Winter in Canada brings beautiful snow but also very difficult weather for your hardware. You might find that you cannot turn your key on a very cold morning. This happens because moisture gets inside the cylinder and turns into ice. Because of this, you need to know how to stop your front door lock from freezing before it happens. Our team wants to make sure you are never stuck in the cold. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way when the temperature drops. We provide tips to keep your entry points moving smoothly all winter long. We are proud to be the Best Locksmith Services Ottawa for winter preparation.
Keeping Moisture Out of the Mechanism
The best way to prevent ice is to keep the inside of the lock dry. You should check the weather stripping around your door to block blowing snow. If the seal is tight, moisture cannot seep into the keyhole as easily. We also recommend using a specialized dry lubricant once a year. Avoid using oily products because they attract dirt and cause jams. A dry spray keeps the pins moving freely even in the deepest freeze.
If you notice your key is sticking, do not force it to turn. Forcing a frozen lock can snap your key or damage the internal pins. Instead, try to warm up your key with a lighter or your hands. Gently insert the warm key to melt the ice inside the cylinder. This patient approach saves you from an expensive repair later in the day. Our team has seen many broken keys during the coldest months of the year. We want to help you avoid that stressful situation.
Using De-Icing Products Safely
You can find small bottles of lock de-icer at most local hardware stores. These products contain alcohol that melts ice almost instantly on contact. We suggest keeping a bottle in your car or your bag instead of inside the house. It does not help you much if it is locked behind the door you are trying to open. A quick squirt into the keyhole usually solves the problem in seconds.
However, you should not use these products every single day. They can wash away the protective lubricants that keep your lock healthy. Use them only during emergencies when the ice is very thick. Our professional technicians can show you the best brands to buy for your specific locks. We believe in teaching our neighbors how to handle the winter weather effectively. Knowledge is the best tool for any homeowner in a cold climate.
Checking the Alignment of Your Frame
Cold weather can cause your door frame to shift or shrink slightly. This often results in the bolt not lining up with the hole in the frame. You might think the lock is frozen when the door is just misaligned. We can help you adjust the strike plate so the bolt slides in easily. This prevents you from having to pull or push the door to lock it. A smooth latch is much less likely to fail during a snowstorm.
Our team provides a quick emergency lockout service if you do get stuck. We arrive fast with tools that can safely warm up and open your door. We know how scary it is to be stuck outside in freezing temperatures. That is why we prioritize calls from people who are stranded in the cold. Your safety is our most important concern during the winter months. We are always ready to take your call and send help.
Protective Covers for Outdoor Locks
If you have a gate or a shed, consider adding a small cover over the lock. A simple piece of rubber or a specialized flip-cover blocks the rain and snow. This keeps the cylinder dry and prevents ice from forming in the first place. These small additions are very affordable and save you a lot of trouble. Our team can install these covers on all your outdoor security points. We want to make sure your tools and bikes stay safe all year.
Winter maintenance is a great habit for every property owner in the city. We suggest checking your locks every time you change your furnace filter. A quick spray of lubricant keeps everything in top shape for the next cold snap. You will feel much more confident when the forecast calls for a deep freeze. Our professional technicians are happy to give you a demonstration on your own doors. We love helping our community stay prepared for the elements.
Staying Warm and Secure
A functional lock is your first line of defense against the biting winter wind. We want to make sure your home stays a warm and cozy place for your family. If you need help with a stubborn lock, please Contact Us. We can visit your home and get everything ready for the winter season. Our team is experienced with the unique challenges of the local climate. We look forward to helping you stay warm and secure this year.
FAQ
Can I use WD-40 on my frozen locks?
We do not recommend standard oily sprays because they can get gummy over time. It is much better to use a graphite or silicone-based dry lubricant. This keeps the pins clean and moving.
What should I do if my key snaps in a frozen lock?
Do not try to dig it out with a screwdriver as you might damage the cylinder. Call our team immediately for professional extraction. We can get the piece out and give you a new key.
Does a smart lock freeze more often?
Most high-quality smart locks are rated for very cold temperatures. However, batteries can drain faster in the winter. We suggest checking your battery levels before the first big snowstorm hits.