Locks are the most important layer of protection when it comes to home security. But, they can quickly become a hassle if you aren’t careful, and you can be left locked out of your own home. As frustrating as a home lockout situation can be, it is a pretty common issue.
In this blog post, we’ll explain 8 common reasons that can leave you locked out of your home. So, let’s get started with the first one:
Lost or Misplaced Keys
Losing or misplacing keys is the most common problem faced by homeowners. It can be very frustrating when you walk up to your home’s door and find out you don’t have the key in your pocket. You should check all your belongings to see if you’ve misplaced the key. However, if you still can’t find the key, calling a locksmith to deal with the situation would be the only option left.
Forgotten Keys Inside
Another common reason for home lockouts is forgetting the keys inside the home. Imagine you’re getting late for work and rush out of your home, locking the door behind you. However, you suddenly realize you’ve forgotten to pick up the door keys when leaving the home. It can certainly be a stressful situation that might leave you stranded outside your home.
Damaged or Broken Keys
Keys are made of metal, and like all metal objects, they undergo continuous wear and tear with regular use, including the risk of corrosion if they’re constantly exposed to water or moisture. These damaged keys can become weak with time, and might even break if you apply too much force while opening the door, leading to a home lockout.
Read More: How to Implement and Manage Access Control Systems Effectively
Malfunctioning Door Lock
Key problems aren’t the only reason that leads to home lockout situations—the door lock itself can malfunction. Locks can jam if they’re not cleaned regularly, mainly due to dust or moisture accumulation. If a lock is not lubricated regularly, it can become difficult to turn the key. Forcefully turning the key can not only lead to a broken key but also damage the lock, leaving you locked out.
Frozen Locks
If you live in a colder climate, frozen locks can be another reason for lockouts. Extremely low temperatures can freeze the water vapors or the moisture inside the lock. These frozen crystals then block the lock mechanism and act as a hurdle in unlocking the door.
While you might be tempted to try some DIY solutions, they can not only damage the lock but also the door if you aren’t careful. However, professional locksmiths can use de-icing agents to unlock the door without causing any damage.
Dead Batteries in Electronic Locks
Electronic locks use electricity to operate. In case of a power outage, most of these locks have low battery backups that can run out quickly. Once out of power, these locks may stop working and leave you locked out of your home. That’s why it’s important to have good battery backups if you use electronic locks for home security.
Forgotten Passcodes
Modern homes often have smart locks that can be opened using a passcode. However, you can easily forget the passcode if the smart lock has been recently installed or you’ve just updated it. To avoid getting locked out in such a situation, you need to keep a backup plan, like having the passcode saved in your mobile devices or carrying a backup physical key.
Not Having Spare Keys
Many home lockout situations can be avoided if the owners just carry spare keys or have them stored somewhere safe. But most homeowners just ignore this important precaution, and if their keys get lost or stolen, they have no backup plan.
Are You Facing a Home Lockout Situation?
If you’ve been locked out of your home, the best solution is to call a professional locksmith. While DIY solutions might seem like a way to save a few bucks, they carry high risks of damaging the locks or even the door, which can lead to costly repairs.
At Hero Locksmith, we understand how frustrating and stressful a home lockout can be, so we make sure not to add to the stress by delivering high quality services. Our team of certified and experienced locksmiths uses specialized tools to ensure no damage is done to your lock or the door, giving you peace of mind.
Don’t risk damage to your locks—contact us today and resolve your home lockout situation without dangers of lock damage!