Sliding doors add to the aesthetic of a home or office. They can open up to pleasant outdoor scenery and the like but tend to pose security risks. With that, you might start considering how secure sliding doors can be. An important question goes: do they have locks? In what ways can they be secured? We looked these up and summarized the information you need in this post.
Sliding glass doors do not come with locks, but they use latches. Since a latch would be easier to control than a proper lock, it provides you with less security. To counter this problem, you can attach locks to the sliding doors. The variants range from simple hardware to technological locks.
You can also secure sliding doors through attachments other than locks. Keep reading to learn the different types of sliding door locks and more ways to heighten their security.
Are There Locks For Sliding Doors?
Yes, there are locks you can attach or install on the sliding door. These range from typical bolt locking systems to smart locks that use technology. Compared to common door handles, sliding doors come with latches. Putting additional locks on a sliding door keeps it safer because they are often left unlocked and placed away from entrances.
Types Of Locks For Sliding Glass Doors
Most manufacturers pay little attention to security when it comes to making sliding glass doors. Thankfully, there are locks available for this exact purpose. You will be able to install most sliding door locks with ease.
The locks commonly used for sliding doors are listed as follows:
Two-Bolt Locks
A two-bolt sliding door lock is usually available in-store and online. It secures the door by sliding a steel bolt into the door's frame when it's in a locked position. Its installation is simple, allowing you to place it at your desired height and location. It also falls under secondary locks, meaning it functions alongside the door's original lock.
Slide Locking Bar
A more simple option would be slide locking bars. They are made with varying materials from wood to steel and also offer easy installation. This type of lock maintains door security even with latches that aren't in the best condition.
Its location is commonly at the bottom of the door for easier access and convenience. But the main downside is the manual function, wherein you would have to remember to slide the lock into position. It is also best for indoor use.
Keyed Locks
As opposed to other doors, sliding glass doors usually don't require a key. However, they work as one of the recommended options to secure a sliding door. This kind of lock functions the same way as it would with typical doors. An added advantage of having a keyed lock is locking it from both inside and outside.
Smart Locks
Electronic locks improved by incorporating advanced technology, allowing users to control the door lock through smartphones. Smart locks work like traditional electronic locks but differ in function. They are programmed to be usable even remotely without requiring a wireless connection. Some models can also manage and keep track of access.
Reinforcements To Secure Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding door security isn't limited to enhanced door lock systems. There are other ways to keep them secured further. The following are suggestions of different methods to strengthen a sliding door:
Use Alarm Sensors
It's worth investing in a home security system if you're looking for extra protection, especially with sliding doors. Door entry sensors detect the door's opening and closing motions. When someone tries to force the door open, the alarm will set off.
Entry sensors with more advanced features include glass breaking detection. The system determines when a door glass breaks through sound. If this happens, it will send you an alert.
Apply Window Films
Window films and covers can protect you with security and privacy matters. You can opt for a one-way window film to prevent passers-by from seeing through the door. Shatterproof window films are another option for situations when you want to avoid the glass door falling apart, particularly when it gets smashed.
Consider Impact-Resistant Doors
Changing sliding doors to impact-resistant doors is likely to provide you with the most security. They may be costly, but they are capable of withstanding heavy impacts. Thus, making it harder to break in.
What Is The Best Lock For A Sliding Glass Door?
A popular lock type for sliding doors is a two-bolt locking system for its strength and easy installation. When it gets installed, you won't have to keep closing it manually. Unlike other locks, it keeps the door locked in place on its own.
Nonetheless, choosing the best lock for a sliding glass door depends on a few reasons to consider. These include:
- The level of security you want to achieve.
- How easy the lock's mechanism works.
- The lock's convenience and ease of access.
If you're looking to get a lock that provides ease of use at a low cost, consider purchasing a sliding door lock. It works well if you're only looking to increase security from the inside. A higher-budget option is a smart door lock, featuring a convenient system that gives you complete control and activity monitoring.
Can You Put A Deadbolt On A Sliding Door?
Yes, you can install a deadbolt on a sliding door if the door frame allows for it. With sliding glass doors, there's the option to put a deadbolt with a pull handle on both sides or keyed. Although these doors don't come with the typical door handle, a deadbolt will function similarly.
Deadbolts are considerably affordable for the amount of protection you'll be receiving. Note that DIY installation isn't recommended, especially with sliding doors because of the original locking mechanism. It's best to ask for advice from a professional before installing them.
How Do You Secure A Sliding Glass Door From The Outside?
Sliding glass doors can be locked from the outside with the use of keyed deadbolts or smart locks. Most commercial locks focus on indoor safety, so they usually get attached and used inside. Deadbolts and smart locks allow you to access the door from the outside without worrying about leaving it unlocked.
Deadbolts will be better outside when they are the keyed type. The locking mechanism of a deadbolt requires opening with only its key or handle. And so, it prevents unwanted entry.
Smart locks are accessible remotely, allowing you to ensure the door's security from afar. Another great thing about smart locks is the management and monitoring system that lets you identify irregular activity.
How Do You Protect A Sliding Door From Burglars?
In securing a sliding door from burglars, added measures like security bars and alarms work the best. Sliding doors without any additions pose the risk of unwanted entry. Burglars will likely attempt to unlock the door or break it instead.
Here's what you can do to prevent them from breaking in:
Use Security Bars
A security bar works as an alternative locking mechanism for sliding doors. These don't work like locks, but instead, they are expandable bars placed in the gaps of sliding doors when they're closed. Its primary purpose is to barricade anyone who tries to open the lock with force.
Check out this security bar on Amazon.
Install Alarms And Shatterproof Film
Glass breaking sensors are alarms that activate upon hearing the sound of breaking glass in the door. These work well with shatterproof film as a countermeasure. The film keeps the sliding door from falling apart completely when it comes in contact with heavy impacts.
The Verdict
Sliding doors would usually only have latches as their locking mechanism. In most cases, these would not be enough to keep the doors secured. Fortunately, there are different sliding door locks to choose from to improve the door security levels.
You can combine other security measures with additional locks for extra protection. Common alternatives would be sensory alarms and procedures to increase the door's overall strength.
