How Weather Affects Your Door’s Lockset — And How to Keep It Working Smoothly Year-Round
Have you ever gone to unlock your front door and found the key hard to turn, or worse, completely stuck? You’re not alone. Believe it or not, the weather has a big impact on how well your door’s lockset works. From sticky summer humidity to freezing winter mornings, your lock goes through a lot.
Here’s what you should know about how weather affects your locks and how using a BHMA® Certified lockset can help.
How Weather Can Impact Locksets
- Humidity and Rain: Moisture makes wooden door frames swell, which can press against your lock and make it harder to turn. Rain and damp conditions can also cause metal inside your lock to rust over time.
- Cold Weather: When temperatures drop, metal contracts. That means your key might feel harder to twist. If there’s moisture inside the lock, it can even freeze, leaving you locked out until it melts.
- Hot, Sunny Days: Heat makes metal expand. On really hot days, this can cause your lock to feel tight or your door latch to misalign.
- Changing Seasons: The constant cycle of expansion in summer and contraction in winter puts stress on the lock’s moving parts. Over time, this wear and tear can cause sticking, loosening, or even lock failure.
Simple Tips to Help Your Lock Last
- Lubricate Occasionally: A little graphite or silicone-based lubricant keeps your lock working smoothly. Avoid oil-based products like WD-40 as they can attract dust.
- Wipe It Down: Use a soft cloth to clean off dirt, moisture, or salt (especially in winter).
- Check Door Alignment: If your door is sticking, it might be pressing on the lock. A small adjustment can save you bigger problems later.
- Keep Keys Dry: Moisture from wet keys can add to rust and freezing issues inside the lock.
Why Choose a BHMA® Certified Lockset
A BHMA® certified lockset is tested to stand up to everyday use and the toughest conditions.
- Weather-Resistant: Certified finishes resist rust, tarnishing, and corrosion from rain, humidity, or salty air.
- All-Season Performance: Locks are tested in both hot and cold temperatures to make sure they turn smooth no matter the season.
- Durability You Can Count On: Certified locksets are built to last through thousands of uses without wearing down.
- Peace of Mind: In addition to weather resistance, BHMA certification also means your lock has been tested for security strength, so it’s protecting your home inside and out.
Weather can take a toll on your home’s lockset, but you don’t have to deal with jammed keys or corroded finishes. With a little care and by choosing a BHMA® Certified lockset, you’ll have a lock that not only keeps your home secure but also works smoothly through every season.