It's always a good time to change your door locks, but certain situations make this more of a necessity than others. If you've just moved into a new house, for example, it's important to get your locks changed immediately so that nobody else can get in without your permission. If you've recently lost or misplaced your keys, the same thing applies—you should change those locks as soon as possible so no one can use those missing keys against you. When doors start sticking or squeaking when they open and shut, this is another sign that something needs to be replaced ASAP before they become even more damaged and possibly even unusable altogether. And if someone has recently moved out of your home who had access to the building's back entrance through their own bedroom window? Well then yes: You definitely need new door locks to keep intruders out!
You've Just Moved Into a New House
When you move into a new home, it's natural to want to make it your own. You might want to paint the walls, put up pictures and decorations, or even change the locks on the front door. Changing your locks is a simple way to personalise your new home and give yourself more peace of mind in case of an emergency.
When you first move in, you're not just settling into someone else's space—you're starting a new life as well! The last thing on your mind should be worrying about who has access to this place after every trip inside and out. If you feel like there are holes in the security system at your new home because of outdated locks or other issues with entrance points (like windows), then investing in modernised replacements will give them an extra layer of protection that they otherwise wouldn't have enjoyed before making these changes. These additions will also provide psychological benefits such as reducing stress levels by knowing who has access through each entry point within reachable distance from where they live now—which can reduce anxiety about potential intruders entering through back doors when nobody's looking!
Stolen or Missing Keys
If you have spare keys under the doormat, you should probably change those right away. This is a very common mistake and one that leads to so many break-ins. Don't give anyone else your house key unless they live with you or are at least close family members (and even then, think twice). People don't always turn out to be as trustworthy as we hope they will be!
Never hide your key in an obvious place either — keep them inside of an airtight container like a mason jar or something similar. You can use these same tactics for other things like spare car keys and office building keys if needed too!
Wear and Tear
The door lock itself is also exposed to all of the elements outside. It's open, accessible and hanging out in the wind, rain or the sun. The weather can be rough on your locks and dry them out over time. If you've bought a quality lock, you should be able to notice when it starts to wear down. Signs include:
- The key no longer turns smoothly in the keyhole; instead, it sticks or feels loose
- You find yourself having difficulty opening the door (you may need someone else's help)
- The deadbolt doesn't click into place when it's locked or unlocked
Someone Moved Out
When someone is moving out of your home, you should change the locks. This could be because they are moving to a new place or just because they have decided to leave for a while and will come back later. Either way, this is an important time for you to protect yourself and your property by changing the locks.
You Can Easily Jiggle the Key in the Lock
If your door lock is loose, it’s time to change the locks. We recommend doing so right away if you can. A loose door lock is a security risk—anyone could jiggle the key or use an old credit card to get inside your home when you aren’t there.
To check whether your door lock is secure, gently push down on each side of the doorknob; if it moves easily, that means your lock isn't secure and needs replacing immediately. First, make sure that you have all of your keys handy (we recommend keeping them in a safe place).
Your Door Doesn't Feel Secure On its Hinges
If your door doesn't feel secure on its hinges, it may be time for a change. However, the problem is easy to fix, with just a few adjustments.
If you have the tools and know-how, you can easily adjust or replace your door's hinges. If this isn't an option for you, there are plenty of professionals who can help. They'll be able to repair or adjust any loose hardware so that your door closes securely again—and ensure that it stays that way by tightening or lubricating any loose hardware to keep them from coming loose again.
Your Door is Sticking or Squeaking When You Open It
If you've noticed that your door is sticking or squeaking when you open and close it, it's time to look into changing the lock. This happens when the lock gets damaged, usually because of wear and tear or because the weather has gotten to it. If you're hearing noises during closing, opening and locking/unlocking, this is also a sign that your locks need to be replaced.
Your Home Has Been Burgled.
If you've been the victim of a burglary, it's important to replace all locks in your home. A professional lock technician will be able to assess the best way to protect your property and family. Replace all locks that were burgled with new ones of a different type.
Replace the locks on doors that were not burgled but might have been if there was no lock at all (like an unlocked window or screen door). If you don't remember using a certain door for a long time, change its lock as well—just in case anyone else has noticed an unlocked entrance point and decided to try their luck!
It's Better To Be Safe Than Sorry with SABS Approved Door Locks from Decor Handles
SABS stands for South African Bureau of Standards, and they set the industry standard when it comes to door locks. Their approval means your lock will be more secure than a non-SABS-approved lock. The SABS-approved door locks from Decor Handles are a great way to stay safe and secure in your home. You can add them to all of your doors, as well as other rooms that need additional security. And they're easy to install.
Decor Handles is also a leading supplier of door handles, door knobs and pull handles. Visit our product page and view our wide range of door handles for sale.