While the UK is a great place to live, we all know how the climate can impact our property. From condensation on our windows to the constant shrinking and expansion of doorways, the weather can play havoc with our homes. That can leave you with more than a few challenges to deal with, not least finding reliable security that won’t falter when the weather changes. For example, have you thought about buying a chain lock for door security? Then you need to buy a reliable door security chain.
Not only reliable from a protection point of view, but from a longevity perspective. A door chain lock made from the wrong material will break down and erode much quickly in the UK than in many other parts of the world. Regular buildup of moisture on a chain lock for your door can cause it to slowly but surely rust, corrode and thus become easier to break through for a criminal.
To help you understand why this is not a topic you should ignore, we contacted experts at Locksandhardware. We wanted to get an idea bout how to find water-resistant door chains. With advice from experts in waterproofing your locks, this guide should help you take immediate action to avoid this headache.
Why A Rust-Resistant Chain Lock For Door Security Is Important
It’s so easy to assume that door chains are weather-resistant from the outset. However, many are not. Many door chains on the market are made using materials that are not rust-resistant. As such, the regular interaction with moisture and humidity can cause these to quickly corrode compared to how they would react in other climates. That means that standard, basic door chains can wear away rapidly.
Why does that matter? Well, a rusty chain is far less durable. They can be more routinely snapped or broken through, as rusted metal is far easier to break through. That means that your door chain lock no longer provides the kind of protection it should, making it easy for someone to break into your home. Even a lockable door chain becomes less effective when it is rusted.
Rust-resistant door locks with chain functionality are, thankfully, common on the market. You do not need to buy from a specific place. In fact, you can buy a door security chain from Locks & Handles that is not going to decay or degrade due to the rain. Given the UK climate, you cannot ignore the fact that your door chains can become compromised simply due to the weather conditions faced.
Features To Look For In Water-Resistant Door Chains
The bad news? Most standard chains are almost certain to weaken quickly in the UK. Buy a generic door chain lock, and you will need to replace it in a short space of time. There are some specific types of chain locks for door protection that you can buy, though, which are far more resistant to such issues. To help you make the right choice, we highly recommend that you look at chains which have the following attributes:
Solid Bass Base Metals
If you choose to go for an iron chain or similar, make sure that the base metal is solid brass. Many chrome and satin door chains will be made from a base metal that is not solid brass. That matters. Solid brass, when coated with the right protection, is likely to last far longer than alternative base metals such as Zamak. Solid brass with a polished chrome finish is often the right choice if you want to avoid going for stainless steel door chains.
Proper Stainless Steel
Speaking of stainless steel, buying rust-resistant variants is essential. Certain grades of stainless steel are likely to rust quickly, especially in a rainy climate like the UK. Generally, door chains that will see plenty of use outdoors should be made from Grade 316 stainless steel. For internal door chain lock installations, you can also look for Grades 201 and 304, respectively. Avoid using 201/304 stainless steel outside, though, as it will not last. Even Grade 316 steel can corrode on the surface, though, so be sure to keep a close eye on any signs of wear and tear. Address immediately if found.
Galvanised Finishes
You can also get extra peace of mind by investing in door chains with a galvanised finish. This is often a zinc coating, providing an extra layer of resistance to weather-based wear and tear. Many door chain lock problems emerge from not paying enough attention to signs of wear and tear. A galvanised finish means that there is extra rust resistance. If rust does build up, most of the time it will be on the surface layer so that it can be cleaned down with ease.
Efficient Sealing
Finally, make sure that you take the time to look at the sealing around your joints. When your door chain is installed, you should ensure that all gaps around the door and the chain are carefully filled in. The fewer gaps there are, the less chance there is for moisture and humidity to seep into the chain. Even the best chains can become victims of weather damage and corrosion if they remain exposed to high levels of moisture. So, by sealing the joints around your door and the chain, you can reduce this.
Regular Check-Ups
Lastly, make sure that you take the time to regularly review your checks for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you spot these signs, buy a rust cleaning solution for the material that your door chains are made from. This could be something like stainless steel or even sometimes iron, so make sure that you only use a rust repellent that is compatible with your door chains’ base material.
Weather Meets Security
Rust-proof chains can be hard to find, but they are worth shopping around for. Given the exposure to the elements that door chains go through, it can feel as if you need to replace your chains regularly. By investing in a rust-resistant model, though, you avoid this problem from worsening beyond what is normal. Given the UK’s wet and rainy climate, being prepared is essential.
Be sure to shop around at Locks & Handles if you want to find rust-resistant and rust-proof chain locks for your door. It might cost you more today, but you will feel the benefits through the lack of replacements moving forward!
