How to Know When it’s Time to Replace Your Doors

Doors don't last forever, but you might not think about replacing them very often. Depending on the type of doors you have and what you replace them with, you can add curb appeal and even value to your home. If you're considering replacing your doors, here are a few signs it's time to do so.

Top 5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Doors

1. It Looks Old or Outdated

While an old or outdated-looking front door may just need a coat of paint, it could also need to be replaced. Inspect the door to see if it's in good shape or if it's starting to show signs of wear. If the door is in good shape, replacing the hardware with new locks and hinges, along with a coat of paint might be all you need for a curb appeal boost.

2. The Door is Damaged

If you find signs of damage when inspecting a front door, back door, or any other door, it's time to replace it. You don't want to have less security due to a damaged door. Instead, make sure you have the door replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

3. Your Utility Bills Have Gone Up

A small increase probably has nothing to do with your doors, but if you notice your utility bills have gone up over time, your door might be causing a draft. This can be a sign it's time to replace your door and gain the energy-saving benefits of a new door that's properly installed by experts.

4. It's Hard to Open and Close

A door that is hard to open and close may not be properly installed. It can also be a sign that the hinges are sinking and the door needs to be replaced. When you get a workout just opening and closing the door, it's time to consider replacing it.

5. Moisture Between the Glass

When you have a glass door or glass in your front door, if it has two panes, you might end up with moisture between the panes. If this happens, it's a sign it's time to replace the door. This could lead to mold or mildew and it's a bigger problem than you might think. Don't put off replacing this type of door or you could end up dealing with an even bigger issue.

There are many signs you need to replace your front door, back door, or any other door in your home. A new door can help to boost your curb appeal, offer better security, create an inviting entryway, and even help you save on your energy bills.

When it's time to replace your old door or upgrade the hardware, make sure you hire a good locksmith to handle the job. Not only can a good locksmith install a new door for you, but they can also make recommendations for the most secure locks for your home. If you need to replace your door in Chicago, call The Professional Locksmith today!

Buying an Older Home? Look for These Potential Security Issues

You’ve spotted a beautiful old home and it has that perfect older charm that you’ve been looking for. The only downside is that older homes can sometimes have potential security issues if you don’t know what to look for. You can still enjoy the process of getting into an older home while using a few tips to increase your home and family’s security. 

Check out these tips below for better home security, from updating the locks to installing an alarm system. 

It probably doesn’t have an alarm system

The first thing you’ll notice about an older home compared to a newer home is that older homes tend to have no alarm system. This is an easy fix though as you can easily get one installed that will be new and all set up for your family. 

Older homes don’t have these because they didn’t have these back then and the ones that do have them were probably fixed up and modernized. If you see a basic alarm system from when they were first introduced, you’ll want to update it with something new. To ensure you don’t have to deal with a robbery or intruder, having a decent home alarm with sensors on the entryway and your windows is the first step. 

You can get one installed with a security company that will alert you when there is suspicious activity and can call the police if a situation happens. You’ll just have to arm or disarm it with your cell phone each day. 

This is great while you’re away from the home since many systems can live stream from your phone or record pictures. Add a doorbell camera to your home to allow you to see who comes to the door as well. 

The locks are old

With an old home comes old locks. That means they are going to be easier to break into or even break. You’ll likely find that the home has antique locks on the entries and gates that look beautiful but don’t keep the home secure. 

With all of the wear tear from use and the weather, the locks are going to be much easier to attempt to pick and break into. This would be the perfect time to update to all new locks that are difficult to lock-pick and sturdy. Consider a smart lock that will allow you to control it from your smartphone. 

What’s inside the walls are old

Another issue with older homes is that you are looking at older plumbing, older wiring, and older everything. You might be looking at this as a fixer-upper project in which you can replace or repair anything needed to make this your dream home. 

Start with the locks and the security system, and then dive into the rest of the projects with a professional. You may need new pipes, new wiring, and electrical outlets installed. You may also have an old HVAC system with missing air filters, and even a roof that has damage. All of these things will need to be looked at and assessed by plumbers, electricians, and more. 

Old garage and windows

This may be a good time to update your windows and garage door. Sometimes these things don’t get tested for a long time and won’t keep your home protected in their current condition. Talk to a specialist about investigating the condition of these units so that your security is protected. 

