Good call on the enclosure, but silicone caulk can sometimes degrade over time, especially with constant exposure to moisture and sunlight. I'd suggest periodically checking the sealant every year or two and reapplying if needed. Another reliable option is marine-grade sealant—it's designed specifically for harsh outdoor conditions and holds up better long-term. Learned that the hard way after a client's keypad got fried despite initial waterproofing efforts...
Good points about marine-grade sealant—it's definitely more robust for outdoor installations. I've personally found silicone caulk pretty reliable, but you're right, it does need regular check-ups. Usually, I schedule a quick inspection once a year during spring cleaning. Takes just a few minutes to see if it's still holding strong or starting to peel away.
One thing I'd add from experience: placement matters a lot too. Even the best sealant can fail if water constantly pools around the keypad or there's no shading from direct sunlight. I learned that lesson after installing one keypad directly exposed to afternoon sun and heavy rain runoff—it didn't end well! After repositioning it under a small awning, issues significantly reduced.
So yeah, quality sealant matters, but keeping an eye on how and where you mount your smart lock can save you headaches down the road...
"Even the best sealant can fail if water constantly pools around the keypad or there's no shading from direct sunlight."
Couldn't agree more—placement's crucial. I've found that keypad angle matters too. Slightly tilting mine downward helped prevent water buildup. Ever experimented with keypad covers or shields for extra protection?
Interesting point about angling the keypad downward—I hadn't thought of that before. Still, I'm a bit skeptical about keypad covers or shields. While they might protect against water, wouldn't they make it harder to see or press buttons clearly, especially at night? I remember trying a DIY cover once (just a simple plastic shield), and it ended up fogging up or getting condensation inside, making visibility even worse.
"Even the best sealant can fail if water constantly pools around the keypad..."
True enough, but maybe the real solution is to reconsider the keypad's location altogether? When I installed mine, I opted for a spot under the porch awning—no direct rain or sunlight, minimal issues since. Of course, that's not always possible depending on your home's layout... but just something to think about before investing in extra accessories. Curious if anyone's had success with other protective methods that don't compromise usability too much.
I had a similar issue with condensation using a plastic shield—it fogged up all the time, especially during temperature swings. Eventually, I ditched the cover altogether and moved the keypad to a recessed spot near the garage entrance. It's sheltered enough that rain doesn't hit it directly. Like you mentioned:
"maybe the real solution is to reconsider the keypad's location altogether?"
Sometimes, simpler tweaks like placement adjustments end up working better than extra gadgets or covers... at least in my experience.
