You probably don’t pay too much attention to the locks in your home – unless they stop working. But did you know that some of the most common lock issues aren’t caused by the lock itself, but by the weather? Our British Climate Is changing all the time, and as the temperatures go up and down, your door locks might jam, or just not work properly. As the warmer weather approaches, here are some things to look out for.
Hot Weather Changes
As the temperatures rise in spring and summer, many homeowners and business owners will find their locks you more than usual. This mostly affects external doors. Increasing temperatures cause the door to expand slightly. You probably won’t notice anything visually, but when you try to turn the key, the lock can feel difficult to turn, or it can get stuck altogether. This is more likely to happen if you have a closed deadbolt lock, since they are compressed into the door as the frame swells around it. It’s also more likely if you have external doors and frames that are made of wood. Wood is much more prone to swelling and contracting in extreme temperatures, so if this is you, you will need to keep an eye out.
What About Cold Weather?
It’s not just the heat that plays havoc with your locks. In the long winter months when temperatures clip, you might notice your locks misbehaving. That’s because in colder weather the door frame contracts, leaving a poor fit between lock and door. Again, this tends to affect wooden doors more than any other material, as they are more affected by humidity and more likely to contract. You might find it difficult to turn your key in a deadbolt, and the lower the temperature, the harder it will get to turn.
Are Car Locks Affected?
You might think that because cars are designed to be outside, they would be resistant to temperature changes. And for the most part, they are. But When temperatures get below freezing problems can creep in. f the temperature drops low enough, moisture inside the I ck can freeze, making it impossible for a key to turn in the lock. It can even make remote keys go on the fritz! Luckily super-low temperatures aren’t that common in the UK, so it doesn’t happen often. If it does, gently heating up the key before putting it in the lock can help.
Can I Protect Against Temperature Changes?
Yes – sort of. There are some preventative measures you can take. They include:
- Work with an experienced locksmith when changing your locks. They can make sure the lock is properly fitted to the frame and reduce the chance of problems.
- Consider replacing any wooden exterior doors and frames with a more durable option like uPVC, aluminium, fibreglass and steel.
- Take the time to maintain your locks by oiling them on a regular basis. This will make it easier to turn the locks even when the weather changes.
- Keep the locks dry. For external locks, check that overhands, eaves and gutters are keeping rain away from the door.
Does The Weather Affect Keyless Locks?
In a word – no. It’s one of the big advantages of keyless locks is that they aren’t affected by a lot of the standard weather issues like cold snaps and heat waves. There are a few problems that can come up, but they are generally much easier to fix. They include things like:
- Battery drain
- Mechanical issues
- Jammed buttons
When Should I Call A Locksmith?
If the weather is very hot or very cold and you’re struggling with your locks, don’t try to force them. Instead, call a professional locksmith to help. They will be able to repair the lock, or adjust the door so that your locks work smoothly.
At My Locks, we are experts in all things locks and doors. So if you’re struggling with your locks in the upcoming warm weather, just get in touch and we can help.