As summer comes to an end and the evenings begin to draw in, September is a good time to give your home's security a quick check.
Locks and doors are easy to take for granted when they're working properly. However, a lock that has become stiff, a UPVC door that needs an extra push to close or a key that has become increasingly difficult to turn can all be warning signs that something needs attention.
At GPM Locksmith, we provide locksmith and security services throughout Colchester and the surrounding areas. Here are seven simple checks homeowners can make as we head into autumn.
1. Check Your Front Door Lock
Start with the entrance you use most often.
Your front door should close properly and the lock should operate smoothly without having to force the key.
Look out for warning signs such as:
A key becoming difficult to turn
Having to jiggle the key inside the lock
A loose door handle
A lock that feels unusually stiff
Having to push or pull the door before it locks
A key becoming bent or worn
If something doesn't feel right, don't wait until the lock fails completely.
A locksmith can inspect the lock and identify whether it needs adjusting, repairing or replacing.
2. Don't Forget Your Back and Side Doors
Home security isn't just about the front door.
Back doors, side entrances and utility-room doors can sometimes receive much less attention, despite potentially providing another route into your home.
Check that each external door closes securely and that its locking mechanism works correctly.
If you haven't used a particular door very often during the summer, now is a good opportunity to check it before autumn and winter arrive.
3. Check Your UPVC and Composite Door Locks
Many homes across Colchester and North Essex have UPVC or composite doors fitted with multi-point locking mechanisms.
These systems can provide excellent security, but they contain several components that can eventually wear or become misaligned.
You may notice:
The handle becoming difficult to lift
The key becoming stiff
The door needing to be pulled towards you before it locks
The mechanism making unusual noises
The door no longer aligning correctly with the frame
These symptoms shouldn't be ignored.
Continuing to force a failing mechanism could eventually leave you unable to lock the door – or unable to open it.
4. Check Patio and French Doors
Patio doors and French doors are often used regularly throughout the summer as we spend more time in the garden.
As autumn approaches, check that they still close and lock correctly.
Make sure you know where the keys are and inspect the handles, locks and mechanisms for anything that feels loose, stiff or unusual.
If a patio or French door isn't locking properly, it's worth getting the problem investigated rather than simply leaving it until spring.
5. Check Your Window Locks
Your windows form another important part of your home's security.
Check accessible windows in particular, including those on the ground floor or next to extensions, garages and other areas that may make them easier to reach.
Make sure they:
Close completely
Lock properly
Have working handles
Aren't becoming difficult to operate
If a UPVC window has become stuck, won't close or has a faulty locking mechanism, a locksmith may be able to repair the problem without replacing the entire window.
6. Check Your Garage, Shed and Outbuildings
Garages, sheds and workshops can contain thousands of pounds' worth of belongings, including bicycles, tools, gardening equipment and other valuables.
Yet their locks are sometimes considerably less secure than those protecting the main house.
As the evenings become darker, check:
Garage door locks
Side garage doors
Shed locks
Padlocks
Gates
Workshop doors
If a lock is badly corroded, damaged or no longer working correctly, autumn is a sensible time to replace it..
7. Deal With Stiff Locks Before They Become an Emergency
One of the most useful things you can do is pay attention to the warning signs your locks are already giving you.
A lock rarely becomes difficult to operate for no reason.
If your key is getting harder to turn, the handle is becoming stiff or you're having to force the door into position, there may be an underlying problem.
Getting it checked early could prevent the inconvenience of a complete failure later.
Nobody wants to discover their front door won't unlock when they're standing outside on a cold, dark evening.
When Should You Call a Locksmith?
You don't necessarily need to wait until you're locked out before calling a locksmith.
Consider getting professional advice if:
Your key regularly sticks in the lock
A lock has become stiff
Your UPVC door won't lock properly
Your door has dropped or become misaligned
A handle is loose or difficult to operate
You've lost a set of keys
You're unsure about the security of an existing lock
A window or patio door won't lock securely
A locksmith can assess the problem and advise whether adjustment, repair or replacement is the most appropriate solution.
Can a Locksmith Carry Out a Home Security Check?
Yes.
If you're unsure about the security of your home, a professional security consultation can help identify potential weaknesses.
Rather than automatically replacing locks, the aim should be to understand what you already have and identify areas that genuinely require attention.
This can include checking external doors, existing locks, UPVC locking mechanisms, windows and other access points around the property.
Local Locksmith in Colchester
GPM Locksmith provides professional locksmith services for homeowners, landlords and businesses throughout Colchester and the surrounding areas.
We can help with:
Emergency lockouts
Lock repairs
Replacement locks
Broken key removal
UPVC door and window lock problems
Faulty locking mechanisms
Home security advice
Security consultations
We cover Colchester and surrounding areas including Wivenhoe, Ardleigh, Dedham, Great Horkesley, Manningtree, Tiptree, Brightlingsea, Harwich, Clacton and nearby North Essex villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has my door lock suddenly become stiff?
There can be several causes, including wear within the lock, door misalignment or a problem with the locking mechanism. If the lock is becoming increasingly difficult to operate, it's sensible to have it checked before it fails.
Can a locksmith repair a UPVC door lock?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the fault, a locksmith may be able to repair or replace the cylinder, gearbox or another part of the multi-point locking mechanism.
Should I replace a lock if the key is difficult to turn?
Not necessarily. The problem should first be diagnosed. It could relate to the lock itself or the alignment of the door.
Can a locksmith repair window locks?
Yes, many problems with UPVC window locks, handles and locking mechanisms can be repaired without replacing the complete window.
Is autumn a good time for a home security check?
Yes. Before the darker autumn and winter evenings arrive, it's a useful opportunity to check that doors, windows and other access points are closing and locking correctly.
Do I need to be locked out to call an emergency locksmith?
No. If a lock or door has failed and you cannot properly secure your home, you may also need urgent locksmith assistance.
Need a Locksmith in Colchester?
If you've noticed a lock becoming stiff, a UPVC door that isn't closing properly or another problem with your home security, don't wait for it to become an emergency.
Contact GPM Locksmith for friendly, professional locksmith services across Colchester and the surrounding areas.
We can assess the problem, explain the available options and help make sure your property is secure as we head into the darker autumn months.
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