When You Should Have Locks Replaced
Making sure that you have strong, stable locks on your doors will be the first defense against unauthorized intrusion. While it is important that you make sure all of the locks you have are always locked, you should know that even then, they can still be broken. There are plenty of situations that may call for a new lock to be installed. Whenever you do require new locks, give us a call at Pflugerville Locksmiths in Pflugerville, TX. Our professional locksmiths know how to replace your locks. You shouldn’t hesitate to have your home locks changed when you discover that you need new locks, if you don’t want to take any chances of a break in. You can’t just expect to receive the help of any locksmith service; you’ll need a responsive and effective locksmith service, such as the ones that you’ll find at Pflugerville Locksmiths.
If you’re wondering when you should have your locks replaced, consider the following:
Moving: If you’re moving into a new home, let us know about it and we’ll get on top of things right away. You can’t afford to leave the same locks on the door because the previous tenants may decide to return whenever they like. If you bought a home and there was a lockbox that contained the house key, this meant that any of those agents would be able to gain access into the home. Any of them could simply make a copy of the key and come back once you are all moved in. Even the previous owners or their family members might have a key to the house. It would definitely be in your best interest to have another lock installed to avoid the possibility of someone from breaking in. It’s often suggested that you do this even if your home is newly built.
Worn Locks: If you have locks then you might already know that they all experience normal wear and tear after so long. Locks that are worn out and rusted can become very problematic. They are also very easily compromised. You should check your locks occasionally for signs of wearing, tarnish, and rust. If you discover these things then you need to contact a locksmith to replace these locks for you.
You’re Home Has Been Burglarized: If someone has been able to compromise your locks this means they will definitely need to be replaced. Perhaps they have broken in through a window or basement. If you had a key lying around your home, they could have taken it or made a copy simply to come back later to steal your belongings. Make sure you buy another lock and have it installed as soon as possible.
Lost/Stolen Keys: Your keys may have fallen into the hands of the wrong person. When you’re unable to locate your keys, don’t just assume that you have misplaced them. Consider the possibility that they have been stolen and don’t take any chances. Contact a locksmith right away to have your locks changed.
New Renovation: Whenever you are having some work performed in your home by contractors, someone probably has a copy of the keys to your home. You can’t be sure that your contractor has been able to successfully keep your keys in their sight the entire time they have been working on your property. You might trust your contractor but it doesn’t mean that you can trust everyone who works with your contractor. It is better to veer on the side of caution.
The End of Rental Agreements: Whenever your roommate has moved out or a rental tenant, you should have the locks changed. This helps to protect you and any new tenants or roommates that you move in later. You should do this even if the old tenant or roommate has turned in their keys. You just never know who else might have a key.
Breakup/Divorce: If you have just gone through a breakup or divorce, this is also a good time to consider having your locks changed. Anytime anyone moves out of a home they are sharing with someone else, the remaining person should always have the locks changed right after the other person has vacated the premises. Again, you just never know who else they may have handed a key to. They might not even realize that they have given someone else a spare key.
Cheap Locks: Builder grade locks are not very sturdy. They offer the least amount of security. They are often chosen because they can easily be accessed with a bump key or any common burglar tools. You don’t have to make it any easier for a thief to gain access. Upgrade your locks so that you can have better protection for your home.
How to Upgrade Existing Door Locks
Rekeying Locks: If you don’t want the expense of changing all of your locks, you might consider rekeying your locks. It’s easy for our locksmiths and less expensive to simply change the locks.
Buy Smart Locks: When you’re upgrading your locks consider upgrading to the latest and most comprehensive type of lock today, a smart lock. All they require is a code to gain access. You can even hand out temporary codes instead of having several different keys made. If you have a babysitter, dog walking or contractor coming back and forth to your home, it’s probably a good idea to have the codes changed every time they are no longer working for you. Changing the smart lock codes makes it easier than changing the locks.
There are plenty of options to choose from when you a looking for ways of upgrading your home security. We highly suggest that you make sure you change your locks whenever the above situations arise. Save yourself the time and frustration of a break in by having your locks changed as soon as possible. Make life easier on yourself by assessing your locks today and having them changed as soon as possible.
