5 Security Tips for Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are easy targets for burglars. Intuitively it seems that the glass could easily be broken and then walked through but this is not as common as other successful break and enter attempts on sliding patio doors.

Because these forceful openings are frequent here are 5 sliding glass door security considerations:

1. Outside or Inside Sliding Panel?

Most sliding glass doors have one fixed panel and one sliding panel. The sliding panel is best when mounted on the inside. Many outside sliding panel installations are fitted in such a way that the sliding panel can when be lifted out of the track with out use of tools. It is important that the door be fitted tightly in all locking positions.

Most other sliding doors are easily forced open when additional security installations are not made. This difference in setup limits the options for security improvements but appropriate solutions can be found for both inside-sliding-panel and outside-sliding-panel glass doors.

2. Handle Locks

Most sliding door handle locks are weak and easily forced. These handles rarely have deadlocking locks and the locks can be flipped open with a little effort and simple tools. Higher security solutions are available for patio door handles.

Contact a Professional Experience in Sliding Door Security to have your sliding door secured from intruders. Handle locks can also be used as secure entry points (See Below).

3. Bolts and Security Pins

A sliding glass door should have an additional locking bolt. Weak plastic bodied locks are common and do not hold up to a forced entry attempt. Some bolts also have inadequate depth or bolt in poor directions and were not designed with a thorough consideration for the common entry attempts that would be used against them.

Bolts and pins that do not dead lock are more vulnerable to manipulation. A keyed lock is essential for securing a sliding door in an open position for ventilating or pet access. If secondary venting positions are installed the door must be fitted tightly in these positions to prevent lifting.

Sliding panel bar and multi-point locks are other options that can provided even greater security to your patio door. Options for keying interior patio door locks alike to front doors are also available.

4. Keyed Exterior Access

Using a sliding patio door as an access point can create a number of problems. It is important that a deadlocking jimmy proof patio door lock is installed if residents or home owners would be relying on a sliding door as an access point. The common keyed handle locks rely on a weak lock that does not deadlock and can be easily opened.

Contact Mobile Locksmith St. John’s to have your sliding door converted to a secured access point. This could be useful as a private entry point or convenient short cut for multi-unit buildings or as a way of dividing a house for a rental suite.

5. Security Gates

For a higher lever of security for more vulnerable locations a locking gate can be installed. This will prevent even glass breaking attempts and will be immediately visible. Gates can be painted an appropriate colour for minimal disruption to the look of a property.