Coastal Corrosion: How to Protect Your Locks from Dorset's Salt Air

Operating on the Dorset coast, we frequently encounter lock failures caused not by poor quality, but by the relentless attack of salt air and moisture. The coastal environment creates an electrolytic effect that drastically accelerates corrosion on internal metal hardware, leading to lock seizure and failure. This guide details preventative maintenance to protect your Bournemouth, Poole, or Christchurch home and avoid costly lock replacements.

Why Salt Air Destroys Your Locks Faster

Airborne salt particles mix with humidity to form a highly corrosive saline solution. This solution:

• Attacks Internal Parts: It aggressively corrodes the internal components of the lock, specifically the pins, springs, and cylinder.

• Seizes Mechanisms: As corrosion progresses, these internal parts seize up, causing the key to become sticky or the lock to fail completely.

• Targets uPVC: While uPVC frames are resistant, the multi-point locking mechanisms inside the door are just as vulnerable to coastal corrosion as a traditional mortice lock.

  
  

Essential Preventative Maintenance Protocol

The best defence is a proactive, scheduled maintenance routine:

1. Use the Right Lubricant: Strictly avoid general-purpose oils. The optimal choice is a Silicone Lubricant (or PTFE) that forms a clean, water-resistant film, significantly reducing the risk of rust.

2. Regular Cleaning: Clean and lubricate all external locks and mechanisms every 3–6 months. This is the frequency needed to combat the severity of coastal conditions.

3. Inspect Drainage: Ensure the drainage weep holes on your uPVC doors and windows are clear. Blocked holes allow water to sit near the lock mechanism.

   
   

Proactive Service Contracts

Many of our coastal clients opt for a Corrosion Mitigation Service Contract. This involves scheduled maintenance inspections where we clean, lubricate, and adjust all key mechanisms (especially those sensitive uPVC gearboxes) to prevent failure. This generates predictable maintenance revenue and saves homeowners from emergency costs.

Local Authority Check: We know the coastal corrosion issues facing properties from Sandbanks to Mudeford. We aim for a rapid 30-minute emergency response in the Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch areas.

Protect your locks from the sea air. Ask us about our coastal maintenance contracts. The price we quote is the final, fixed price. No hidden fees or surprise out-of-hours charges. Call Peter directly on: 07304 073538.