October 18, 2025
Your door and lock system is the first line of defense against unwanted guests and potential security threats. Yet, many homeowners unknowingly make critical mistakes that leave their property vulnerable.
From choosing the wrong lock to ignoring misaligned doors, these oversights can cost you both money and peace of mind.
In this guide, we break down the most common door and lock mistakes homeowners make—and how you can avoid them, with expert tips from the security specialists at Integrum Locksmith & Doors.
Even the most advanced lock won’t protect you if the door doesn’t sit properly in its frame. A misaligned door can prevent the lock bolt from engaging fully, making it easier for someone to kick it open.
Regularly check that your door opens and closes smoothly.
Look for gaps or resistance when locking.
If in doubt, call a professional to re-align the door and strike plate.
🛠 Pro Tip: Integrum offers door frame reinforcement and repair services to strengthen entry points.
Many homes still rely on cheap, mass-produced locks that are easy to pick, bump, or break. Intruders know which brands are easiest to bypass—and they look for them.
Invest in high-security deadbolts or ANSI Grade 1 locks from trusted brands like Schlage, Medeco, or Mul-T-Lock.
🔐 Integrum installs and recommends only premium, bump-resistant locks built for Canadian weather and safety standards.
You don’t know who the previous owners gave spare keys to—family, neighbors, contractors, even cleaning staff.
Always rekey or replace your locks immediately after moving in. It’s a small investment for long-term peace of mind.
🏠 Integrum offers move-in rekey packages for new homeowners and tenants across Toronto and the GTA.
Most break-ins happen through the front door—and a single lock isn’t always enough to keep intruders out.
Install a deadbolt in addition to a standard knob lock.
Add a door chain or security latch for layered protection.
For even more control, consider smart locks or keypad systems.
💡 Pro Tip: Integrum can help install multi-point locking systems for higher resistance against forced entry.
Locks are mechanical devices—they require routine care. Without it, they can seize up, wear out, or fail when you need them most.
Lubricate your locks annually with graphite or silicone-based lubricant.
Check for rust, loose screws, or wobbly cylinders.
Replace aging locks before they fail unexpectedly.
⚠️ Tip: If your key sticks or the lock feels loose, don’t ignore it—get it checked by a professional.
Fake rocks, doormats, flower pots—these are the first places burglars look. Leaving a key outside may seem convenient but makes your home an easy target.
Use a smart lock or keypad entry system instead of spare keys.
If you must leave a spare, give it to a trusted neighbor or friend instead of hiding it.
🔐 Ask Integrum about keyless and remote access options that eliminate the need for hidden keys entirely.
Many homeowners reinforce the front door but forget about sliding glass doors and patios. These are prime targets for intruders due to weak locks and easy access.
Add a security bar or anti-lift device.
Use double bolt locks or keyed locks on sliding doors.
Install shatter-resistant glass film or window sensors.
🛠 Integrum offers patio and sliding door lock upgrades for enhanced home protection.
Attached garages often have internal doors leading into the home, and they’re usually less secure. Intruders know this and may exploit it.
Treat your garage door like a main entrance—install a deadbolt on the interior access door.
Keep garage door openers secure, especially in parked cars.
🚗 Bonus: Add a smart garage controller for remote access and alerts.
A broken or malfunctioning lock can become an emergency at the worst time—such as being locked out late at night or after a break-in attempt.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If your locks are old, rusted, or unreliable, replace them now before disaster strikes.
📞 Integrum offers 24/7 emergency lock services to handle urgent replacements any time of day or night.
DIY lock installations may seem simple, but without the right tools or knowledge, you could compromise your security. Misaligned strike plates, shallow screws, or weak hardware make it easier for doors to be forced open.
Always consult a professional, especially when installing:
Deadbolts
Smart locks
Reinforcement plates
Strike boxes
👷♂️ Integrum Locksmith & Doors offers professional installation with a security audit included.
Most homeowners don’t think twice about their door locks—until something goes wrong. But the truth is, small oversights in your home’s entryways can create big security vulnerabilities.
A strong front door and quality locks are essential to protecting your family, valuables, and peace of mind. Yet many people are unknowingly making avoidable mistakes that put them at risk.
Let’s break down the top 10 door and lock mistakes homeowners make, how they compromise your safety, and what you can do—today—to fix them.
Many people assume the locks that came with their home or door are high quality. But most new doors (even expensive ones) come with basic, inexpensive locks that offer minimal protection.
