Hurricane Season and Your Doors: A Crestview Lock & Hardware Checklist
By the Crestview Locksmith team · 2026-08-04
Assessing the Strike Plate and Frame Integrity
The most common failure during a storm isn't the lock cylinder snapping—it is the strike plate pulling out of the wooden door jamb. In many older Crestview homes or rental properties near the coast, strike plates are held in by half-inch screws that only penetrate the thin decorative trim. When wind pressure pushes against a door, it creates a lever effect. If that strike plate isn't anchored into the actual 2x4 framing of the house, the wood will splinter, and the door will blow open.
Check every exterior door, including the back door and any side entries. Replace those short screws with three-inch hardened steel screws. This ensures the lock is anchored to the structural studs of the home, not just the trim. If you have a door that rattles in the frame, you have a gap that allows wind to get behind the door, increasing the pressure. Adjust your strike plates or install weather-stripping to create a tight seal. A tight seal isn't just about keeping water out; it's about preventing the "wind-tunnel" effect that can pop a lock right out of the wall.
Hardware Corrosion and Salt Air Degradation
Even if you aren't living directly on the beach in Destin or Navarre, the humidity and salt-laden air of the Gulf Coast migrate inland. This leads to "galvanic corrosion," where different metals react and seize up. For those in the Crestview area, especially those living near the base or in older neighborhoods with original hardware, this manifests as a "sticky" lock. You might find that you have to jiggle the key or pull the handle hard to get the door to open.
During a hurricane evacuation, the last thing you want is a deadbolt that seizes because of internal corrosion. This is the time to lubricate your locks, but do not use WD-40. WD-40 is a solvent, not a long-term lubricant; it attracts dust and eventually gums up the pins. Use a dry graphite lubricant or a PTFE-based spray. These create a barrier against the moisture and ensure that when you are locking up in a hurry before a storm hits, the mechanism moves freely. If you see visible pitting or rust on your hinges or handles, it is time to replace the hardware. Rust weakens the metal, and a rusted hinge is far more likely to shear under the stress of high winds.
Securing Sliders and Vacation Rentals
Sliding glass doors are the weakest link in any Florida home. Whether you have a pool deck in a residential subdivision or you manage a vacation rental closer to the coast, the standard latch on a slider is insufficient. Most sliders rely on a simple hook that can be easily bypassed or forced open by wind pressure.
The most effective low-tech solution is the security bar, but for a permanent fix, install a secondary foot lock or a heavy-duty sliding bolt at the top of the door frame. This distributes the pressure across two points of the frame rather than one. For those managing properties, ensure that these locks are checked regularly. Tenants often forget to fully engage the locks, or they break the plastic sliding tracks. If the track is bent or worn, the lock won't seat properly, leaving the door vulnerable. Check the rollers; if the door doesn't slide smoothly, it won't lock securely.
Garage Doors and Side Entry Points
The garage is often the "Achilles heel" of the home. Once a garage door fails, the wind enters the house and creates upward pressure on the roof, which can lead to total structural failure. While the big door is the main concern, the side "man-door" often gets overlooked. These doors are frequently exposed to the elements and are often the only thing separating your garage from your living area.
Ensure your side entry door has a grade-2 deadbolt. Many builders install basic knobs that offer very little resistance. If you have a garage door opener, check if it has a locking slide bolt on the track. Engaging this manual bolt prevents the door from being blown off its tracks. For those living in areas with high debris potential, consider reinforcing the hinges on your exterior doors. Switching from standard hinges to heavy-duty ball-bearing hinges prevents the door from sagging, which ensures the deadbolt continues to align perfectly with the strike plate during the storm's vibration.
📞 Call Crestview Locksmith — (850) 955-8053FAQ
Why should I avoid using WD-40 in my locks before a storm?
WD-40 is a degreaser and solvent that evaporates quickly, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts grit and salt. This can lead to the internal pins seizing, making it difficult to lock or unlock your door during an emergency.
How do I know if my strike plate is properly anchored?
Look at the screws holding the metal plate to the wall; if they are short enough to be flush with the trim, they are insufficient. You need screws that penet least two to three inches into the structural wall stud.
Are smart locks reliable during hurricane-season power outages?
Most smart locks use batteries and will function without mains power, but electronic components are more susceptible to moisture damage. Always ensure you have a physical key backup and that the manual cylinder is lubricated and working.