Surprising Fact: More than thirty percent of break-ins occur during daytime hours when houses look unoccupied yet accessible to opportunistic thieves.
Table of Contents
- Why November Lock Maintenance Matters Now
- 1. Doors and Deadbolts Check List
- 2. Windows and Sliding Doors Check List
- 3. Smart Locks and Key Fob Care Check List
- 4. Garage Door and Secondary Entry Check List
- 5. Lubrication and Freeze Prevention Check List
- 6. Emergency Plan and Locksmith Readiness Check List
- How to Prioritize November Lock Maintenance Tasks
- Conclusion and Call to Action
Why November Lock Maintenance Matters Now
November temperatures can create brittle components and contraction that make locks stick and fail when you need them most. Simple maintenance in November prevents urgency and costly emergency visits while increasing confidence for hosts and families during the holiday season.
- Cold weather can change metal tolerances, making keys harder to turn.
- Reduced daylight increases the risk of opportunistic theft during holiday deliveries.
- Holiday travel and visiting guests change access patterns in most homes.
- Temporary access codes and spare key management become important and urgent.
1. Doors and Deadbolts Check List
- Inspect every exterior door for solid operation and full latch engagement and test for gaps.
- Check that deadbolts extend fully into strike plates without wobble or play.
- Replace or tighten strike plates that show elongation or loose screws.
- Confirm that door frames are secure and that the door closes smoothly under its own weight.
- Use long screws in strike plates to anchor into structural framing for better resistance.
- Ensure door sweeps and thresholds still allow the door to seat properly.
- Test each keyed lock twice with the door open and closed to detect binding.
- If a lock binds, apply graphite-based lubricant and retest before calling for service.
2. Windows and Sliding Doors Check List
- Test all window locks and pins for secure engagement and replace small or weak fasteners.
- Tighten loose screws that allow play and reduce lock effectiveness.
- Add security pins or secondary locks to sliding units for extra protection.
- Trim heavy shrubs that block sight lines and increase risk around ground-level entries.
- Replace cracked or rotted frames to prevent forced separation and entry.
- Use window film or laminated glass at vulnerable ground-level windows when feasible.
- Test operation while wearing gloves to simulate winter conditions.
- Ensure basement and crawl space windows are locked and sealed against moisture and drafts.
3. Smart Locks and Key Fob Care Check List
- Verify battery health for all smart locks and key fobs and replace weak batteries now rather than later.
- Keep backup mechanical keys accessible and test override functions monthly.
- Update temporary access codes for guests and remove them after visits.
- Label codes by visitor and expiration date for accountability.
- Enable audit logs on smart systems to track usage.
- Apply firmware updates and vendor patches for known fixes.
4. Garage Door and Secondary Entry Check List
- Check that garage door locks engage and that manual releases are secure.
- Replace older openers that lack rolling code technology.
- Secure side doors with deadbolts and ensure shed doors use quality padlocks.
- Store ladders and tools inside or locked up.
- Inspect weather seals and correct gaps to prevent ice and moisture entry.
5. Lubrication and Freeze Prevention Check List
- Use graphite or silicone-based lubricants for smooth key action.
- Avoid oils that attract dust and cause stickiness.
- Insulate outdoor locks and use weather covers.
- If a lock freezes, thaw gently instead of forcing the key.
Visit National Crime Prevention Council and FBI Burglary Prevention for safety resources.
6. Emergency Plan and Locksmith Readiness Check List
- Create an emergency plan with locksmith contact details.
- Keep printed copies accessible to multiple household members.
- Choose a locksmith with 24-hour emergency response.
- Confirm credentials and reviews before saving contact info.
- Keep mechanical spare keys with a trusted person.
Learn how to fix a key stuck in a lock or read about common lock problems and how to prevent them.
How to Prioritize November Lock Maintenance Tasks
- Focus first on locks showing wear or moisture damage.
- Repair deadbolts with loose strike plates immediately.
- Change smart lock and fob batteries before guests arrive.
- Seal and insulate exterior locks early in November.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In summary, November lock maintenance reduces the chance of a lock failure and improves home safety during the holiday season. A short checklist completed now prevents emergencies and gives you peace of mind.
Schedule an inspection with I Tech Locksmith Fort Worth to complete your November lock maintenance and avoid winter emergency calls.
Contact us at
Phone : 817-663-0642
Location : 8520 Tamar Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76118
Website : www.i-tech-locksmith.com