Lastly, be sure to update your detectors for smoke, fire, floods, and carbon monoxide. Keep your family safe from these hard-to-detect hazards. 

Use these tips to avoid a potential security issue in your new-to-you, older home

The Three Most Common Door Lock Problems

You probably haven’t thought much about problems that can happen to your door lucks until an issue came up for your family. You knew that your locks were getting old or that you could always call a locksmith if something ever went wrong, but what are the most common door lock problems that happen and you should be aware of?

For starters, you could end up with a key breaking in the lock or just a key that isn’t working right. In another scenario, you could end up with your locks misaligning or being too loose, or even a slow lock and faulty door issues. Take a closer look below at the three most common areas of door lock problems. 

The key doesn’t work or broke

Have you ever tried to turn your key and it broke in the lock? Perhaps the key got stuck in the lock or maybe even the key won’t insert at all. Key issues are one of the most common door lock problems. 

If your key broke inside the lock because you tried to force it to turn after it got stuck, you can try to pull it out with pliers. If that doesn’t work, call a professional to help as they may need to help you try to get it out. 

If the key isn’t working, first make sure you are using the right key. If you are, then you may be having an issue with a deadbolt not interacting properly with the strike plate, which you would be able to find out in the case that you do finally open the door and find that the key now works fine.

 If it’s a new key, it may have been cut improperly. Call the locksmith to get this looked into and to see if it’s a bad key or a broken lock. 

Misaligned locks or loose locks 

Next, you could run into a lock issue in which you have poor alignment or it’s too loose. You want the deadbolt to fit properly into the strike plate along the door jam, but when it’s off even by a little, the lock may not work at all. This can sometimes happen when a person is too rough on the door or if a door isn’t installed properly or shifts from conditions like too much humidity. 

You could also be dealing with a loose handle or lock since these things will loosen up over the years. This is an easy fix with a tightening of screws, but if you wait too long to correct it, you’ll likely end up needing to call for help with an emergency lockout. 

Slow lock or faulty door 

Finally, beware of slow locks and faulty doors. A slow door lock is common when dirt or grime accumulates in the lock. This is not a hard fix, but it’s easy to make it worse which is why you should call a professional to help correct it. 

A faulty door mechanism can also happen with time and wear and tear. With excessive use and not getting the maintenance they need, they can become defective. In those scenarios, you’ll want to properly maintain your locks and doors to avoid a slow lock or faulty mechanism because these are mechanical functions that only a professional will be able to properly repair later on. 

These are a few of the most common door lock problems that you could come across on your property. Be sure to maintain your doors and locks, and call a local Chicago locksmithin the event that you need something repaired.

3 Things to Consider When Installing New Doors at Your Home or Office

If you’re planning to install new doors at the house soon or even your office, there are a few things you’re going to want to consider before doing so. Sometimes asking the right questions now before doing the project makes a huge difference in the results of the project.

For example, have you considered how often a door will be used when choosing the materials of that door? Are you choosing a door based on aesthetics or practicality? What kind of door really makes sense for what you’re trying to do? Take a look at these 3 considerations that you should take before you install doors at the home or office.

What kind of door makes sense to use

The first question to ask if “what type of door really makes sense to use for this space?” there are a number of factors that you’ll consider in answering what type of door makes sense to use, including the style, the security, and even the energy efficiency level.

The style of the door should match the overall look of the home or office build which means you wouldn’t choose a bold statement of a door for a simple colonial home. Make sure to choose a style that suits the building but also expresses the right mood for what you prefer.

Next, consider if you’ve chosen a door that makes sense for the space. A strong front door with proper locking abilities is vital for your front door to your home or office building. It’s important to deter thieves with the door you choose. For an interior door, you want to make sure the door will function well for the room it leads to and that will be easy and efficient to use.

Speaking of efficient, look at the energy efficiency of your doors. You can affect your heating and cooling costs by choosing the right door. you’ll lose the majority of your hot and cold air through your windows and doors, so it’s important to select high-quality doors through the property.

The type of material you’ll be using

Now you should consider what type of material you are going to use. Once you’ve chosen the right door that makes sense, you’ll need to think about how the different materials will affect its ability to function well, its aesthetic, and its deterrence from both thieves and the elements.

A wooden door is a great, classic choice that will make a home or building look rich. They are expensive compared to other materials, but they look beautiful. They will require more maintenance though as the sunlight can warp the wood.

