King Locksmith Charleston Blog

Door Locks and Heat

Published on 4 years ago
This article was tagged under: EMERGENCY LOCKSMITH , Door Locks and Heat , Lock Issues
Door Locks and Heat
The experts here at King Locksmith Charleston wanted to discuss the way that mechanical door locks can be affected by the Summer sun. When it comes to security, we want to make sure that our clients are as covered as possible. Sometimes, we recommend replacing keys and locks during the summer if you are working with older locks, as they can often break during this season. Here’s why.

Deadbolts and Heat

Doors need to be installed with the utmost care and precision. When keys are placed inside locks and twisted, the lock mechanism is supposed to retract when the door is being opened, or extend out when it’s being locked. When the lock is exposed to heat, you might find that it’s not as easy to turn, or that you might not be able to lock it at all. Sometimes, the door warps in the heat, affecting the lock’s operation. Many doors are wooden, a material which is vastly affected by heat and humidity, expanding during the Summer. This slight swelling will change the way that the locks function, and your ability to keep your house secure.  

House Keys and Heat Sensitivity

All mechanical objects are affected by the Spring and Summer heat. Keys will expand even when in hands, your pockets, or a backpack or purse. They are subject to lots of wear and tear as they get thrown around alot - wear which exponentially increases due to the heat. During the Summer, your keys might sustains serious distortion, leaving them unable to fit inside your lock.  

Expert Door Service in the Heat

Make sure that a licensed door expert installs your doors and locks to keep them working correctly. You want to make sure that your home is secure, as the majority of burglaries take place during the Spring and Summer. Have an expert inspect your security locks to see if they lock and unlock correctly, and if you have wooden doors, consider applying heat and moisture protective coating to them before the weather gets even hotter.