As we welcome the new year, many will make resolutions to improve their lives. But few consider the importance of securing their home to protect what matters most. Replacing ineffective and old locks with advanced new ones from a professional locksmith is like a fresh start. You can literally “turn the key” on a safer new year!
Outdated, faulty locks pose serious risks of break-ins that new, high-quality locks can prevent. This article outlines signs you need new locks, types of locks to upgrade to, finding a qualified locksmith, additional security investments, and ongoing lock maintenance. We’ll equip you with expert guidance to fully secure homes in the new year through our reliable services at Alpha Locksmith London.
Rusting, Sticking, or Jamming Locks
If locks frequently rust, stick, or jam when turning keys or moving the lock mechanism, the inner components are likely worn down from metal fatigue and corrosion. This prevents reliable latching, making it easier to force open doors. Sticking suggests parts may break soon.
Keys Breaking Off
Keys suddenly snapping off inside keyways points to internal damage allowing locks to seize up when turning. This indicates a faulty and end-of-life lock, which means the lodged key tip must be extracted and the cylinder must be replaced.
Doors Not Latching Properly
If doors or bolts easily shift, pop open, or don’t fully close or extend into frames when locked, external components are probably loose or warped. This slack allows forcing open doors and easy unauthorized entry, meaning locks can’t perform their job securing entrances.
Outdated Lock Types
Older lock designs lack modern protective features like reinforced steel alloys to resist drilling or cutting, dual locking points to prevent leverage attacks, and pick or bump resistance. Outdated vulnerable locks are like decorations, not serious barriers.
Rekeying vs. Replacement
Rekeying changes the key combination without replacing lock hardware. But if locks are already defective, replacement provides full security by installing new high-grade locks and a new key system from scratch.
Lock Types to Consider
Upgrading home locks goes beyond just replacing like for like. Consider taking advantage of modern options that improve both safety and convenience. These are the top options to discuss with your locksmith:
Smart Locks and Keyless Entry
Keyless smart locks allow unlocking doors through key codes, smartphones, or biometrics like fingerprints. They provide easy access control, temporary virtual keys for visitors, and remote monitoring. You don’t have to hide your keys under mats!
Solid Deadbolts
A sturdy secondary deadbolt lock on all exterior doors prevents the vulnerabilities of relying solely on spring latches. Attackers forcing latch gaps can’t easily defeat solid deadbolts extending deep into door frames.
High-Security Locks
For ultimate residential protection, upgrade to high-security locks. Their unique shape, size, and rotation variations make picking extremely difficult even for lock experts, unlike generic locks.
Access Control Systems
Managed access control systems allow administrators to control permissions for which credentials open which device. This provides convenient yet customized access permissions across multiple smart locks without rekeying each individually.
Find a Professional Locksmith
For new lock installation, only trust an insured locksmith company with trained technicians and experience with all lock types. Check reviews and compare quotes to find the best value. Avoid bait-and-switch tactics demanding much higher payments later.
We recommend Alpha Locksmith London. As trusted and ethical local lock experts for years, we offer transparent quotes, locksmithing mastery, friendly technicians, and cost-effective services customers rave about. Whether you need a few new deadbolts or a full access control system overhaul, our knowledgeable staff make the process smooth from start to finish.
Always get itemized quotes first, even from well-reviewed companies. Unauthorized scammers pretend to be locksmiths during emergencies, provide no paperwork, then inflate prices. Legitimate lock professionals like us are happy to provide license and insurance information upfront. Protect yourself by verifying!
Process of Installing New Locks
Replacing old locks with new, high-security locks is a multi-step process best left to the professional locksmiths at Alpha Locksmith London. We guide customers seamlessly through initial consultations, customizing the purchase materials, professional installation, and follow-up.
Initial Consultation
We first require a phone or email consultation to discuss your specific security needs and goals before scheduling an on-site meeting. Afterwards, we meet at your property to inspect all doors and locks, discuss any vulnerabilities noticed, and make detailed recommendations on ideal new lock models to meet your security goals and budget.
Purchasing Materials
Next, we provide quotes for specialized, high-security locks in various price tiers for you to select from. We order and prepare customized lock cylinders, hardware, and duplicate new keys coded for your locks upon purchase confirmation.
Professional Installation
Our uniformed technicians arrive with all the necessary tools to complete the full installation process efficiently without damages or complications to your doors, frames, and surrounding surfaces.
New Lock Feature Demo
After ensuring proper functioning, our technicians demonstrate testing all provided keys and education on using any new smart features. These features may include keypads, auto-locking, or key-free capabilities that are different from your previous locks.
Additional Home Security Upgrades
While new and high-grade locks provide the essential barrier to intruders, other weaknesses like doors, windows, and outdoor areas should also be addressed.
Reinforced Doors and Windows
Upgrading to reinforced metal doors and window frames prevents forcing entry, even if attackers manage to compromise locks. Hinge or strike plate upgrades also helps.
Security Lighting and Cameras
Installing motion-sensor floodlights and surveillance camera systems provides monitoring and evidence if properties are disturbed when vacant. Doing so also deters criminals who fear identification!
Alarm Systems
Monitored alarm systems with perimeter sensors and interior motion detectors ensure real-time alerts to authorities and emergency dispatch in criminal break-ins. On the other hand, unmonitored systems simply trigger loud sounders to scare intruders.
Access Control Upgrades
Securing side gates, garage doors, and community access points limits the access vulnerabilities beyond just your front door lock. Installing smart intercoms systems for screening guests and deliveries without opening entrances also helps control access. Additionally, investing in secured mailboxes deters potential mail theft when away from home.
Ongoing Lock Maintenance
Properly maintaining new locks keeps them working for years before needing full replacement again. That’s why we recommend our clients the following measures:
Lubricating and Cleaning
Apply lubricant spray and clean keyways regularly to prevent rust and debris buildup. Use spray lubricants designed specifically for lock mechanisms, as thicker oils can gum up precision parts. Focus cleaning on the keyway channel and internal barrel rather than exterior lock bodies to maintain smooth key entry.
Key Control Policies
Limit duplicated keys, store spares securely, and track all keyholders. Change lock combinations and disable lost keys if unknown persons gain access. Consider storing backup keys in a secure box that only trusted individuals can access if primary keys become inaccessible. Create a written log to record all working keys, lock change dates, and authorized duplications.
Testing Keys
Attempt unlocking doors with all current keys periodically to catch any potential breakages early and avoid being stuck in lockout emergencies. Test less frequently used keys like spares or secondary entrances that may encounter issues before primary keys show signs of problems. Make testing all keys a regular routine.
Determining Whether to Rekey or Replace Locks
Assess functioning issues to determine if rekeying solves problems, or if total lock replacement is necessary for worn hardware beyond just key coding changes. If locks cannot latch properly even after lubrication and cleaning, the internal components likely need replacement. Our technicians can advise whether refurbishing locks is appropriate or new hardware is the safer solution.
Upgrade Home Security With Alpha Locksmith London
Ensuring home safety should be a priority, especially entering a new year. Outdated, defective locks pose serious risks of break-ins and property damage that new, modern high-security locks can mitigate. Alpha Locksmith London is the trusted local expert at specifying, installing, and maintaining all residential and commercial lock types to the highest standards. Don’t wait until you experience lock failures to upgrade security. Contact us at 519-914-0921 or alphalocksmithlondon@gmail.com for replacing old locks with new secure locks, reinforced doors, and monitored alarm systems. We are happy to provide consultations and competitive pricing for total peace of mind!