Another option is to go with steel if you need something strong and durable. You can actually paint these to match the home’s decor and you’ll save money on your energy bills. Lastly, consider fiberglass if you want something low maintenance and more affordable than wood. You’ll love how energy efficient they are, as well as durable.

How often it will be used

Are the doors you are looking to install going to be the main entry to the home or will it be an interior door that requires more privacy? Consider if you need it to look attractive to the outside world or simply the most functioning.

Is it going to be a beautiful door but also heavy to open and close regularly? Do you need a door that has a window on it to help you see outside more easily? Think about the use of the door before making your purchase since it can be easy to get caught up in either the beauty or the affordability of one without considering the function it will have.

Use these 3 tips of things to consider before installing any new doors at the home or office. Contact The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and we’ll help with the installation!

How to Integrate Smart Home Accessories with Your Security System

There’s nothing more important than a secure home. That’s why integrating a security system into your home is the first step in bringing a sense of security and deterring crime while living in this home. What’s better is that now you can incorporate smart technology into your security system which will take that security a step further.

Instead of just your basic security system setup, you’ll now have access to more features and all at your fingertips from your smart devices. With features like smart lighting, automation controls, access to your locks, and automated system checks throughout the day, your security system will now be working for you. Take a look at how to integrate smart home accessories with your security system.

What home automation systems can do

Home automation security systems are the future of home security systems and homeowners are already installing these left and right. With most people owning smart devices now and accessing apps for just about every process they do throughout the day, it just makes sense that one of those processes would be keeping an eye on your home’s security to watch out for breaches. Smart homes now have all of their systems automated and give you access through your smart devices so that you can be a part of the process from home or while away.

While you’ll need a professional to install these systems, you’ll gain so many benefits to incorporating it into your home. for starters, you’ll find that home automation systems give you control from one place through the app on your phone or tablet, while before you had to rely on being physically present in front of the system where it was installed in the home.

Next, you’ll be able to be in two places at once because you’ll be able to do things like lock the front door while changing the thermostat and lighting all from the touch of a button. The way things used to work would require you to actually go to the door or the light switch to change these things.

You’ll also have video cameras, a wireless system, a 2-way voice panel, and automation that can be controlled through both the app and by voice. These systems come with customer service, warranties, and system checks throughout the day to ensure everything is working. You’ll have professional monitoring to ensure you can reach someone when needed and all you’ll need is a contract and monthly rate to ensure your house is protected in the most efficient way.

How smart homes increase security and simplify life

With smart accessories, security systems in homes are becoming more efficient and better overall. When you start integrating these accessories into your home’s security system, you’ll find that it’s easier to leave the house to go out of town or simply go to work each day knowing that your home is protected. 

Not only is your home more protected, but you have easier access to the regular functions of your home that you would need to interact with anyway. Entertaining guests now becomes hassle-free when you can change the lighting or turn on the music from your smartphone.

Change the thermostat while you’re at work and shortly before you get home to ensure comfort and savings to your utility bill. Turn the lights on while you’re on vacation to ensure that a possible criminal thinks that you are actually home. These affordable accessories won’t break the bank, while also helping your utility budget and giving you that priceless peace of mind while you’re away.

Recommended systems

You can start integrating smart home accessories right away into your security system. Simply call the professionals at The Professional Locksmith in Chicago and ask about getting your home equipped with smart technology today.

You can also purchase equipment to add to your current setup, such as a smart thermostat, smart lighting, smart locks, and smart speakers. These can be integrated into the home by connecting your switches and plugs to give you the remote control of the unit from your smart device.

If you want to deter criminals and simplify your home’s daily functions, integrate smart home accessories into your security system.

What it Means to Work with a Licensed & Insured Locksmith

When you hire a locksmith for an emergency job or simply to switch out locks on your front door, you want a licensed and insured locksmith. It's important to know what this means and why it's so important.

What's an Insured Locksmith?

An insured locksmith carries liability insurance. This type of insurance isn't meant to just protect the locksmith, but also the client. If accidental damage happens to the property or to someone, this insurance will protect the financial aspects of the damage.

What is a Licensed Locksmith?

When a locksmith files the proper paperwork with the government, they gain a license to work as a bonded locksmith. If they don't have a license, they haven't gone through the proper training to gain a state or federal license as a locksmith.

What is a Bonded Locksmith?

