Your garage is one of the places where a lot of expensive or valuable items are stored. Many garage-worthy items also have high sentimental value. Imagine your childhood trophies or other old items that you treasure. These are just some of the reasons why having a secure garage door lock installed is crucial.
It does not matter how much value you place on the stuff in your garage. A garage door lock will contribute to the overall security of your home. As such, it is essential to make sure that your garage is inaccessible to intruders. You have to know what type of lock to install or when to replace it if needed.
Types of garage door locks
Not all garage door locks are created equal. There are different types of locks that fit different garage door needs. As a result, the types of garage door lock you choose can profoundly impact performance. Some of the most notable garage door lock types are the following:
- Side door bolts: Side door bolts are some of the most secure garage door locks that you can get. These are usually not visible from the outside so intruders will have a hard time accessing them. These locks are installed on the inside and involve a sliding bolt as a locking mechanism.
- Deadbolts: Deadbolts are also secure since they go well with existing garage door locks. Deadbolts involve a lock-and-key mechanism that does not easily move, unlike spring bolts. It makes it harder for those without a key to open the door.
- Electronic locking systems: Electronic locks do away with keys and instead opt for keypads or biometric scanners. Examples of biometric scans include fingerprints and retina scans. These are usually expensive but are also secure as a result.
- T-handle locks: T-handle locks are named for the shape of the T-shaped handle. These provide excellent security due to the special keys required to operate and unlock them.
No matter what the advantages of your current garage door lock are, the time will come for you to replace it. Several factors can lead to the degradation of your lock’s performance.
Factors that affect garage door lock performance
As sturdy as your garage door lock may be, there are still factors that can lead to it underperforming. It is crucial to determine what these factors are to be able to pre-empt garage door lock maintenance. These can affect when you need to replace your lock. Doing so will keep your garage, home, and family secure. Here are some of the factors that affect garage door lock performance:
- Location: The location of your home is an essential factor. Some environmental elements, like humidity or salt in the air, can affect the performance of the garage door locks.
- Weather: Locks exposed to outside elements naturally tend to accumulate more damage. Make sure that you pay careful attention to locks exposed to wind and rain.
- Frequency of use: Locks that are frequently locked and unlocked may also accumulate wear-and-tear damage over time.
- Maintenance: Locks that are kept in good condition and are well-maintained will definitely last longer.
Damage will inevitably accumulate over time. When should you have your garage door locks replaced then?
When should you have your garage door locks replaced?
A time will come when your garage door locks will need replacement. Here are some signs or instances that you should watch out for:
1. If there is a lot of rust that forms on the exterior
Rust can be an indicator of damage in the lock. Rust is common in many cases. However, it also develops because of exposure to elements that can damage the internal mechanisms of the lock.
Make sure that you clean out any rust and check the lock’s performance and stability. If you feel that it needs replacement, then do so. Don’t take any chances when it comes to security.
2. When the keys get stuck inside the keyhole
Keys are supposed to slide in and out of the keyhole smoothly. If you have a hard time inserting and removing the key, then it could be a sign of internal damage or degradation. It could mean that it’s time to replace the garage door lock.
3. When the opening mechanism of the lock becomes hard to operate
All garage door locks can be difficult to open to some degree. However, you may eventually notice that it becomes more challenging to open the lock properly. It can be due to many factors like wear-and-tear or exposure to weather. No matter what the cause is, getting locked out (or locked in) is inconvenient. Make sure that you prevent this from happening and replace the locks.
4. If there are visible signs of damage on the lock
If there are obvious signs of damage on the lock, then your garage’s security may be compromised. The lock may be easier to break as a result of the damage. Again, don’t take any chances. Replace the lock as soon as you can.
5. If you feel that an upgrade is necessary
Some locks are so archaic that it becomes a trivial task to break them open. If you think that it is time for you to upgrade your locks, then do so. For example, if you are still using spring bolts that are easy to force open, try switching to a deadbolt. You can even use multiple locks in conjunction with each other to get the best security that you can.
Do you need help with replacing your garage door locks?
Perhaps you’re looking for the best locks to protect your garage with? Ambassador Locksmiths can help you with your garage door locking supplies and installation. We have a range of services that include maintenance, installation, lockout services, re-keying, and more. If you need to replace your garage door locks or want some advice on home or business security and protection, contact us at 0407 452 424 or (02) 4942 2202 at your earliest convenience.