Sliding doors are a beautiful addition to the family home. They let in plenty of sunlight and provide an unobstructed view of the backyard. But, they’re not without any security risks. Breaking a door or window is the second most common method to gain entry into a property. So how do you keep intruders out and keep the house safe?
Home Sliding Door Security Tips
Tip 1. Change your door lock
The majority of sliding doors use a different door lock to that of a front door. Patio door locks use a latch to lock. The lock operates via a thumb-turn or with a key So, what should you look for? Check the latch clicks easily and quickly into place. You shouldn’t have to jiggle the door to get the latch in. Also, check that the handle itself isn’t sitting loose on the door. If it doesn’t have a key lock feature or you struggle to get the key in to lock, then it's time to change it. Lastly, you should also use the key every time you leave the house.
Tip 2. Add a sliding door bolt
Adding a sliding door bolt stops intruders from the ability to remove the sliding door off of its tracks. Thus it gives you peace of mind for that extra bit of security. This lock mounts to the bottom/top side of the sliding door and the bolt slides into a hole drilled into the track. Thereby, stopping the door from moving. These sliding door bolts also provide you with the added bonus of being a keyed lock. This comes in handy when you go away for a night or two or to stop young children from going outside when it’s too dark.
Tip 3: Strengthen the glass
Did you know that glass can be strengthened with the right type of window film? Security films prevent burglars from making a quick entry when trying to break it in a hurry. Security films are usually made from strong and thin vinyl material. It is best to use the professionals to do this, otherwise, you may end up with unsightly bubbles. Security films can come in a variety of looks. From the opaque, one-way mirror, tinted and more. So you'll still have uninterrupted views of the outside whilst keeping your privacy.
Tip 4: Cover your sliding door
Although it’s wonderful to let in the natural light during the day, the same can’t be said for nighttime. Or even when there’s no one at home. By not covering the sliding door, you are allowing a clear view from outside to see in. Particularly if you choose not to add privacy film to your windows. This is a simple problem to fix. Simply install curtains or vertical blinds that fit the width of the sliding door. Now, all you have to do is close them every time you leave the house and for each night.
Tip 5: Get a Monitored Alarm System
Finally, no lock or barrier is completely foolproof, theftproof or breakproof. So in addition to taking the steps described above, you should consider getting a home security system. This includes installing window and door sensors. These can detect when the door or window opens or tampered with.
Most importantly, what’s a good door lock when it's not locked? The door should always be locked whenever it's not in use. Otherwise, all that time and money spent on buying the best for your home would be for nothing. Find out more about door security with our Beginner’s Guide.
To find what you need for your sliding door, see our range of sliding and patio door furniture
