Lock replacement · Shoreham-by-Sea
Changing Door Locks in Shoreham-by-Sea
Moved home, lost keys or living with a worn lock in Shoreham-by-Sea? A lock change should fit your door, work smoothly and stop old keys working. Here is how to choose the right approach.
Why people change locks in Shoreham-by-Sea
- Moving in. You rarely know how many keys previous occupants, tradespeople or agents still have.
- Lost or stolen keys – especially if they could be linked to your address.
- Worn or damaged locks that stick, catch or have been forced.
- Old or non-standard locks on older doors that no longer meet the household's needs.
Changing locks on Shoreham-by-Sea properties
When changing locks on a Shoreham flat door, check whether it is a fire door and what your lease or building rules say about new hardware.
In the old town you are more likely to find timber doors and traditional locks; newer apartments have communal entrances and individual flat doors, often fire doors; suburban homes mainly have uPVC or composite doors.
Apartment buildings along the river and harbour usually have managed communal entrances, and older parts of the town are within conservation areas.
Matching the new lock to your door
The right replacement depends on what is already fitted. Here is how common door types in Shoreham-by-Sea usually work:
| Door | Usual lock | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Timber front door | Mortice deadlock and/or rim night latch | Common on older homes in Shoreham-by-Sea. Replacements must suit the existing cut-out and door thickness. |
| uPVC or composite door | Euro cylinder operating a multipoint mechanism | Often only the cylinder needs changing. It must be measured so it does not project too far. |
| Flat entrance door | Varies – latch, mortice or euro cylinder | Often a fire door; hardware must be compatible and building rules may apply. |
| Back, side or patio door | Euro cylinder, mortice or sliding-door lock | Often overlooked when a property changes hands. |
If your home insurance specifies a type of lock – policies often refer to British Standard BS 3621 for mortice locks on timber doors – check the wording before choosing a replacement. We can explain what is fitted, but the policy wording is what counts.
Permissions to check first
- Renting: check your tenancy agreement – permission from the landlord is usually needed.
- Flats and managed buildings: leases and building rules in Shoreham-by-Sea can restrict changes to entrance doors, and communal locks belong to the freeholder or managing agent. Flat entrance doors are often fire doors, so replacement hardware must be compatible.
- Owner-occupied homes: no permission is usually needed, but think about every external door, not just the front.
Cylinder change or full lock replacement?
- Cylinder only. On most uPVC and composite doors, changing the euro cylinder is enough to stop old keys working. It is usually the quickest and least expensive option.
- Whole lock. Needed when the mechanism itself is worn or damaged, or when a mortice lock or night latch needs replacing.
- Keyed alike. Several cylinders can sometimes be supplied to work with one key. Ask about this if you are changing more than one door.
- Finish and materials. On doors exposed to sea air, ask about finishes and materials that cope better with the conditions near the coast in Shoreham-by-Sea.
About our lock change service in Shoreham-by-Sea
Shoreham-by-Sea is a historic harbour town on the River Adur, with period cottages and townhouses in the old town centre, riverside and harbourside apartment developments, and suburban housing to the north.
Shoreham-by-Sea is in Adur District, West Sussex, along the coast to the west of Brighton and Hove. We are a service-area business and do not have an office or premises in Shoreham-by-Sea; we travel to customers from the Brighton area.
Nearby, we also take enquiries from Shoreham Beach, Southwick and Lancing. For an overview of everything we do here, see locksmith services in Shoreham-by-Sea.
Lock change costs
- Cylinder replacement – quoted by specification; varies by cylinder.
- Mortice lock replacement – quoted by lock and fitting; varies by installation.
- Night latch replacement – quoted by model; varies by hardware.
- Multiple lock changes – itemised quotation; depends on quantity.
We explain how the charge is worked out before any work starts. See the lock change page for the full pricing guide.
Shoreham-by-Sea is further from central Brighton than most of the areas we cover, so we always confirm whether a visit can be arranged for your address before you make plans. Travel distance can be one of the factors in the lock change charge, and we explain this when quoting.
Lock Change questions
How do I know which cylinder size I need?
Euro cylinders come in different lengths for each side of the door. They are measured from the fixing screw, so it is best to have them measured rather than guess – an over-long cylinder can be easier to attack.
Can you change all the locks on a house in Shoreham-by-Sea in one visit?
Often, if the parts are available. Tell us how many doors and which types of lock when you call so we can plan the visit and give an itemised quote.
Do I need to change the lock or just the cylinder?
If the mechanism works well and the concern is who has keys, a cylinder change is often enough on uPVC and composite doors. Timber doors with mortice locks or night latches may need the lock itself replaced.
Can I change the lock on my flat door?
Usually, for your own front door, but check your lease or tenancy and any building rules first. If the door is a fire door, the replacement hardware must be compatible with it.