When Should I Replace My Locks?

Strong security is one of the best investments you can make for your Atlanta, Georgia home. Before you consider security systems and alarms, however, you should focus on the foundation of your home’s security: the door locks. High-quality door locks and deadbolts that are in good repair form the main line of defense against intruders. Having your door locks professional replaced is sometimes a crucial factor of keeping your home safe. Since changing your door locks doesn’t happen often, however, it’s easy to follow the temptation to put it off. The following is a list of the times when it’s suitable to consider having your locks changed. While it’s always your decision as the homeowner, this can act as a helpful guide. 

Remember, if you have your locks changed, always have any spare keys that you may possess replaced as well. Locksmiths always recommend that you have a backup set of keys kept in a safe place to avoid a lockout. For key duplication, lock change service, and other necessary lock and key services to maintain and optimize your home security in Atlanta, Georgia, trust on a reputable locksmith. The more proactive you are regarding your home security 

When You Should Have Your Locks Changed  

• If You’ve Just Moved to a New House: This step is especially required if your home was pre-owned, but even if your house is a new build, if there’s any chance that anyone else may have keys, it’s best to err on the side of caution and have your locks changed or rekeyed. If you rent your residence, it’s best to ask your landlord or property manager before having your locks changed, since it’s often prohibited in a lease.  
• If You’ve Misplaced Your Keys: Nearly all of us have experienced temporarily losing our keys from time to time. Usually you end up finding them after retracing your steps. Sometimes, however, you discover that you’ve truly lost your keys. If that’s the case for you, consider having your door locks changed or rekeyed as soon as possible if there’s any way that your keys could be acquired by someone else. Remember, anyone with their hands on the right keys can walk right into your home.  

• If Your Keys Were Stolen: An even more urgent scenario that’s similar that the last one is if you have evidence to believe your keys were directly stolen. Whether it was from the pocket of your coat at work, or when you set them down on the counter at the grocery store, if you’re convinced that your keys were stolen, contact a locksmith to change out your locks right away. Even if your keys are eventually returned to you by a supposed good Samaritan, it’s cheap and fast to have a house key copied. It’s better to be safe than sorry.   
• If Your Locks are Worn Out/Damaged: It’s normal for lock hardware to become worn down over the years, especially when they’re as frequently used as most home door locks. Over time, even the internal components of even the most sturdy lock will begin to wear down and round out. Locks can become damaged if too much moisture finds its way inside and causes rust to develop on the metal. While the exterior of most locks is often rust-resistant steel, the internal components are sometimes made of more vulnerable metals.  
• After a Break-In: Another time when changing your locks may seem like a no-brainer, but still requires mentioning: if someone has broken in to your property. In these cases, often the lock is completely damaged, along with the doorframe and door in many cases. Replacing all of these elements is important, but it’s also crucial to consider whether you should boost your security. Your current lock protection has already proved insufficient, so to prevent a repeat of the situation in the future, consider upgrading your locks.    
• After a Break-Up: Not all break-ups go smoothly, especially if there were hard feelings on either side. Whether it’s a messy divorce or the end of a long relationship in which you were roommates with your significant other, the aftermath of a breakup can cause people to act less rationally than they normally would. If your ex had keys to your home, it may be best to have the locks changed once they leave, especially if you’re concerned for your safety.  

Lock Change or Rekey Service? 

We previously mentioned rekey service, which you may or may not have heard of. So what is rekey service and how is it different from a lock change? Lock change is just that, changing out the entire old lock mechanism and replacing it with a new one, usually of the same type. Rekeying requires a professional locksmith. It consists of a more complicated process that involves taking the entire lock mechanism apart, replacing and reconfiguring the pins inside, and replacing the lock. The process shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes for a qualified locksmith. 

All the previous keys that used to work to open the lock will be rendered ineffective after the lock is rekeyed, and only the new key will work. Rekey service is often an option if your lock mechanism is in relatively new and in good shape, and you’re just looking to have the key configuration itself changed, such as if you’ve lost your key or lent it to someone whom you no longer want access. Rekeying is usually less expensive than a full lock change, but it doesn’t add anything additional in terms of security for your lock. Ask your locksmith professional if you’re interested in rekeying to see if it’s applicable in your situation.  

If the time has come to have your locks changed or rekeyed, it pays to have the service performed by a trustworthy, experienced locksmith company, such as Lilburn Pro Locksmith LLC in Atlanta, Georgia. Ensuring that your security is effective, starting by making sure you’re locks are up to the task of keeping your doors and windows protected, will go a long way toward protecting you, your family, and your valuables.