When it comes to protecting your home or business, regular maintenance is a must—not just for appliances or structures but also for your locks. Knowing when to rekey your locks can make a big difference in keeping your property safe. But how often should you rekey your home or business? Here’s what you need to know to keep security top-notch!
What Does Rekeying Mean?
Rekeying involves changing the inner pins and springs in a lock so that it works with a new key. It’s a cost-effective way to secure your property without replacing all the hardware. In other words, rekeying allows you to keep your existing locks while blocking out old keys.
When Should You Rekey Your Home?
There are a few key times when you should consider rekeying the locks in your home:
1. After Moving In
If you’ve just moved into a new home, it’s always wise to rekey the locks. Previous owners, real estate agents, or contractors may still have copies of your key. Rekeying ensures that only you and your family have access.
2. After Losing a Key
Losing a key can be stressful, especially if you’re worried about it falling into the wrong hands. Rekeying is an easy way to eliminate the risk, as the old key will no longer work.
3. After a Break-In or Attempted Break-In
If there has been an attempted or successful break-in, it’s important to rekey your locks immediately. Rekeying will help restore your sense of home security by preventing any potential intruders from returning.
4. Every Few Years
Even if nothing has gone wrong, it’s wise to rekey your home every few years. This can prevent any lost or copied keys from falling into the wrong hands over time.
When Should You Rekey Your Business?
Business properties may require rekeying on a slightly different schedule.
Here are some scenarios where rekeying is essential:
1. When an Employee Leaves
If a former employee had access to your property, it’s a good idea to rekey. Even if they returned their key, there’s always the chance they made a copy.
2. Change in Management or Security Staff
For businesses, regular rekeying is essential when new managers or security staff take over. This guarantees that only current, trusted employees can access your building.
3. After Renovations or Repairs
Contractors, cleaners, and other service providers may need temporary access to your property. Once work is complete, rekeying can add a layer of protection.
4. Annual Security Review
To keep security standards high, consider rekeying as part of your yearly security review. This step ensures your business’s safety and guards against unauthorized access.
Why Rekeying Is a Smart Security Measure
Rekeying is a simple and cost-effective solution that offers big security benefits. Unlike replacing locks, which can be costly, rekeying is a budget-friendly way to keep your property secure. It’s an effective approach that allows you to maintain control over who has access to your property.
Secure Your Property with Dr. Lockaroo
Keeping your home or business secure starts with proactive steps. Rekeying is a straightforward and affordable way to protect your space. If you’re due for a rekey, or if any of the situations above apply to you, trust the experts at Dr. Lockaroo. Available 24/7, Dr. Lockaroo is here to handle all your locksmith needs.
