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Managing locks, windows and doors in the summer in Portsmouth
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Hot weather? Door stuck? No sweat! As temperatures rise, your locks, windows and doors may be affected by the heat. Sticking doors, misaligned locks and seized-up windows can affect functionality and security but there’s no need to be stuck this summer!
Protect your locks in the heat with our professional locksmith guide for essential summer lock maintenance tips and advice to keep your locks, windows and doors working smoothly, keeping your home or business safe.
Effects of hot weather on locks
As a homeowner or business, it’s important to be aware of the impact of rising temperatures on your doors, windows and locks. Is your door sticking? uPVC window seized up? Heat usually affects exterior doors the most as they are more exposed to the elements, causing them to expand, and impacting lock functionality. Summer door expansion can significantly impact your locks, causing turning difficulties, locking and access. Metal locks can expand, leading to key jamming and turning issues.
Summer weather can also affect deadbolt locks and striker plates within expanding door frames. Heat can also dry up lubricants, causing uPVC windows and doors to seize and metal lock mechanisms to bind. For smooth access, regular checks and lubrication can ensure efficient and secure functionality, even during the hottest months.
Hot weather and different doors
Wooden doors
When it comes to wooden doors, wood tends to dry out and contract in the heat, making them difficult to close. To help mitigate this, consider shading your door from direct sunlight and there is adequate ventilation within your home or property for internal doors.
Plastic and uPVC doors
Plastic and uPVC doors can also expand in the heat, causing jams and issues with lock mechanisms. Whilst giving your doors some time to cool naturally can be a good temporary fix, a more proactive solution may involve shielding your doors from direct sunlight and improving ventilation.
Metal locks and mechanisms
Also feeling the heat – metal locks and uPVC mechanisms are prone to hot weather issues. Lubricants can dry up and metal mechanisms can expand, causing door and window jams. Luckily, regular lubrication can help. Plus, shading doors and windows can also help prevent lock jamming and heat buildup for a more long-term solution.
Preventative measures
Door won’t lock when it’s hot out? We know what to do! The key to preventing weather-related issues during the summer is regular maintenance. Make sure to check and lubricate your locks at least twice annually to keep them working properly. Shading doors can also reduce direct sunlight and heat exposure, whilst proper ventilation can help internal doors.
Installing high-quality locks and materials can also help maintain your doors and windows. Speak to a professional locksmith about upgrading your doors and windows to combat hot weather issues. A local locksmith can also service and adjust your uPVC window and door locks to support easier use, fit trickle vents to windows to aid ventilation and fit cable restrictors to uPVC windows to allow them to be left open for ventilation. When it comes to striker plate realignments, a professional locksmith nearby can also help.
Conclusion
Make the most of your summer and skip common door and window issues due to heat. Protect locks from heat and being locked out after enjoying a day in the sun by taking preventative steps. These include regular checks, maintenance, shading doors, ventilation, and installing high-quality locks, materials and upgrades. Trust a professional locksmith nearby to help protect your locks during the summer, keeping your home or property secure. Owen the Locksmith provides mobile lock maintenance, door lock repairs, window lock repairs and other professional locksmith services.
You can rely on Owen for quality-assured lock repairs and summer locksmith maintenance. With over 14 years of experience providing high-quality locksmith services in Portsmouth. You can trust Owen to provide expert locksmith maintenance and services. For repairs tailored to your home or business, including uPVC window repairs, uPVC door repairs and more, contact Owen today to find the right service for you, whatever the weather.