Long winters and frozen locks
Spokane's winters are long and cold, with about 72 freeze-thaw cycles in an average year according to NOAA's engineering weather data. Locks on gates, sheds, garage side doors and padlocks often freeze when moisture gets inside. Don't force a frozen key; use a lock de-icer or gently warm the key. A dry lubricant made for locks, applied in fall, keeps moisture out. Avoid oil.
Doors that shift with frost and snow
Heavy snow and frost can make doors shift. NOAA's data lists a 50-year ground snow load of 42 pounds per square foot for Spokane, and snow on roofs and frozen ground can subtly move door frames. Spokane's frost depth policy sets footings at 24 inches below grade, but porches, steps and slabs at entries are shallower and can heave with frost. When a door's alignment changes, the deadbolt binds against the strike. Adjusting the strike or hinges keeps the lock working and avoids broken keys.
Rekeying after a move
After moving into a Spokane home, rekey every exterior lock, including garage entries, gates and outbuildings. A locksmith can often key compatible locks alike.
Strengthening doors
A reinforced strike plate with long screws into the wall framing, longer hinge screws, a solid exterior door and a quality deadbolt make forced entry much harder. Storm doors add a layer and help protect the main door from weather. Sliding doors benefit from a secondary lock or bar.
Smart locks in the cold
Cold reduces battery capacity, so smart locks on exterior doors may need battery changes more often in winter. Keep the key backup, check batteries before cold snaps, and know how the lock behaves when batteries die.
Lockouts in winter
A lockout on a cold Spokane night is a safety issue. If someone vulnerable is outside without shelter, or a child or pet is locked inside in danger, call 911. Otherwise, ask any locksmith for a total price on the phone, the business's legal name and address, and a promise to try non-destructive entry first. Get the price in writing before work starts.
Garages and shops
The door from an attached garage into the house should have a deadbolt and a solid door. Detached shops and sheds need weather-resistant locks; ask whether they can be keyed to match the house.
Before you hire
Ask Spokane locksmiths whether your locks can be rekeyed or keyed alike, what grade of deadbolt they recommend, how they'll reinforce the door, and how they'll keep exterior locks working in winter. Use L&I's contractor lookup to check the business's Washington registration, bond and insurance where installation work is involved.
Storm doors and screens
Many Spokane homes have storm doors. Their latches and locks are light-duty, so the main door's deadbolt does the real work. Keep storm door closers adjusted so wind doesn't slam the door against the frame and loosen its hardware.