Install premium-grade deadbolts or smart locks designed to resist picking, bumping, and forced entry. Brands like Medeco®, Mul-T-Lock®, or Schlage® Grade 1 locks offer industry-leading security.
👷♂️ Need help? Integrum Locksmith & Doors installs high-security locks tailored to Toronto homes.
A single doorknob lock or deadbolt is often not enough—especially on front or back entrances.
Install dual locks (a doorknob with a deadbolt), or upgrade to a multi-point locking system for added strength. Layered security is harder for intruders to defeat.
💡 Bonus Tip: Consider a door viewer camera or a smart doorbell for extra control.
Even the best lock is useless if the door frame is weak. Most break-ins involve kicking in the frame, not picking the lock.
Reinforce your strike plate with 3″ screws that reach the wall stud, or install a full steel reinforcement kit.
🔧 Integrum offers door frame upgrades and security reinforcement kits for long-lasting protection.
Homeowners often focus on the front door and ignore other entry points, like basement doors, side doors, or rear patios.
Every exterior door should have a Grade 1 deadbolt or better. Don’t forget about sliding glass doors—install locks, security bars, and anti-lift devices.
🚪 Integrum offers full-home door audits to identify weak spots.
That key that sticks every time? That lock that wiggles? That’s not just annoying—it’s a warning sign that something’s wrong.
Treat lock issues early. A small problem can quickly become a total failure, locking you out or leaving your home vulnerable.
🛠 Integrum Locksmiths provide fast, on-site lock repair or replacement, 24/7.
Older locks wear down over time and can be easily picked or bumped with modern tools. If your lock is 10+ years old, it’s likely not secure by today’s standards.
Upgrade to modern high-security or smart locks that are resistant to modern burglary techniques.
📱 Integrum installs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, keypad, and fingerprint locks—with expert setup and support.
Whether you’ve moved into a new home, had a breakup, or fired a contractor—if someone had access to your key, you may no longer be secure.
Rekey your locks immediately after any major life change. It’s faster and cheaper than full replacement, and gives you complete control.
🔑 Ask Integrum about our same-day rekeying service across the GTA.
Fake rocks. Under the mat. Inside the mailbox. These hiding spots are well-known to burglars.
If you must keep a spare key, use a lockbox with a code or leave it with a trusted person.
Or better yet, go keyless with a smart lock—no more keys to lose or hide.
If your garage has a door leading into your home, it needs to be just as secure as your front door. Many homeowners ignore this point of entry.
Install a deadbolt on internal garage doors, and secure your garage remote if left in your vehicle.
🔐 Integrum offers garage access door upgrades and can help assess all vulnerable points.
Many homeowners feel safe in their neighborhood, believing they don’t need added security. But most burglaries occur in low-crime suburban areas—not where you might expect.
Take a proactive approach. Security is about preparation, not paranoia.
A small investment now can save thousands in losses and bring priceless peace of mind.
Why smart locks make sense:
No keys to lose
Remote control from your phone
Access logs and user codes
Temporary access for guests, cleaners, or deliveries
📲 Integrum Locksmith & Doors installs and supports all major smart lock systems—including Yale, August, Schlage, and Weiser.
We’re not just locksmiths—we’re your home security partners. At Integrum, we combine decades of experience with modern technology to offer:
✅ Lock Installation & Upgrades
✅ Emergency Locksmith Services (24/7)
✅ Smart Lock & Keypad System Setup
✅ Lock Rekeying & Repair
✅ Door Reinforcement & Replacement
✅ Home & Commercial Security Audits
📍 Serving: Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Scarborough & More
📞 Call Now: (844) 228-4012
🌐 Website: www.integrum-locksmith-doors.ca
Use this mini checklist to quickly assess your home’s entry security:
| ✅ | Security Checkpoint |
|---|---|
| ☐ | All exterior doors have deadbolts |
| ☐ | Doors align properly with no dragging |
| ☐ | Lock mechanisms work smoothly |
| ☐ | No spare keys hidden outside |
| ☐ | Locks rekeyed after last move or staff change |
| ☐ | Back, garage & patio doors secured |
| ☐ | Doors reinforced with long screws or strike plates |
| ☐ | No locks older than 10 years |
| ☐ | Smart lock or keypad entry used |
| ☐ | Lock and door inspected within the last 12 months |
If you’ve checked fewer than 7 boxes, it’s time for an upgrade.
Feel free to contact us, and We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions.