In this blog entry, the professional Chicago lock change service and Chicago lock rekeying service team here at Chicago Locksmith will detail why regularly changing your locks is a necessity for maintaining the security of your Chicago area home.
What are the risks of outdated locks on your home security?
Locks often get worn out and damaged overtime, which makes them much more vulnerable to lock picking or other types of forced entry. In recent years, lock picking techniques and tools have improved, making it much easier for criminals to bypass of traditional and older locks. Outdated locks often lack security, features, and technologies that are available in newer locks. If you just moved into an apartment or a new home, it is likely that the previous tenants might still have copies of the keys, which poses a serious security risk, as you cannot control who can access your property. By changing your locks, you can remove this uncertainty and make sure that only authorized people have the keys to your property.
How often should I change my locks?
We recommend changing your locks every few years, or following an incident like a break-in, or a burglary. The regularity that you should change, your lock will depend on a range of factors, including the type of lock, how much security you need, and the condition of the lock. If you live in an area with a very high crime rate, or if you have experienced a break-in, or a burglary, we recommend trading your locks into a high security grade one deadbolt as soon as possible. If you just moved into a brand, new house or apartment, you recommend changing your locks as soon as possible to make sure that all copies of the key owned by your previous landlord, your previous tenants, or even anyone who possibly got their hands on keys from them, cannot access your property.
What are the main signs that you need to change your locks?
- Locks are visibly worn out, rusty, or difficult to operate
- Keys have been lost or stolen
- If you just moved to a brand new home
- If you just experienced a break in or a burglary
- If your locks are malfunctioning, sticking, or jamming
What are the important considerations when choosing a new lock?
- Choosing between lock types like deadbolts, lever handle locks, knob locks, and smart locks
- Look for locks with high quality advanced security features that offer extra layers of protection against unauthorized entry
- Look for high quality locks that are built to last and are made from sturdy materials and have a solid construction
- Look for locks from reputable and trusted brands with a solid industry track record
- Look for locks with key control feature like keyless entry functionality or a restricted key system
- Ask our professional Chicago locksmith team for more information about choosing your ideal lock setup
