How Does Weather Conditions Affect Door Locks

Changing seasons are frequently thrilling. After a long winter, people anticipate spending time outdoors in the spring’s warmer climate. As the summer draws closer, people embrace the cooler temperatures as they prepare for the upcoming holiday seasons. However, as homeowners prepare for the change in seasons, they must also consider the potential impacts of these changes on their home’s exterior locks and entrances.

Many people are unaware that when the temperature substantially rises or falls in a short period, there is a greater probability that your doors and locking systems will malfunction. Many times, apparently, odd problems with your locks can be explained by seasonal variations.

The Effects of Weather Conditions on Door Locks

Extreme temperatures in the summer or winter can have a significant effect on the door locks in your home or vehicle. The lock may be malfunctioning or hard to open. If the locking mechanism malfunctions, you may not be able to insert the key.

Let’s look at how harsh weather might impact locks:

Summer Season

Summer heat and humidity can result in excessive moisture, especially for outdoor wood doors. Higher temperatures can cause the door to swell and bend the wood around the lock, making it harder to turn.

Heat also causes plastic doors to expand, making them harder to close and causing them to jam in their frames. You can resolve this issue by waiting until the door has cooled down. You can also cover the door and lock from sun exposure, allowing enough airflow and reducing heat accumulation.

When heat damages metal door locks and uPVC mechanisms, their lubricant evaporates, and metal components expand, jamming the lock and mechanism and making them inoperable.

Although the proper lubrication application can lessen the risk, nothing that can be done if the door has expanded. You must wait for it to cool and compress.

Cold Season

Your door’s lubricant can freeze or harden in cold temperatures, preventing the metal pieces from moving together smoothly. Metal might shrink or become brittle as a result.

A frozen lock can cause structural damage due to the inability of the internal components to move. The keyway may also be blocked, making it impossible to insert a key.

How Temperature Variations Affect Various Door Locks

Vehicle Locks

Automobile locks can become susceptible to extreme temperatures. If the temperature drops below freezing point, moisture within the lock may harden, rendering it inoperable and preventing remote door actuators from functioning.

In most cases, this issue can be resolved by heating the key over an open flame before inserting it into a lock. According to a locksmith in Avon, you can also let your vehicle’s engine run for a few minutes to warm it up if it’s equipped with a remote starter. The locks will soon defrost and function normally again.

Keyless Locks

Businesses are increasingly adopting keyless locks due to their accessibility and security advantages. They do not experience the same issues as conventional locks during heatwaves and cold snaps.

However, weather can still have some effect on keyless locks. They may encounter:

• Mechanical problems: Most all-weather keyless door locks are unaffected by water, precipitation, or snow. However, they may still perform poorly in harsh conditions.
• Battery issues: Similar to cell phone batteries, extended exposure to cold temperatures shortens the lifespan of keyless door lock batteries.

Padlocks

This type of lock is less prevalent than others, yet you can use it to safeguard fences, sheds, and garages. If these locks are exposed to moisture, they can harden, making them more challenging to open.

Deadbolts

When keys are placed and twisted, the lock mechanism should retract. It should also extend when locked. If the lock is warm or hot, turning it or locking it may become difficult. Heat can sometimes deform the door and impair the performance of the lock.

 4 Preventative Actions To Protect Door Locks Against Season Change

1. Employ a professional locksmith.

Hire a competent locksmith when you wish to upgrade your locks. They will guarantee that the lock fits the door frame and that problems caused by changing weather conditions are minimized.

2. Replace exterior doors and wooden door frames.

Consider replacing wood exterior door frames with more robust, more weather-resistant alternatives. Steel, fiberglass, and aluminum are just a few of the materials accessible.

3. Oil door hinges and bolts regularly.

Make it a habit to oil your door locks regularly; it will make them simpler to turn even when the weather changes. Before applying lubricants, make sure you remove the lock.

4. Keep your door locks dry.

Ensure that the lock is dry. Keep snow and rain away from the lock by ensuring adequate shielding from overhangs, gutters, and eaves.

 Key Takeaway

Each season presents its challenges and modifications to the condition of your door locks. Suppose you find yourself suffering and unsure of what to do. In that case, it will be helpful to know some information about temperature conditions, humidity changes, and overall season cycles can do to your door locks. Additionally, consider the preventative measure mentioned above to protect your door locks from different weather conditions.