The Met Office has warned that cold Arctic air and snowy showers are set to hit the UK. Temperatures are expected to drop to as low as -1C in some areas as colder weather sweeps across the country, leaving many worried about the condition of their homes this winter.
Admiral previously reported that one in five burglary claims occur in the winter months, and with nearly 1 in 1000 homes experiencing burglary last year, home security is more important than ever as the nights get darker.
Experts at Wembley Locksmiths provide actionable tips to avoid worn-down locks this winter.
Cold weather can cause the metal in your lock to become brittle – if the lock is forced open or twisted, it’s more likely to break or fall out of place easily. Moisture from the cold can severley affect the mechanics and cause damage to the structure, hindering the proper functioning of the lock. Here are some simple and effective measures from Wembley Locksmiths to keep your locks in shape:
1. Regularly lubricate your locks
Many people will jump straight to heavier products like WD-40, as it is often to solution for similar issues, but this isn’t the case for locks. It may appear to work well initially but over time it can make your lock sticky, collect dirt and block the keyhole.
Instead, locksmiths opt for a dry lubricant like graphite powder. This can be found at any large DIY or hardware shop and only costs around £7. Simply spray the lubricant straight into the keyhole and turn the key gently to distribute it through the lock mechanism.
This will prevent moisture from getting inside, stopping rust and extending its lifespan to avoid break-ins.
2. Install lock covers
Another quick and cheap solution is installing a keyhole cover. Not only do they increase the longevity of your lock, but they help prevent draughts and give a neat appearance to the outside of your door.
Keyhole covers protect the lock mechanism from contact with water and reduce moisture. They offer protection against the cold rain, snow and ice, ultimately limiting rust, corrosion and misalignment.
You can contact your local locksmith to fit the cover or simply purchase one for under £10 and screw it in yourself – it’s an easy fix!
3. Check or adjust the door alignment
Cold temperatures can cause doors to misalign as materials can contract and expand following a change in humidity – causing extra pressure on locks.
Wooden frames, and doors, are particularly sensitive to changes. If they expand, the latch may not engage as usual and it increases the doors likelihood of not being shut correctly. To avoid this, regularly check your door alignment and where the hinges sit – adjusting them where necessary.
Check for gaps between the door and its frame, taking into consideration the tops, sides and bottom edges to make sure there is an even gap all around. Additionally, ensure the latch lines up with its plate and slides into place.
4. Warm up the key
As the weather gets colder, it’s no secret that locks become stiff. Although your first instinct may be to wiggle and force the key inside, try to avoid applying too much pressure. Doing this can lead to damage on the inside.
If you feel some resistance when twisting, consider simply warming up the key between your hands and gently turning it back and forth in an attempt to melt the ice inside.
By having a quick check over your locks and performing basic regular maintenance, they’ll stay in excellent condition throughout the winter – keeping them reliable and secure.
