When a window breaks, you know you need to replace it. If your car tyre is flat, it is evident that you require a replacement. You know what to do if a doorknob falls off in your hand. However, did you realise you can need new locks more than once?
When to change your door locks
The first line of defence against robbers and intruders is door locks. Because the front door is one of the most common entrance sites for burglars, utilising effective locks to secure your doors is critical. Consider changing the locks on your doors following the occurrences listed below:
- You have built or bought a new house
You’ve moved into a new house and obtained ownership of the existing locks. Even if your house is fresh and the builder gives you keys to the front and back door locks, you have no way of knowing if others have duplicate keys.
Many builders utilise construction locks that are industry-specific. These utility locks are kept on doors during the construction process and recycled from house to house. Their subcontractors and suppliers are given service keys for the construction locks, making day-to-day building access easier. At the end of the job, a skilled builder will swap out construction locks for exclusive homeowner locks, but you have no way of knowing who else may have keys.
Buying a home from a current owner comes with its own set of security risks. You might get “the keys” once the sale is completed and use them to move in. However, you have no guarantee that these keys were not only copied multiple times by the prior owner but also by those earlier in the chain of possession. This includes family members, visitors, and tenants if the house was rented out.
When you buy a new house, don’t assume you’re receiving excellent lock security. It’s inexpensive and valuable insurance to change your door locks, and you’ll be able to relax in peace, especially while sleeping or in the shower.
- Your home has been broken into
Burglaries are an awful intrusion on your privacy. Not to mention pricey, they can be emotionally unpleasant. You have to think the worst when you’ve had a break-in. The worst-case scenario is that the intruders now have your keys and are in charge of your locks.Don’t take the chance, even if you have a small inventory and believe all the keys are present. You can’t be certain that the wrong people have your keys. Replacing your locks is a tiny sum to spend compared to the chance that they’ll steal the rest of your possessions again.
Numerous burglaries are carried out by forcing, picking, or tricking the locks. If your burglar used this technique of entry, it suggests your locks are weak and the break-in might easily happen again. During break-ins, locks are also broken, making them more susceptible to subsequent forced entry.
Consider insurance concerns if you’ve recently had a break-in. Your insurance company can blame you if a burglar returns after stealing your keys since you didn’t take the necessary precautions. This might disprove a later insurance claim that your door locks could have avoided.
- The completion of a renovation
During renovations, it’s typical for numerous contractors and material suppliers to require access to your house while you’re gone. This may include tile setters, painters, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and painters. Even your general contractor could be the culprit. You have no idea who the sub-contractors are or who they are connected to, even if you have complete faith in your main contractor. There is no assurance that your house keys won’t be copied and given to dodgy individuals.When renovations are finished, replacing your door locks will only cost a small portion of your entire remodelling budget. Investing in new locks provides cost-effective security.
- Door locks are old and worn out
Locks are subject to normal wear and tear, just like any device with moving parts. Door locks eventually wear out after many years of constant turning and twisting. Examine your hair for indications of stress. This could be rust or tarnish. They could be very tight or quite stiff. Your locks can be on the verge of collapse and prepared to give up without warning.Old, rusted locks are simple to pick. Burglars are aware of this and take advantage of it. New locks are difficult to unlock without the proper key since they are tight and difficult to pick.
- You have lost your keys
Sadly, this occurs way too frequently. Keys getting lost is one thing. Being locked out and having to call for someone with extra keys to come open the door is quite inconvenient. Calling a locksmith to come out and open up is extremely pricey.It’s quite another thing completely to have your keys stolen. You presume someone else has access if you lose your keys. You can be sure that keys that have been taken are in the hands of criminals, and a possible covert visit is only a matter of time. There is only one way to deal with the sense of impending violation brought on by stolen keys.
The best course of action is to replace your locks right away, regardless of whether you just misplaced your keys or your best security control gadget was stolen cunningly. Don’t let time pass in vain attempts to recover your keys. Before the cost rises, replace your locks.
Conclusion
Your top priority in terms of physical security should be a decent lock because it is the most fundamental and vital barrier against such dangers. A compromised one can make your property a tempting target for burglars, which can be a source of anxiety and stress. The best defence against such weaknesses is to always keep the doors locked and to replace outdated or unsafe locks with modern ones.
