Sliding glass doors are very popular among homeowners due to their ease of use and the many options for frames, glass and more. However, they are more challenging to secure than a solid wood or metal door, making them a potential safety problem whether you want to keep children in or burglars out.
To keep you and your family safe from intruders or to avoid your small children opening the door and going outside unsupervised, you will want your sliding glass door as safe and secure as possible.
Read on for 10 ways to secure a sliding glass door.
Covering Your Doors
While window coverings, such as curtains, blinds or shades, may not help you against someone trying to break in, they can act as a deterrent, as whoever may be trying to check out your home to determine if you have anything valuable will not be able to do so. Another nice side effect is that you can use them as additional stylistic options for your home’s aesthetic, so that you could get a two-in-one deal here.
If you have pets or small children, vertical blinds may not be your best bet as they can break easily, so opt for sliding panels or shutters, which are sturdier. If you are on a budget, consider using decorative window film. These films will allow light into your home but obscure the view from the outside.
Apply Security Film
You can take this one step further by applying a security film. This is a transparent adhesive film that can be applied to the glass. It holds the glass together when shattered, making it more difficult for burglars to break in.
Upgrade to Laminated or Tempered Glass
If your budget allows, replace the standard glass with laminated or tempered glass. Laminated glass consists of multiple layers of glass with a layer of plastic between them, making it harder to break. Tempered glass is heat-treated and shatters into small, less harmful pieces if broken.
Sliding Glass Door Lock
A sliding glass door lock is the most robust way to secure your door. You install these locks at the top of the door where the sliding door meets the stationary glass, making it impossible to wiggle the door open, whether inside or outside. Only an adult or tall child can reach this lock, making it an excellent safety option. Many of these locks have two locking positions, one that will completely lock the sliding glass door and one that will lock the door at three or six inches open to allow for ventilation.
A nice side effect is that unless you specifically look for it, you won’t even notice it, making it a very discreet solution.
Install a Deadbolt Lock
Replace the standard latch or lock that often comes with sliding glass doors with a high-quality deadbolt lock. Ensure that it is made of sturdy materials and is difficult to pick.
Security Bar for Sliding Glass Doors
If you’ve ever lived in an old house with sliding glass doors or visited your grandma, you will probably remember a broomstick or piece of wood in the door’s track. While not without merit for a quick and cheap solution, jiggling the door often could dislodge the stick or move it just enough to jimmy open the door.
If you don’t want to leave your security to chance, consider installing a security or charley bar. Security bars typically go into the track of your sliding glass door, preventing it from moving. They have a pressure mounting system, similar to shower curtain rods, that you can expand to the size you need. A charley bar is placed higher on the door and mounted with screws on one end to allow the bar to swing in and out of place.
Install Smart Sensors
Several options are available if you want to crank it up another notch and go electronic. They won’t stop a break-in but can deter the intruder from continuing or alert you or the police automatically. Electronic sensors can detect the door’s movement and either emit a loud sound to deter the intruder (or escapee if you have a child trying to go outside alone) or send a notification to your cell phone. Many models can be integrated into your home security system. Other models can detect if the glass is broken, sound an alarm, or send a notification.
Install Motion-Activated Lighting
Burglars usually prefer to do their dastardly deeds in the dark, so consider installing motion-activated lights outside your door. Suddenly being drenched in light can deter burglars and illuminate the area around your sliding glass door when motion is detected.
Use Security Bars or Grilles
Consider installing decorative security bars or grilles on the outside of the door. These can deter intruders and provide an added layer of protection.
Reinforce the Door Frame
Strengthen the door frame by installing a metal or wooden bar along the track. This prevents the door from being lifted out of the frame.
Remember that no security measure is foolproof, but using a combination of these methods can significantly enhance the security of your sliding glass door.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
DIY security measures for sliding glass doors have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s essential to weigh these pros and cons to determine when it’s better to hire a professional:
DIY Security Measures for Sliding Glass Doors
DIY solutions are typically more budget-friendly than hiring a professional, as you save on labour costs. Many devices mentioned above, such as security bars or window films, are relatively simple to install and require minimal tools. You don’t have to wait for a professional to arrive, either.
The drawbacks can be pretty significant, however. Depending on your experience and expertise, you may be unable to properly assess your security needs and select the most effective solutions. This could result in inadequate security. DIY installations also risk not being as secure or reliable as professionally installed systems. Improperly installed security measures can fail in critical situations.
For some of the more complex solutions, you won’t benefit from the knowledge and experience of a security professional, which could lead to overlooking vulnerabilities. If something goes wrong, you also won’t have any warranty or customer support.
When to Hire a Professional for Sliding Glass Door Security
If you need to install complex security systems or structural modifications, hiring a professional is often better. For example, integrating a sliding door into a home security system or reinforcing the frame. Professionals also have the necessary expertise to design a customized security plan. Professionals have seen all types of situations and will be able to advise you on different available options and suggest the best.
Hiring a professional also gives you peace of mind as they are trained and experienced in installing security measures correctly and ensuring they function as intended. Tying in with this, some insurance policies may require professionally installed security systems for certain levels of coverage. Additionally, adhering to local building codes and regulations may necessitate professional installation.
Professionals can also provide ongoing maintenance and support for security systems, ensuring they remain effective over time and provide troubleshooting if something goes wrong.
Conclusion
Sliding glass doors are a great design feature for your home, easy to use and with large glass panes to allow plenty of natural light inside. Unfortunately, that same feature also makes them a potential safety issue. Many methods are available to secure your sliding glass door against intruders, with varying degrees of safety and difficulty, making sliding door security critical for home burglary prevention.
If you are looking for professional advice and installation, look no further than Direct Pro Windows & Doors. We take sliding glass door security seriously, and with over a decade of experience in the window and door business, we are committed to providing excellent products and services from start to finish. We believe in quality and value and in materials that will last and enhance Canadian home security. Our products, materials, and workmanship are of the highest quality, and every door and window we install are built to exact standards. Direct Pro Windows & Doors also offers an industry-leading warranty on all our products and services. Call Direct Pro Windows and Doors at 1-888-636-3350 or fill out our convenient online form for a quote or advice on windows and doors sales & installation in Toronto and GTA.
FAQs About Securing Sliding Glass Doors
Different security measures for patio door protection include:
- Installing a sturdy lock.
- Using a security bar or rod.
- Adding a security film.
- Using a track blocker.
A security bar is a device that props up against the sliding door track to prevent it from being forced open. It’s adjustable to fit most door sizes and provides added security.
Sliding glass doors can be vulnerable if not properly secured. Burglars often target them because the glass can be shattered. However, with the proper security measures, they can be made more resistant to break-ins.
Laminated and tempered glass are more secure options for sliding doors than regular glass. Laminated glass consists of multiple layers of glass with a layer of plastic between them, making it harder to break. Tempered glass is heat-treated and shatters into small, less harmful pieces if broken.
Yes, security film is an excellent option to reinforce the glass on sliding doors. It makes it more difficult to shatter the glass, and even if it breaks, the film holds it together.
Some common locks for sliding glass doors include deadbolts, pin locks, and cylinder locks. It’s best to use a lock that engages the door and the frame for added security.
It’s a good idea to consult a security professional or locksmith who can assess your situation and recommend the best security measures for your sliding glass door.
