You are responsible for the security of your home. Any type of intrusion or violation can have a devastating effect on your financial and emotional health. To protect your property from intruders and burglars, you must do everything possible like doing a lock change.
A lock is your most important defense against threats. It should be your priority when it comes to physical security. If your lock is compromised, it can cause stress and anxiety as negative elements could use your property as a lucrative target.
Let’s take a look at how often you should change home locks to keep your place safe and sound.
When to Change Locks on House
Locksmiths are often asked the question about the frequency of changing door locks. Your locks should be current to protect your home, belongings, and loved ones. Here are a few reasons you should replace locks on house.
1. Moving Into a New House
It is recommended that you change home locks when moving into a new house. It is impossible to know the history of the lock installation and who the previous owners were.
2. When Someone Moves Out
You should also change house locks if someone moves out of your home. Doing so ensures that your old key, along with any copies, won’t grant anyone else access. It doesn’t matter if the person who moved out is your friend, roommate, or ex, you want to be sure that they have no malicious intent.
3. After a Break In
You should change your house door locks if you’ve been a victim of a break-in. If the intruder, or an accomplice decides to return, a new lock (often stronger) can help protect you.
Intruders or burglars can either bypass your locks using the same technique or a key they stole during their last break in. Future intruders will also be more likely to target locks that have been damaged by previous break-ins.
You might consider upgrading your home security after a break in. This could include alarms, CCTV, and locks.
4. Lost Key
The first thing you might do after losing a key is to replace it. But if you don’t know where the key is, and don’t know who has access to it, so your home may not be secure.
Although it may seem like a hassle, replacing a lost key with a new lock is much easier and more cost-effective than having your home robbed.
5. Damaged or Faulty Lock
You need to change locks immediately if you have ever tried to get a lock to work just so you could get in. Intruders can exploit weaknesses and damage locks. Doing a lock change in this case is a smart choice.
6. Every Seven Years
Like any other part in the house, door locks are subject to wear-and-tear. They will eventually need to be replaced, so they function properly, with no problems, and according to the most recent home security standards. You should change locks every seven years. However, it is a good idea to do so more often for security reasons or simply to upgrade.
Replacing Vs. Rekeying
Two methods can be used to change home locks: replacing or rekeying. Both methods ensure that no old keys are used to open locks.
Door locks can be replaced by removing the old lock and replacing it with a new one. On the other hand, rekeying means that the old lock is left as it is, but the key will be changed to a new one.
If you want to replace locks or upgrade to higher-security locks, or if there are locks from different brands in your home and you need to unlock them all with one key.
Rekeying is when you are satisfied with the lock installation and don’t want to change it. It is used to replace old keys and to open multiple locks with the same key.
Why Hire Professional Locksmiths to Change Home Locks
There are many videos and articles on the internet that explain how to change locks. Although many DIY projects can be completed by amateurs, there are still some important tasks that require professional attention. Any work related to locks or security should only be left to professional locksmiths. You might be able to save money by changing house door locks yourself, but you may make costly mistakes later that could end up costing you more and putting your family at risk. Changes in house locks are best done by professionals. Here’s why.
1. Has Professional Training
The professional locksmith services have a team of highly trained technicians. They can handle all types of jobs, including replacements and repairs. They have the expertise to solve all locksmith problems. They are equipped with the right tools and equipment to restore everything to its original condition.
They also receive extensive training, where they are tested on different locks and learn how they work. They are able to repair any lock, even ones they’ve never seen before.
2. Has the Right Tools and Experience
A locksmith’s experience and tools are the most important reason to hire them. You will have more problems if you try to fix a lock with the wrong tools or lack training. You could end up damaging the lock, door, or frame if you attempt to change home locks yourself. It could end up costing you more than it would have been to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith is more trustworthy because they are experienced and have the right tools.
3. Provides High-Security Locks
Hardware stores will likely sell locks that are easy to pick, and with a low-grade lock quality, your home becomes vulnerable to negative elements.
Locksmiths provide pick-resistant locks with high-security than those you’d find at a hardware store.
4. Offers Multiple Services
Even if you know how to change locks yourself, a professional’s way of changing locks is done seamlessly.
Moreover, many locksmith firms offer a wide variety of services, like installing master keys, back door security devices, keyless access systems, and buzzer entry system. They also provide 24-hour home lockout services, high-security lock installation, and lock maintenance/repair service.
The long-term benefits of hiring a professional locksmith outweigh doing DIY.
5. Does Fast Replacement
Professional locksmith companies have a team of highly qualified experts who are familiar with all types of locks. They are available 24 hours a day, so they can respond quickly and are easily accessible.
In most cases, a new security system can be installed in less than 24 hours. This is because the work is done professionally and there are no errors to fix later.
6. Gives Helpful Advice
A locksmith can offer you advice because of years of experience on the job. He/She may recommend options you didn’t consider, including ways on how to take care of your locks and increase the security of your place.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Changing Locks Often
While having a lock change can be easily done, knowing these preventive measures ensures that your locks don’t need to be changed too often.
- Keep your keys secure and away from prying eyes.
- Keep track of the keys and their copies.
- Give keys and copies only to people you trust.
- Do not put your address on the keys.
- Get a keyless entry system.
- Get your locks installed by a professional locksmith.
Alpine Lock & Safe Keeps Your Place Secure
Call Alpine Lock & Safe, your residential locksmith services in Vail, if you need to your house locks changed to keep your place safe and sound.
Our professional locksmiths are adept at handling emergency services, rekeying, doing key duplicates, and maintenance. Call us now for a quotation.
