Winter locksmith tips for cold weather

Cold weather door and window lock care

Winter weather can cause big problems for your doors and windows.

As temperatures drop, metal contracts, moisture freezes and fittings become brittle. This can lead to stiff locks and worn mechanisms that develop into lasting damage if left unchecked.

But with our simple winter locksmith tips for cold weather, you can keep everything working smoothly all season long.

And if you need help, you can call DB Locksmiths on 07772 962 247 for 24/7 emergency locksmith services in Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas.

How winter weather affects locks and handles

When temperatures fall and metal components contract, it becomes harder to turn keys in their locking mechanism. Worse, moisture in locks can freeze overnight, stopping latches from moving altogether. And if you try to force it, your key could even break in the lock!

Continuous freeze-thaw cycles throughout winter cause fittings to repeatedly expand and contract. This loosens handles and misaligns doors, making them hard to close and lock. And when your doors won’t stay shut, it becomes difficult to keep your home safe and secure during winter.

Carrying out simple lock maintenance in winter before problems start will save you from costly repairs later. With just a little time spent maintaining your locks now, you can keep them moving freely throughout the cold months.

Preventing damage to door locks

Door locks face the brunt of winter weather. And if your front door won’t lock, it can be a big problem. But regular care can prevent stiffness and corrosion, keeping your doors in good working order.

Some top winter locksmith tips that helps you stay ahead of the damage include:

• Lubricate locks to prevent freezing and rust: Spray a small amount of silicone-based lubricant into the keyhole and turn the key a few times to coat internal parts
• Tighten loose hinges and strike plates: Use a screwdriver to tighten loose screws so your doors sit squarely in frame, reducing strain on the locking mechanism
• Wipe locks and handles after rain or frost: Use a soft cloth the remove moisture that could freeze or cause corrosion inside the mechanism
• Avoid slamming doors in freezing conditions: Gentle ease doors into their frame as you close the to prevent cracking in brittle metal components

By following these cold weather door lock care steps, you’ll extend the life of your hardware and reduce the risk of damage when temperatures plummet.

Caring for window locks and fittings

Window locks often get overlooked during winter because windows tend to stay closed. But without proper lock maintenance, they’re just as vulnerable to condensation damage and freezing.

To prevent unnecessary wear, you should:

• Check seals and frames for gaps: Run your hand around the edges of your window and look for any drafts or gaps, then reseal them with a weatherproof silicone
• Wipe away condensation each morning: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture from glass, handles and frames before it can freeze or cause rust
• Turn window handles every few weeks: Full open and close each window to keep the lock mechanism from seizing due to lack of use
• Lubricate locks and hinges: Apply a silicone spray and move the handle a few times to distribute it evenly, keeping parts smooth and weather resistant

Regular seasonal maintenance keeps your windows operating smoothly and prevents small issues from turning into costly replacements.

When to call a locksmith

If your key won’t turn, the lock is frozen solid or the handle feels loose, it’s time to seek out professional locksmith services.

A professional local locksmith in Bristol or Bath can safely defrost, repair and realign affected parts in traditional or uPVC doors and windows without causing damage. And they can advise if your locks need upgrading.

Your locksmith can also offer tailored advice to prevent weather-related problems in the future.

Call DB Locksmiths for winter door and window care

DB Locksmiths offers 24/7 emergency lock maintenance and repair services across Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas. With over 15 years of experience, our team is always ready to help with urgent and regular winter lock care.

Call 07772 962 247 for trusted local locksmithing service that gives your doors and windows expert care this winter.