How To Protect Your Commercial Locks From Weather Changes

From season to season, weather-related changes have an impact on business security; this is intertwined with commercial locks. Business security, however, is still essential, even when seasons change. Locks can become vulnerable with such weather fluctuations, and this calls for approaches to adapt commercial security systems accordingly.

If you need to minimize the chances of lock malfunctions and ensure they operate smoothly throughout each season, Lock-Up Services, a Toronto commercial locksmith, has a full range of seasonal lock security tips. This blog post will cover everything from maintenance, upgrades, emergency preparedness and more, so you’re ready to protect your commercial locks.

How Weather Changes Affect Commercial Locks

Weather changes affect commercial locks in various ways, with extreme temperatures and humidity leading to seized-up locks that fail to function well. So, let’s first explore the ways your commercial lock might be affected by weather changes, to ensure you know what to prepare for.

Humidity and lock corrosion: Humidity can lead to lock corrosion, particularly in situations of prolonged exposure. Iron elements in stainless steel parts of the lock can corrode, leading to a damaged lock that fails to function.

Yet, by using weather-resistant coatings, business owners can protect the lock from humidity-related corrosion. Some coating options include graphite powder coating and ceramic coating to minimize wear and tear.

Extreme temperatures: In extreme cold and very high temperatures, you may find that commercial locks can contract or expand. In the cold, for instance, contraction in the lock might impact the alignment of the lock and cause it to operate poorly. In the heat, materials such as rubber seals can warp.

But by using the right lubricants you can protect the lock against temperature fluctuations. Lubricants serve the purpose of adding a layer of protection to the lock and helping it withstand the harsh weather. Choosing locks with the right element materials, such as high-grade silicone can resist extreme heat. Continue reading for more information on the best lubricants for the job and lock upgrade options.

Rain and water damage: In seasons in which heavy rainfall occurs, commercial locks can be damaged due to debris and the breakdown of the lubricant. What rainfall can do is carry dirt through to the inner part of the lock, and this can cause the lock to jam. It also removes or washes lubricants away, the absence of which can cause keys to stick within the lock.

It’s by using rain guards that you can keep the keyhole covered and ensure no debris enters and lubricants remain on the lock’s surface, so it’s worth considering elements such as these if you want to upgrade the commercial lock for greater protection.

Completing Inspections and Maintenance

You’ll need to complete inspections and regular maintenance if it’s your aim to protect commercial locks from weather changes; these are processes that will help you spot the potential wear and tear or damage, and once acknowledged, you can take the next steps to ensure the lock functions effectively. Maintenance includes lubrication and cleaning, which we have covered below:

Lubrication: If there’s a period of high rainfall, you will need to lubricate the commercial locks frequently, and we recommend doing this twice a month. This frequency is also ideal if there are freezing weather conditions that can damage the lock.

Now, you might wonder which lubricant is ideal for extreme heat and periods of heavy rainfall. If the temperature is very low or very high, we recommend teflon-based (PTFE lubricants), which can withstand extremely high or low temperatures. This solution is ideal because it’s water-resistant and does not attract dirt, so it will keep the lock clean and functioning optimally.

Cleaning: You’ll need to clean your commercial locks properly to minimize the chances of dirt and debris building up, because these deposits of dirt can prevent the lock from performing as required. The process begins with the right materials, such as a small brush, a cloth, a graphite lubricant solution, a cotton swab, and an alcohol (isopropyl) solution.

Then, it is a case of removing dust and debris with the brush, using the cloth and the isopropyl solution to clean residue from the outside of the lock, and cleaning the keyhole with a cotton swab. You’ll need to remove moisture and dry the lock to keep corrosion at bay and then complete the process by applying lubricant to the lock’s moving parts.

Types of Weather-Resistant Locks You Can Upgrade To

Now, you may be considering upgrading to a weather-resistant lock, which is a good idea if the exterior doors are exposed to extreme temperatures and harsh elements or if you have noticed lock issues such as wear and tear or corrosion. Here, we recommend the following examples of materials that can stand up to weather-related issues:

• Selecting locks: It’s with specific locks with weather-resistant elements that you can have the peace of mind that your locks withstand harsh weather conditions, and the ideal locks, in this case, can include those with satin nickel, chrome, brass, or other robust and resistant elements.
  You can also look for types of locks that have weatherproof features, including sealed internal mechanisms and gaskets made of silicone.
• Requesting commercial locksmith services: When it’s time to install the new door lock, a professional locksmith can aid you. Whether you need to install smart locks on the front door of your business premises, combine this with an alarm system, security cameras, or doorbell cameras, or really enhance the safety and security of your office, you can make the right choice with their support.
  It’s a good idea to ask the professional locksmith specific questions, such as the types of maintenance required for a few types of locks, whether the locks have been tested for its performance in extreme conditions, or the requirements for installation of each option to guarantee that the lock you choose offers a high-grade performance in extreme weather.

Being Prepared for Emergencies

We advise that businesses should have a response plan in place in the event commercial locks malfunction because of extreme weather. One element of this plan should be to have an emergency locksmith contact number ready and easily accessible – it’s with the right contact information that you’ll be able to get an emergency locksmith to your premises quickly without delays, and this will minimize any compromises in security measures.

Our professional locksmiths at Lock-Up Services also recommend having a spare key in a secure location and incorporating the best approaches to accessing these spare keys into your plan so that they can gain access to the premises. Consider how staff members should retrieve this key and make sure you train on how to handle lock-related issues.

Top Commercial Lock Maintenance Tips for Every Season

We have a few top lock maintenance tips for every season just here to ensure you’re fully prepared for the extreme weather. To ensure the integrity of your commercial lock is upheld, consider the following advice from Lock-Up Services:

Lock tips for Spring and Summer: Check for corrosion during the spring months and any misalignment that may result from humidity and contraction of the metal parts. We highly recommend keeping the lock dry and covered with elements such as eaves, overhangs, or gutters, as this will minimize the chances of corrosion.

In extreme heat during the summer months, ensure you inspect the door frames for any warping of the materials due to high temperatures and check for lock misalignment that can happen with material expansion. We advise making adjustments to the door when required to ensure locks, door jambs, and strike plates are aligned.

Lock tips for Fall and Winter: In the fall, you need to consider the lock’s vulnerability to colder temperatures. In the event you notice misalignment due to contracting elements, one measure and short-term solution to re-center the lock is to pull firmly on the door handle. But remember that this is a short-term solution, and realignment methods such as readjusting hinges and adjusting screws are ideal in this situation.

If you’re dealing with ice and frozen locks during the winter, you may handle this with an isopropyl solution, such as rubbing alcohol. If you’re looking for longer-term commercial lock maintenance tips for the winter months, remember that silicone lubricants can keep them functioning smoothly.

Choose Lock-Up Services for Commercial Lock Solutions for All Seasons

Weather-related changes can impact the security of your commercial business, but the right commercial locksmith, like Lock-Up Services, can help you in many ways. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to a weatherproof commercial lock or need lock maintenance services, Lock-Up Services can assist you.

For lock inspections and the necessary maintenance, consult with our locksmith professionals to prepare their locks for the changing seasons. Choose Lock-Up Services for commercial lock solutions for every season.