If you're lucky enough to have a glass sliding door, you can appreciate how seamlessly your home connects the indoors and outdoors. When you open the door, the rollers slide smoothly along the track, giving you easy access to the scenery outside.
But here is a big matter: the security sliding door. You need to ensure the security of your door rollers is at its best to protect your home and loved ones.
Here are some useful tips to improve your sliding door security and steps to help you achieve the best security result.
Common Ways Burglars Bypass Sliding Doors
Before diving into the seven ways to secure your sliding door, let’s first explore the common methods burglars use to bypass them.
Lifting the door out of the track
When a burglar tries to enter, they may pry and lift the door out of the track, as sliding doors have heavy-duty rollers that glide along the track.
Smashing the glass door
For a more direct approach, they might smash the glass by throwing or striking it with a heavy object.
Read More: Glass Door Installation
Bypassing the lock
The lock system of most sliding doors contains a simple latch, making it easy to break by jiggling the door.
How to Improve Your Security Sliding Door
Don't let the methods mentioned above scare you. There are many ways to improve the security of your door:
1. Use tracker block
Sliding door rollers open and close horizontally on both the upper and lower tracks. One of the simplest ways to enhance your sliding door security is to place an obstacle—like a tracker block—in the track to prevent movement.
To make a tracker block, simply cut a wooden broom handle to fit the bottom track. This is a quick and easy solution, and while it may not be foolproof, it adds an extra level of security and prevention that wasn't there before. It's also useful for keeping toddlers and the elderly from opening the door.
2. Reinforce the glass
Sliding glass doors are made of large glass panels. For a potential burglar, this presents an easy point of entry—unless you've reinforced them.
By applying security film to the inside of the glass, you can significantly strengthen it. This film makes the glass much more difficult to break through, enhancing sliding door security. It also helps prevent the glass from shattering upon impact.
Depending on type, brand, and size, security film costs $10 to $30 per roll.
However, applying security film isn’t a complicated task, you can't do it on your own—you need assistance. It’s also a good idea to hire a professional—Like EsnaGlass—for the best results.
3. Add a secondary lock
Locking your door seems like an obvious solution, but many sliding doors don't have a deadbolt. In most cases, they only have a simple latch that clamps onto the door.
To enhance your security sliding door, install a steel secondary lock system, such as a deadbolt.
You can install it yourself or ask a professional to handle it. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here’s what you need to do:
- Drill screw holes into both door jambs and the door frame.
- Screw the loop lock into place.
Read More: Partition Glass Installation
4. Floor Mounting
One option to improve the security of your doors and prevent burglars from entering is to mount the door into the floor. This can be done by installing a heavy-duty floor latch that hooks onto the bottom of the door, allowing you to easily attach or detach it using your foot.
5. Installing a sensor or alarm system
Sometimes, the most effective way to deter burglars is with a blaring alarm sounding directly in their ears. You can install a door sensor that triggers an alarm when it detects the door being smashed or someone trying to pry it open.
Additionally, installing a home security camera is a smart decision to maximize your security and record intruders.
6. Close the blinds or curtains
Another simple yet effective way to stop burglars from entering is to close the blinds or curtains before leaving home. An open view of your living space allows intruders to scope out your home and identify valuable objects to steal.
With closed blinds or curtains, burglars have to think twice before going through the effort of breaking in.
Read More: Aluminum Sliding Doors
7. Security Screen
Security screens—not to be confused with fly screens—are an excellent choice for improving your security sliding door.
If aesthetic appeal is a concern for you, rest assured that modern security screens are designed to be super strong, super durable, and not stick out like a sore thumb. Please note that security screens are engineered differently, so it’s best to consult a professional to find one that perfectly meets your needs.
Materials that are used in security screens vary, ranging from aluminum sheeting and high-tensile stainless steel to PVC coatings that protect the wire from rusting. Many security screens are built to provide superior durability against corrosion, harsh weather conditions, and UV exposure.
Furthermore, installing security screens is a great choice, especially during summer, as they allow natural light to enter while keeping bugs, flies, and intruders at bay.
Overall, with the right security upgrade, your sliding door security can offer a strong protection against potential burglars while still allowing you to connect with the outdoors.
Read More: The Best Sliding Door Security Bars
Sliding Patio Security Doors
Traditionally, patio doors—as well as sliding doors—have been considered a vulnerable point for break-ins, however, modern designs are significantly more secure.
Let's discuss some of the modern features:
- Enhance technical performance in insulation and security.
- Equipped with a secure locking mechanism, such as a multi-point locking system.
Overall, investing in sliding patio doors can bring numerous benefits:
- Provides peace of mind that your property is secure.
- Helps reduce home insurance premiums.
- Increase your property's value.
Read More: Entrance Door With Window
FAQs
- Use a tracker block by cutting a wooden broom handle to fit the bottom track.
- Reinforce the glass by applying security film to the inside of the glass.
- Add a secondary lock system for extra protection.
- Mount the sliding door into the floor with a heavy-duty floor latch.
- Install a door sensor or alarm system to detect intrusions.
- Close the blinds or curtains to prevent burglars from scouting your home.
- Opt for a security screen for added protection while allowing airflow.
Sliding security screen doors are an advanced form of security designed to fortify the vulnerable entry points of sliding glass doors. These doors are made from sturdy materials and feature a robust mesh screen, typically constructed from durable alloys or stainless steel.
Placing a 2x2 stick in the track helps prevent the door from opening, even if the lock is defeated. It also stops the door from being removed from the track.
Security doors not only protect your property from potential burglars but also minimize risk and damage during heavy storms. For example, a heavy storm might break an ordinary door with flying debris, but security doors are much more resistant and can withstand such situations better.
The best sliding doors are made from high-quality materials such as vinyl, fiberglass, or aluminum, ensuring durability, insulation, and security.
Final Thoughts: Ensuring Strong Sliding Door Security
A security sliding door enhances both aesthetics and functionality, but without proper security measures, it can become an easy target for intruders. Burglars often exploit vulnerabilities like lifting the door off its track, breaking the glass, or bypassing weak locks. However, securing your sliding door security doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simple solutions such as placing a tracker block in the track, reinforcing the glass with security film, and installing a secondary lock can significantly enhance protection. For added defense, consider floor mounting, installing an alarm system, or opting for security screens. These upgrades not only deter break-ins but also offer protection against harsh weather conditions.
Modern sliding patio security doors are designed with advanced features like multi-point locking systems and durable materials such as aluminum or reinforced glass, making them far more secure than traditional sliding doors. Investing in high-quality security solutions not only safeguards your home but also adds value to your property and may even lower insurance costs.
With the right upgrades, your security sliding door can provide both safety and convenience, allowing you to enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living without compromise.
If you need a professional team to help, please feel free to reach out to us at EsnaGlass or call (647) 219-6390. We offer 24/7 services and cover almost all GTA districts
