5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Home’s Locks
The locks on your home are your first line of defense against unwanted visitors. While it’s easy to take them for granted, locks endure wear and tear over time and may need to be replaced periodically to maintain their effectiveness. Failing to address old, damaged, or outdated locks can leave your home vulnerable to break-ins and other security threats. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your home’s locks, here are 5 critical signs to look out for:
1. Your Locks Are Old and Outdated
Over time, locks become worn down by constant use, weather conditions, and general aging. Locks that are old and rusty can be easier to tamper with, pick, or break. Furthermore, older locks often lack the modern features and design improvements that make new locks more secure. Technological advances in the locksmith industry have brought us smart locks, deadbolts with anti-pick mechanisms, and more sophisticated locking systems. If your home’s locks have been in place for more than a decade, or if they are showing visible signs of age, it may be time to upgrade. Modern locks can give you greater peace of mind and better protection.
2. You’ve Recently Moved into a New Home
One of the first things you should do when moving into a new home is change the locks. Although previous homeowners or tenants may have handed over their keys, there’s no way to know how many copies of those keys still exist, or who may have them. Friends, family members, contractors, or even real estate agents may still have access to your new home. Changing the locks is the only way to ensure that you are the sole key holder. Rekeying the existing locks is a less expensive option if the hardware is in good condition, but for maximum security, installing new locks is often the better choice.
3. You’ve Lost Your Keys
Losing your house keys can be frustrating, but it also poses a significant security risk. Even if you think your keys were simply misplaced, there’s always the chance that someone could find them and trace them back to your home. In this situation, it’s wise not to take any chances. Instead of just having a new key made, consider changing the locks altogether. This will eliminate the risk that someone else has access to your home, and you can choose a more secure lock in the process. If losing keys is a frequent issue for you, it might be worth considering upgrading to a keyless entry system.
4. Your Locks Are Difficult to Operate
Struggling to turn the key in the lock? Does your door stick or feel uncooperative when you try to lock or unlock it? These are clear signs that your locks are either damaged or wearing out. Sticky, stiff, or jamming locks can cause major frustration, but they can also become a safety hazard. Imagine being locked out in an emergency or stuck trying to get in or out quickly. In many cases, these issues are caused by dirt buildup inside the lock or wear and tear on the internal components. If cleaning the lock or using lubrication doesn’t fix the problem, it’s probably time for a replacement. Replacing a faulty lock before it completely fails will save you from the stress of being locked out of your own home.
5. Your Home Has Been Broken Into or There’s Been an Attempted Break-In
If your home has been broken into or if someone has attempted to gain unauthorized access, your locks may be compromised. Even if the lock doesn’t appear visibly damaged, tampering with a lock can weaken its internal mechanisms, making it less effective at keeping out intruders. Additionally, the psychological effects of a break-in—feeling unsafe or vulnerable—can be alleviated by replacing your locks with newer, stronger ones. Many locksmiths also recommend upgrading to high-security locks after a break-in to provide enhanced protection against future attempts.
Why It’s Important to Replace Old or Damaged Locks
The condition of your home’s locks is often something that goes unnoticed until there’s an issue, such as a break-in or getting locked out. However, by paying attention to the warning signs and acting preemptively, you can avoid these unfortunate situations. Replacing locks not only improves the security of your home but also contributes to your overall peace of mind.
Modern locks, including smart locks, offer advanced features such as keyless entry, remote monitoring, and tamper alarms. These technologies can add an extra layer of security and convenience to your life. Beyond this, newer locks are designed with stronger materials and enhanced locking mechanisms, making them more resistant to picking, bumping, or brute-force entry methods.
When Should You Replace Your Locks?
Locks don’t come with an expiration date, but most experts recommend replacing them every 7–10 years, depending on their use and exposure to the elements. If your locks are showing any of the signs mentioned above—whether it’s frequent key jamming, signs of wear, or security concerns—it’s time to invest in a lock replacement. It’s a small price to pay for better security, and the investment will pay off in peace of mind knowing that your home is well-protected.
For professional lock replacement services, you can always trust Airborne Locksmiths to provide reliable, high-quality service tailored to your security needs. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and upgrade your home’s protection.