Some of us like making big changes to our homes. Others don’t. Still others would prefer to make aesthetic updates, but not necessarily functional ones. Rekeying your home falls in the latter category, so it’s not a priority for many homeowners… which we believe is a critical mistake as we’ll cover shortly.
We’ve covered instances when it would be wise to rekey your home, but these situations don’t apply to everyone. This begs the question: when should you rekey your home in general? Here’s our take on factors to consider as we answer the question, “how often should you rekey your home?”
What Is Rekeying?
If you’re not familiar, rekeying involves adjusting the lock mechanism so that the existing key will no longer operate it. Instead, a new key is provided, rendering the old one obsolete (and thwarting many burglary attempts in the process). It’s an effective security measure, especially when you move into a new home or certain situations apply that compromise your security.
Factors to Consider
Speaking of these situations, there are certain factors that dictate how often you should rekey your home. While there is a general cadence for residential rekeys, you should also consider rekeying your residence if any of the following factors apply:
- New home: you can’t be certain how many copies of the keys are floating around, so taking this proactive step ensures that only you and your family have access.
- Lost or stolen keys: it’s a security risk to assume keys not in your possession won’t end up in the wrong hands. Rekeying the locks promptly helps mitigate any potential threat.
- Wear and tear: locks can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, potentially making them easier to compromise. If you notice signs of aging or difficulty in using your locks, it might be time to consider rekeying.
Best Frequency for Rekeying
If your locks or keys aren’t broken down or worn down, you should still consider rekeying your locks periodically as part of your home’s maintenance routine. This practice ensures that your security remains up-to-date and prevents any unauthorized access. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is rekeying them every three to five years. When that happens, a residential locksmith like A-1 Locksmith should be able to take care of you.
If you need to rekey your home—regardless of the reason or how often it’s needed—trust us to handle it. Contact us today or stop by any of our Dallas-Fort Worth locations.
