How Changes in the Temperature Affect Door Handles and Door Hardware

When it comes to our household, doors, especially the handles and hardware, aren’t high on our list of priorities – at least not until we experience issues with them such as jammed locks. This can make coming and going to your home or office inconvenient and even costly if you have to constantly replace your locks.

Surprisingly enough, one of the main causes, why this happens, is the changes in temperature, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures skyrocket.

Why does this happen?

This happens because the high temperatures cause the door to slightly expand, making the locks difficult to turn and/or cause them to get stuck in a single position. This is a particularly major problem with exterior doors because they are more exposed to the elements.

It’s even more common during the following situations:

• Closed deadbolt locks – It can be difficult to open them because they are compressed in the door and the heat can cause the door frame to swell around them.
• Wooden exterior doors and frames – This is because wood is more prone to swelling during extreme shifts in temperature.

What can be done to prevent this from happening?

Although the weather cannot be controlled, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you avoid experiencing problems with your door handles and door hardware such as:

• Consider using other materials for your door, especially your exterior door.

Since wood is more susceptible to changes in weather and temperature, consider using other materials such as metal, concrete, or glass. These can be slightly modified so that they meet your needs, unlike wood. This is because wood needs to maintain its structural integrity while still being able to withstand extreme conditions and adhere to various surfaces.

• Go for custom door handles.

Having custom door handles and hardware installed can help prevent issues like jamming and difficult-to-turn knobs because they can be modified to meet your specific needs. Aside from increased functionality, customization allows you to have front door handles that blend well with your home’s aesthetic. For example, Push or Pull creates excellent customised door handles – and the hardware that goes with it – that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Working with a highly-skilled and experienced locksmith.

Skilled professionals can ensure that the lock is fitted properly which can help reduce potential problems with the constantly changing weather. If you’re replacing your door hardware, professionals have the necessary tools and skills to fit them and prevent the same problem from happening again.

• Regularly maintain your door hardware.

Regularly oiling your locks can help maintain it and make it easier to turn, even during extreme shifts in temperature. However, to do so, you will need to take apart the lock first. Apart from that, ensure that the lock is always dry. Ensure that it’s properly protected from the elements to prevent any issues from arising.

Conclusion

Temperature changes are a major factor when it comes to construction and any issues with your doors that may arise from this natural phenomenon can be avoided with proper planning. A great planning team will ensure that proper precautions are integrated so as to avoid experiencing issues because of changes in temperature and weather conditions.

From the personnel to the materials used, they will take into account everything needed to ensure that everything is successfully built and that your door and its hardware can withstand these changes even over time.