How To Secure Your Sliding Glass Door? Sliding glass doors are popular for many homeowners because they let in natural light and provide easy outdoor access. But did you know that sliding glass doors are also one of the most common ways burglars break into a home? This blog post will show you how to secure your sliding glass door, so you can rest easy knowing your home is safe. We’ll cover everything from locks to alarms to security film so you can choose the best option.
The Best Ways to Secure Your Sliding Glass Door
If you have a sliding glass door in your home, it’s essential to take steps to secure it. Sliding glass doors are a common entry point for burglars, so ensuring yours is as secure as possible is necessary.
- -Install a security bar or rod across the inside of the door. This will make it difficult for someone to force the door open from the outside.
- -Reinforce the locks on your door. You can do this by installing new locks or adding a secondary coil, such as a deadbolt
- -Add a visual deterrent such as an alarm sticker or sign or intercom. This will let potential burglars know that your home is protected and may deter them from trying to break in.
The Different Types of Locks Available for Sliding Glass Doors
There are a few different types of locks available for sliding glass doors, each with pros and cons. The most common type of lock is the keyed locking handle, which is a handle that comes with a built-in keyed lock. This lock is relatively easy to install and can be fitted to most standard sliding glass doors. However, it is not the most secure type of lock available, as it can be easily picked up or bypassed with a credit card.
Another option is the surface-mounted deadbolt, which is more secure than the keyed locking handle. This type of lock requires drilling into the door frame to install, so it is not as easy to install as the keyed locking handle. However, it is much more difficult to pick or bypass, making it a good option for those looking for extra security.
The mortise lock is the third type of lock available for sliding glass doors. This is the most secure option available, as it cannot be picked or bypassed like the other two types of locks. However, it is also the most difficult to install, requiring precise measurements and professional installation.
Ways to Install a Sliding Glass Door Lock
Assuming your sliding glass door has a handle lock, to install an additional locking mechanism, you will need to measure the space between the inside of the handle and the edge of the door. Most standard sliding glass door locks fit a 6-inch length. If your measurement is different, you may need to order a particular lock. Next, using a drill with a 3/8 inch spade bit, make two holes in the door jamb at the top and bottom of where the lock will be installed.
Now it’s time to install the strike plate. This is what the bolt will latch onto when the door is locked. The strike plate should have come with your lock purchase. It will need to be screwed into place using 1-inch screws (usually provided with a strike plate). You will want to use screws that are long enough to reach into the stud behind the jamb for extra strength.
With the strike plate in place, it’s time to install the actual locking mechanism. Line up the bolt on the locking mechanism with the hole you drilled in Step 2. Once it’s lined up, insert and tighten screws (again, into a stud if possible) until snug. Test out your new lock by opening and closing the door several times. Make sure it feels sturdy and secure before moving on.
The Dangers of an Unsecured Sliding Glass Door
Unsecured sliding glass doors are one of the most common ways burglars enter a home. In fact, according to the National Crime Prevention Council, 30% of all burglaries are committed through an unlocked door or window. Sliding glass doors are especially vulnerable because they can be quickly forced open from the outside. Additionally, many people don’t realize that the locks on their sliding glass doors are not as secure as they could be. Here are some tips to help you secure your sliding glass door:
- -Install a secondary lock or bolt at the top and bottom of the door. This will make it much more difficult for a burglar to force the door open
- -Reinforce the track of the door with a metal plate. This will prevent the door from being forced off its tracks.
- -Make sure the locks on your door are in good working order and cannot be easily picked or bypassed.
Following these simple tips, you can make your sliding glass door much more secure and less inviting to burglars.
Other Ways to Secure Your Sliding Glass Door
There are a few other ways to secure your sliding glass door in addition to the methods mentioned above. One way is to install a security bar or rod across the inside of the door, preventing it from being opened from the outside. Another way is to establish a keyed lock on the door, which will require a key to open it from either the inside or the outside. Finally, you can install an alarm system on your door, which will sound an alarm if someone tries to force it open.
Conclusion
How To Secure Your Sliding Glass Door? By following the tips above, you can help to secure your sliding glass door and give yourself some peace of mind. No matter what type of security system you choose, always lock your doors when you leave the house and be aware of who is always around. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your home safe from burglars and other intruders.
