set of construction master keys during the building process. While these keys are typically designed to be deactivated once the new owner’s key is used, errors may occur and door locks may be compromised.
- After an Attempted Forced Entry: If the home has been targeted in an attempted break in, it is crucial that the door locks be replaced immediately. Even if no one was able to enter the home, the force may cause hairline fractures in the deadbolt or the strike plate, which causes the door lock to become compromised, even if it is still working.
- With The Evolution of Security Technology: Homeowners may be interested in replacing the door locks with new lock technology. Many Canadians are moving towards smart home integration, which replaces traditional deadbolts with a smart lock that allows for keyless entry, remote monitoring, and the ability to provide digital keys to guests or service workers.
- Changes in Lifestyle or Household Updates: It is not uncommon for the change in door locks to stem from the people inside the home. Significant life changes should prompt a consideration towards door lock replacement, such as roommate changes, lost keys, or a service transition with a cleaning service, such as a dog walker or others who may have had physical keys to the property.
Door Locks: Re-Key or Replace?
Our team of door experts are often asked if the door lock needs a complete replacement of entirely new hardware, or if it is sufficient to simply re-key the existing locks.
Re-keying the door lock involves changing the internal pins so that a new key will work with the same lock, while the old keys will no longer work. Replacing the door lock with brand new hardware involves installing a new housing system with internal mechanisms. We recommend a full replacement, especially when the hardware is older, damaged, or requires an update.
The Benefits of a Professional Installation
As the saying goes, a great product installed poorly will underperform a mediocre product installed correctly. In this case, a high quality door lock is only as good as its installation. If the strike plate is not secured properly or does not use the correct screws, the efficacy and security of the door is compromised. Professional door lock installation services ensure that the proper screws are correctly positioned, providing the structural integrity needed to keep the home safe and secure.
From simple door lock upgrades to heavy duty deadbolt installations, our team of experts are here to help ensure your property is protected.
