Home security is vital to a safe residence, and the most basic form of home security is your door locks. Even with today’s ever growing technology and smart security systems, the locks on your exterior doors remain your home’s main line of defense against burglars and intruders. While residential door locks do not need to be regularly updated like other aspects of home maintenance, there are certain situations that warrant replacing your home’s locks. First Lock & Security Technologies outline some of the circumstances you should have the locks on your home changed below.
Change Locks when You Buy a New House
When you buy a new house, one of the most important tasks on your list should be to change all the locks on the house. Even if you have been told that you have been given the only set of keys for the home, you will want to make sure there is no chance that the previous homeowners or any of their friends, relatives, or other acquaintances have a key to get in. After all, when you buy a home there is simply no telling how many copies of the keys are out there floating around. It is always wise to change the locks just in case.
Old or Worn Door Locks Should Be Replaced
Over time your locks become worn out from daily wear and tear. Eventually you may find it becomes difficult to lock and unlock your door using the key. Older locks may be easier to pick and break open due to their worn parts. This dramatically decreases the level security provided. Locks that are harder to turn also run the risk of causing your key to break off in the lock due to the extra force needed to try and turn the lock. Homes with old, worn out locks are more susceptible to break-ins. If your lock is aged and worn, it is time to replace it with a brand new lock.
Should I Rekey the Locks if I Lose My House Keys?
Losing your house keys can be stressful, but the situation can be remedied. No matter whether you have lost your keys or had them stolen, it is important to change the locks as soon as possible. If you have children, you may have entrusted them with a spare key copy to let themselves into the house when you are away. If you let your child have a key and they have lost it, you never know who may have the key now. When a key is lost or stolen, it is best to change your house locks to make sure no one can enter your home.
Replace Locks after a Break In
If you have recently had your home broken into or had an attempted break-in, it is imperative you have the locks replaced. While in this circumstance, you are not necessarily concerned about spare copies of your house keys circulating, you want to be aware of damage to your existing locks as well as the lapse in security that just occurred. A damaged lock is more susceptible to future break-ins. In addition, if someone was able to compromise your locks and gain entry into your home, then it is important to realize that your locks were not secure enough. Even if your locks did not sustain any visible damage and appear to be working fine, this is a great opportunity to upgrade to higher security locks.
Locks Should Be Changed after a Breakup or Roommate Moves Out
When someone moves out, it is not always amicable. Whether it be a roommate, ex-partner or family member, it is better to be safe than sorry and have your locks changed. It is not uncommon for individuals to enter a home when they know their ex-partner or roommate will not be around, and reclaim their possessions, steal items, vandalize the house or even cause harm to the inhabitants. It is a smart idea to change your locks if you have roommates who move out, just to make sure they cannot use a key to access your home going forward.
Professional Locksmith Services in San Mateo, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Woodside, Portola Valley, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, Stanford, Mountain View, Los Altos Hills, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Campbell, Saratoga, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Milpitas & Los Altos, California
At First Lock & Security Technologies, we have years of experience rekeying and replacing locks for homes and businesses throughout the Silicon Valley area. If you have recently gone through any of the above life changes or situations and need the locks on your home changed, call us today to have a skilled locksmith upgrade your home’s security!