While licensed and insured are very important when hiring a locksmith, so is bonded. The process of bonding is similar to insurance. Once the locksmith has paid a bonding company, they become bonded. This will add protection for clients if damage happens due to an accident.

What Could Happen if You Don't Hire the Right Locksmith?

Imagine you're leaving work and you realize you locked your keys in your car. You hop on your phone, find the nearest locksmith and call them without verifying anything.

About 45 minutes later, the locksmith arrives in an unmarked vehicle or in a poorly marked vehicle and goes to work on getting into your car. In the process, the locksmith accidentally breaks your window and never actually got into the car until the window was broken.

If this is an unlicensed and uninsured locksmith, you'll likely get a huge bill to pay the locksmith and no help with the damage caused. This is a big deal and could happen if you don't verify that your locksmith is licensed and insured.

When you hire a licensed and insured locksmith, they will have certain policies and procedures in place to ensure there is minimal risk of damage. They will show up quickly and get you into your vehicle without damaging your vehicle much faster. If an accident does happen, they have insurance to cover the damage instead of leaving you responsible for something they did.

Hiring a Licensed and Insured Locksmith

Verifying that your locksmith is licensed and insured protects you, but it will also offer plenty of benefits. Locksmiths won't go through this type of trouble without having solid skills and the ability to provide you with quality service.

Most licensed and insured locksmiths are going to be available 24/7 and will offer you quality services at an affordable price. Plus, you will know you're dealing with a professional instead of taking the chance with someone else.

When you need a locksmith, even if it's an emergency, always hire a licensed and insured locksmith. You don't want someone that cuts corners helping you get into your car or handling the locks on your home.

5 Home Security Tips for New Homeowners

As a new homeowner, there are many things you will be learning for the first time. One of those things will be how to keep your home and your family safe on a regular basis without it interfering too much with life. Everybody knows to lock the door when they leave and to keep an eye out for suspicious people in the neighborhood, but what else will it take to keep your home and family secure?

There are some things you may not have thought to do, such as getting to know the neighbors and changing the locks when you move in. Take a look at these five tips to get you started when it comes to new home ownership and keeping things secure.

Replace the locks

The first thing you should do when you move into a new home is to change your locks. Most likely, the previous owners still have a key somewhere as does anyone involved in selling the property to you. That means that your home is not technically secure and available only to your family.

Make sure you change your locks upon arriving at the new home to make sure no one else has access to it, such as the previous family or realtor. Then, make sure you reconfigure your garage door code.

Get a home security system

Next, you’ll want to install a home security system. Make your home less appealing to a criminal that enters the neighborhood, from the trimmed bushes allowing for a great line of sight to the motion-detecting lights, make sure no criminal will want to bother breaking into your home.

Be sure to set up your home with a trustworthy home security system that will notify you in the event that there is a security breach. Make sure to have a professional install it and remember to tell your homeowners insurance since you’ll likely receive a discount for having one installed.

Get to know your neighbors and the area

One of the simplest ways to keep your home and family safe is to get to know your neighbors and your surroundings. When you know who lives near you, it’ll be easier to spot a visitor to the area to watch for suspicious activity. You’ll also have neighbors to watch your home as you do the same for them in the event that suspicious activity is taking place.

You can even join the neighborhood watch program and volunteer to collect mail and newspapers for neighbors that go on vacation, as they can do the same for you. Then, be sure to get to know your surroundings to get familiar with what habits are normal in the neighborhood compared to the times when something new comes up. Do you always see this certain service provider and delivery truck, while that moving van or construction crew has never been here before?

Think about fire safety

In addition to security, you’ll want to think about fire safety. Make sure you’ve made a plan for home fire defense and have a fire monitoring package with your home security system. Smoke detectors throughout the house are vital, as well as fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Keep up with the maintenance

Having all of these items checked off will be a great feeling, but keeping up with maintaining everything is just as important. You need to be regularly checking your outside lights, your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, your fire extinguishers, and your window locks to ensure everything is in working order.

If something isn’t functioning properly, it can be all it takes to have a breach in your safety. Make sure you are trimming the bushes, verifying your home security system is working, and things on your property meant to deter an intruder are ready to perform.

These are the top five ways that you can make sure your new home is secure and prepared in the event of a fire or home invasion.

What Items to Store in a Home Safe: Consider These

You own plenty of valuable items, whether valuable in dollars or in sentiment, that you keep in your home. Some of the items you own should be kept in a home safe, preferably a fireproof home safe.

