Written by Rachel Green
When we think of extreme weather, immediately our minds go to things such as roofs, windows, and garages. But have you ever thought about how climate and temperature changes affect something as minute yet important as your home’s locks? Locks are the heart of a house, in terms of security, but extremely hot or cold temperatures with humidity result in lock malfunction or accelerated deterioration. Understanding exactly how temperature fluctuations affect your locks-and how to treat them-may stop sudden problems and keep your home safe.
Let’s see, by specification, the way different climate conditions affect locks and what you can do to maintain them in perfect condition.
1. Thermal Expansion and Deformation of Metals
When temperatures become rather hot – as is common on very hot summer days or for an extended time – the metals in locks expand. When this happens, the lock tends to stick, making it hard to put in a key or to turn the key. You may have realized this when, during very hot summers, what was once an easy turn of the key suddenly feels jammed or tight.
Metal expansion in locks can cause minor deformation that may affect the inner alignments of the lock. If that is the case, then the locking mechanism will not engage or disengage properly, which undermines the security at your house.
What You Can Do:
If you live in a very hot region, then regular checks of your locks are necessary. Apply a graphite-based lubricant to the locks to reduce friction and allow them to function smoothly in hot conditions. If you continue to have problems, change them with high-quality locks that can put up considerably well with fluctuations in temperature.
2. Cold Weather Contraction and Frozen Locks
On the other hand, very low temperatures shrink the metal, which can make locks shrink just enough to become misaligned. This is why you sometimes have trouble in winter turning a key inside your lock or, worse—your lock freezes completely.
Frozen locks are a pretty common problem when the weather gets cold. There’s probably nothing worse than finding that one of your most used exterior doors-or even worse, your garage door-is frozen shut. The moisture in the lock freezes and blocks the mechanism so you can’t open the lock from either the inside or outside. This isn’t just a huge pain; it also puts your house in jeopardy when you aren’t able to properly secure your door.
What You Can Do:
A silicone-based lubricant, applied on the lock, might help to keep moisture away. If one does freeze, never try pouring hot water on a frozen lock, as hot water may let more moisture in its way into the lock, only to freeze again later on. Otherwise, one can use either a lock de-icer or a hairdryer for the gradual thawing of the lock. For longer-term prevention, insulating door frames and upgrading to weather-resistant locks can make a big difference.
3. Humidity and Rust
High humidity levels or frequent rain lead to the development of rust in locks, especially for those created out of iron or steel. With time, rust will have been gnawing at the metal, weakening the structure with which the lock operates and rendering its operation problematic. Rust also increases the possibility that the key could break off inside the lock, which is frustrating and costly to fix.
Humidity doesn’t just affect metal; it is not kind to wooden doors either. Swollen wood can cause the door to press tightly against the frame, putting additional stress on the lock when it is turned or forcing the door latch to misalign.
What You Can Do:
Protect your locks from rust using a rust-resistant spray, or opt for stainless steel locks, which don’t easily corrode. Cleaning regularly and using water-resistant lubricant will get your locks working fine. If you have a hunch that your door swells with humidity, schedule sanding of the edges to reduce friction and further damage.
4. Moisture and Smart Locks
As handy and safe as smart locks can be, even they are susceptible to the whims of weather. Too much moisture prevents the electronics within smart locks from working properly or simply drains them of their power. In areas with heavy rain or highly humid regions, water could seep into either the mechanism of a lock or into its battery.
**What You Can Do:
You should also consider smart locks that are designed for use outdoors and those featuring weatherproof coatings if you reside in an area experiencing high humidity or constant rain. Most times, smart locks come with protective covers or seals that help to keep moisture out, but for those times when your lock doesn’t, you can always invest in a weatherproof case that extends the life of the lock. It’s best to check the battery levels inside the smart lock, because extremely cold temperatures tend to drain batteries much faster.
5. Regular Lock Maintenance
Wherever you live, regular lock maintenance is necessary for your house to remain secure. In that regard, you can prevent a lot of problems associated with extreme temperatures in many locks by merely cleaning them and lubricating them a couple of times a year, especially before winter and summer starts. Where your locks wear out or are starting to give problems, consider replacing them with new good-quality locks that will easily tolerate extreme weather conditions.
Conclusion
Temperature extremes, humidity, and moisture all can take a toll on your home’s locks, affecting their operation and performance to provide the expected security for your home. Be it extremely hot or bitterly cold, highly humid, knowing how different types of weather affects your locks makes it possible to take proactive steps toward protecting them.
Simple upkeep, decent lubrication, and updating the mechanical parts to weather-resistant materials will see the locks in your house glide with you through weather particularities. Well-kept locks are just protecting your home but can give you a whole lot of peace of mind in that your security is in good hands.