Locksmith Melbourne FL(321) 224-5625

Hurricane season doors

Doors usually fail at the frame and the latch, not the glass. Before June, give every outside door a once-over.

The checklist

  1. Deadbolts thrown fully: the bolt should go all the way into the frame without pushing on the door.
  2. Long strike screws: three-inch screws into the framing, not just the trim.
  3. Double doors: the inactive door needs bolts at top and bottom, into the frame and the floor.
  4. Hinges: tighten loose screws, and replace short ones with long ones on the frame side.
  5. Garage door: the largest opening in most homes. Check that it is braced or rated for wind.
A locksmith installs a heavy-duty strike plate with long screws into a white door frame, with storm clouds outside
A reinforced strike with long screws ties the latch into the wall framing.

New doors

Replacement exterior doors in Brevard must meet the Florida Building Code's wind requirements. Look for a product approval number, and keep the paperwork. The Florida Building Commission has a product approval search.

Keys and storms

Put a spare house key in your go-bag, and give one to someone outside the area. After a storm, locks that have had water through them may need a cleaning and a dry lubricant.

Questions people ask

Should I lock the deadbolt during a storm?

Yes. A thrown deadbolt adds another point holding the door to the frame.

Need a hand with your locks?

Key-En-Lock is based in Melbourne and comes to your home anywhere in Brevard County.

Request helpCall (321) 224-5625