With the rise in their popularity, smart locks are becoming more common every passing day. This is because they are easier and more convenient for people to operate than the traditional key system and offer added security and functionality for your home. They make use of smartphones, apps, or thumb impressions for locking and unlocking your house’s main gate. However, people living in areas with extreme weather conditions often need clarification on the efficiency of these locks. This is because these are required to withstand adverse weather conditions like rain, ice, snow, dust, dirt, temperatures, and humidity in order to keep the gate closed and secure at all times. So, it is important to weatherproof your smart door locks.
Even though their touchpad has features that allow the locking mechanism to survive harsh conditions and avoid malfunctioning, but are these locks completely waterproof?
Let’s delve deeper into this debate and find a definitive answer to the question – do smart locks have waterproof capabilities, and if not, how can you weatherproof them to prevent damage caused by severe weather conditions?
Table of Contents
What is a smart lock?
Smart locks are new digital technologies that allow users to unlock their door locks through online, wireless commands and measures, unlike traditional locks and deadbolts that are strictly mechanical and can only be opened using keys.
Smart locks are easy to use, more convenient, and incredibly versatile. They are available in different types and designs. For example, certain smart lock designs are enabled by a keypad or key fob, while others rely on mobile apps and thumb impressions. However, there are also some hybrid models which use both digital security measures and physical keys for the locking and unlocking operation.
Are smart locks weatherproof?
Among the hundred types of smart locks available in the market, many manufacturers claim that their locks are reliable and weatherproof. But are they actually weatherproof and can survive in harsh weather conditions like storms or heavy rain?
Most smart locks advertised as weatherproof are made with hardware that shields them from adverse weather settings. In addition, these door locks have features like an automated locking system or covers that are instantly activated as soon as the system detects rain, water, or any other temperature settings programmed in them.
For example, many newer models include safety software which automatically locks the touchpad when it detects heavy rain. And when you reach home to find your door locked, the software will allow you to unlock the system and touchpad through the smartphone app.
But is that enough? Does buying a weatherproof smart door lock do the job, or do you need to look at additional ways to improve its reliability and longevity? Keep on reading to find out.
Best ways to weatherproof your smart door locks
One major concern every smart lock user has is that these devices might be vulnerable to water damage. Even if you have a weatherproof smart lock, you can’t help but worry if it will always work after making contact with water.
Smart locks installed at certain outdoor locations, such as fence gates and canopies, are more susceptible to water damage. This risk increases further if the used smart lock is not made of weatherproof material.
To get rid of this concern and keep your home safe, we have mentioned some ways that can help weatherproof your smart door locks from water, strong wind, snow, and other severe environmental factors.
Installing smart door locks away from elements of weather
The first and foremost thing you must consider when installing a smart door lock is its location and surrounding environment.
A smart door lock has to work under weather elements, such as atmospheric pressure, precipitation, temperature, humidity, wind, and cloudiness. No matter how weatherproof your smart lock is, it is bound to have some limitations when placed in these settings. Therefore, the best plan I s to install these door locks in locations protected from these elements. For example, covered entryways and porches are the ideal installation places.
This will allow the smart lock to work efficiently while avoiding as many elements and bad weather conditions as possible. So when installing a smart door lock, remember to consider its location.
Invest in high-quality weatherproof covers for your smart door locks.
Another great way to protect your smart door locks from weather damage is by using weatherproof covers. Investing in a weatherproof cover is advantageous on many levels; these covers are made with durable material that can withstand adverse weather conditions. They also prevent your smart door lock from making contact with rain, sleet, snow, debris, and dirt. Additionally, they also help the lock function operate smoothly in bad weather conditions, eventually increasing the smart lock’s performance and lifetime.
When buying them, you will come across numerous weatherproof covers of different designs and shapes. Therefore, make sure that you buy the one that fits your smart door lock model and conforms to your safety needs.
It is always better to first check in with your smart lock manufacturer if they provide a cover before you start with your search.
And if they don’t, measure your smart door lock’s dimensions and buy a cover that matches those measurements.
Use a watertight sealant to waterproof your smart door lock
You can also use a watertight sealant to protect your smart door lock. These sealants keep the moisture out of the lock’s hardware and reduce the chances of water damage.
However, make sure to carefully read the sealant instructions before using it. Follow the
instructions mentioned for its proper application. And, once the sealant is dried, you will have a lock safe from most weather elements, especially water.
Best methods to prevent any damage to your smart door lock
Done weatherproofing your smart door lock but still not completely sure about its safety and performance?
Well, here are three ways through which you can further strengthen the protective shield of your smart lock and safeguard its body from any external damage:
1. Routinely checkups and cleaning
A smart lock clogged with grime can lead to malfunctions and degraded performance. It is no secret that a smart door lock free of debris and dirt works a thousand times better than one that has accumulated dust inside. Debris can include dust, dirt, mud, leaves, or any other outdoor element.
Therefore, a routine checkup and cleaning can help improve the performance and functionality of your device.
2. Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures
Smart locks are highly vulnerable to extreme weather conditions and can become useless if exposed to cold or hot temperatures for long periods.
In addition, since these locks are mostly battery operated, if the temperature rises above 100°Fahrenheit or dips below the freezing point, the lock will automatically start malfunctioning and crashing.
In certain cases, extreme weather can also disrupt the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections of your home automation system or smartphone. Hence, installing smart door locks where they can avoid direct sunlight is a brilliant way to maintain their viability.
3. Frequently update and check the firmware.
Another extra measure you can take to improve your smart door lock’s safety and performance is to update its firmware.
The firmware plays a pivotal role in detecting surrounding conditions and checking if the lock needs any changes or repairs.
Therefore, this feature is extremely helpful in keeping track of these devices’ functionality and features. Most companies constantly introduce new and useful updates to their firmware. And it is always beneficial to turn on the notifications to keep up with these updates.
Conclusion
Even with the weatherproof and waterproof IP ratings, smart door locks are not fully ready to withstand uncertain weather conditions such as heavy storms, rain, wind, and snow.
But, don’t worry! The above-mentioned tips can assist you in improving your lock’s safety and performance. All these measures are
sufficient enough to weatherproof your smart lock and protect it from all kinds of damage.
I have over 15 years of knowledge in the technology field. Studied IT systems administration and now installing security cameras and smart home devices into user’s homes and offices.