There are several things you should consider keeping in a safe within your home. Here are some of the top items to put in a safe instead of just leaving exposed in your home.

Household Safe

10 Items that Belong in a Home Safe

1. Guns

All guns should be kept in a safe unloaded with the magazine separate from the actual gun. Ammunition should also be kept in a safe. Special gun safes are designed to keep your weapons locked up properly.

2. Precious Metals

If you own physical gold, silver, copper, or other precious metals, they should be kept in a home safe. These items are valuable and belong under lock and key.

3. Expensive Jewelry

While not all jewelry is valuable enough to go in a safe, some jewelry should remain locked up when it's not being worn. Expensive engagement rings, family heirlooms, and other high-value jewelry belong in a fireproof home safe.

4. Important Documents

Several documents should be stored in a fireproof safe including:

• Insurance policies

• Bank account information

• Wills and living trusts

• Health care documents

• And more!

These documents need to be protected and a physical backup copy is a good idea, even if you have them stored on your computer.

5. House Pictures

If a fire were to happen or a break-in, having pictures of the items you own will help with insurance. You store these pictures on a CD or thumb drive and toss them in your fireproof safe at home.

6. Important ID Documents

While you will likely carry your driver's license with you daily, other ID documents don't need to be kept on your person. Passports, birth certificates, and social security cards should be stored in a fireproof home safe.

7. Spare Keys

It's a good idea to place spare car keys and spare keys for other things, such as a storage unit into your home safe.

8. Safe Deposit Box Keys

If you have a safe deposit box for your valuables, the keys for it should go into your home safe. This will not only help to protect these keys during a disaster, but it will also keep you from losing them.

9. Emergency Cash

If a fire happens or another type of emergency event, having some cash is a good idea. Storing some emergency cash in your home safe is a good idea.

10. Family Valuables

Any other items you plan to pass down to the next generation or consider to be valuable to your family should also be stored in a safe.

If you don't have a home safe for your valuable items, it's best to have a Chicago locksmith install a safe for you. With proper safe installation, you can protect your most valuable items better.

What to Look for in a Door Replacement

When it's time to replace your front door at home or at the office, the right door replacement makes a difference. Not only should you like the way your new entry door looks, but it should also offer the security features you desire.

There are plenty of things to consider when getting a door replaced. Let's look at some of the most important features of your new door.

5 Things to Consider with a Door Replacement

1. Door Material

Choosing the type of material, you want for your door replacement is a good place to start. You can choose wood, steel, fiberglass composite, or aluminum. While wood doors are the most common and often the cheapest, steel doors tend to offer the best security features.

Fiberglass-composite doors offer a good choice in humid or harsh climates and they are very tough. Aluminum doors provide a custom-built option with a good mixture of security and affordability.

2. Solid or Glass

Some front doors will be solid with no glass in the door at all. This is the most secure option, but you can choose a door with glass in it and still get good security.

With the right type of glass installed in your door, it will be harder to break making it more secure. Glass can also help to add to the aesthetic appeal of your new entry door.

If you prefer glass, but you don't want people to be able to easily see into your front door, you can choose glazed glass. This type of glass makes it harder to see through the door and offers more privacy.

3. Consider the Lock

While choosing the door might not limit the locking mechanisms you can choose, it's still important to consider the lock. You will likely have a lock on the doorknob or handle, but you will also want to consider a deadbolt or additional locking mechanism for security.

Before you choose your door and the type of lock you want, consider the level of security you prefer. Some front door locks offer more security than others. You can also add a strike plate and other options to ensure maximum security.

4. Additional Hardware

Do you need a mail slot, knocker, peephole, or other hardware for your new door? Consider the accessories you want and make sure the door you buy is designed with the right accessories for your needs.

Mail slots and knockers can often be added to make your door more functional.

5. Installation

You can install your new front door yourself or hire a professional. Unless you are very handy and have experience installing doors, it's best to leave it to a professional.

When you need door installation in Chicago, you don't want to take chances. Poor installation can lead to higher energy bills and lower security. Make sure you hire a professional to install your new entry door.

The right front door for your home or business will not only provide the aesthetics you prefer but also the security. Replacing your door is a big deal and should be handled with the proper care. Your new door should function the way you prefer and offer peace of mind knowing it's secure when locked.