Moving Into an Older Home: Do Your Locks Need an Upgrade?
If your new home is an old one, there's true satisfaction in moving into a home that is essentially a well-maintained antique. You also need to consider the fact that many aspects of home design have progressed significantly since your new-to-you home was constructed. You really need to think about upgrading the existing locks on all your doors and windows. While this might seem simple enough, won't these upgrades spoil the beautiful antique effect of your doors and windows?
Your Doors
The main consideration will be the door's rose, which is the outward-facing metal plate that covers the locking mechanism and protects the keyhole. When the door itself is antique, it's questionable whether the rose offers sufficient security for the new lock that will be installed beneath it. It's also possible that the existing rose will not be long enough for the new lock. What can be done if a replacement is required, and yet you still want to keep the overall vintage look of the door?
An appropriate vintage rose of suitable size and strength can be sourced and installed. You can probably find something as similar as possible to its predecessor. When you can't find an authentically vintage rose, you can use a new rose that has been artificially aged. It won't quite be an actual period piece, but only you and your locksmith will know the truth.
A mobile locksmith can quickly upgrade your home's door lock and rose, and the only conceivable delay will be when a new rose is needed, although even this delay will be minor. In some instances, it might be most efficient to replace the entire doorknob along with the lock. If this is necessary, a vintage replacement or a vintage-look modern replacement will again be possible.
Your Windows
When an older home's windows don't have locks, surely it's difficult to install such a lock without compromising the look of the windows? Not necessarily. The locks can be affixed to the window's internal frame, so the exterior look of the window won't be altered in the slightest. The design and colour of the lock will also be intended to complement the antique look of the window, without being obtrusive.
Just because your new home might be an older one, it doesn't mean you need to have an outdated level of security. Contact a local mobile locksmith to learn more about how to keep your old home safe and secure.
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