Sliding glass doors are often an afterthought for your home security, yet many homeowners admit using them to enter and exit their homes regularly. Considering that sliding doors have a bad reputation for being less secure than the front door, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With the right locking mechanism, you can enjoy the ease of using a sliding door while still enjoying protection and security. If home security is your most important concern, educating yourself about the different glass sliding door locks available will help you make the best decision to keep your property safe. First Lock & Security Technologies offers helpful tips to increase the security of your sliding door and home below.
Mortise Sliding Door Lock VS Keyed
Sliding glass doors typically come with a standard mortise sliding door lock that operates with a thumb latch. Most mortise sliding glass door locks are non-keyed and therefore will not allow the user to lock or unlock from the outside. If you desire to be able to lock your sliding patio door from the outside, you will most likely need a keyed lock. First Lock & Security Technologies can determine whether your handle allows the addition of a key cylinder or whether a new door handle is required to utilize a keyed lock.
Double Bolt Sliding Glass Door Locks
Double bolt AKA two-bolt sliding glass door locks are commercial grade locks and extremely reliable. They can be installed and used with your existing locks and are an excellent way to add additional security to your home. The two-bolt system works by sliding a steel bolt into the door frame when you click it into the locked position. This prevents the door from being lifted out of its track. We should note that a double bolt sliding glass door lock does not replace the existing mortise or other type of lock. It works independently as an additional security measure.
Sliding Glass Door Locking Bar
Along with a quality door lock, you should also consider investing in a slide-locking bar preferably made from steel for an added layer of security. Slide-locking bars are typically installed at the bottom of the door to allow for ease of operation. The only drawback is that you will need to remember to put them in place before exiting your property or sleeping at night.
Tips to Make Your Sliding Door More Secure
To keep your family safe, you must ensure that your home is appropriately secured by ensuring that all entry points, including windows and doors, have the proper locking mechanisms to deter potential burglars. Some tips to help keep your sliding door more secure include testing your existing lock to make sure it is correctly secured before adding any additional security. For example, If your door moves when you try to unlock it, your latch may not be adequately fixed to the frame. Ensure you maintain your door rollers and tracks by cleaning any debris that has become clogged in the rollers. Your door will be easier to open and close, and your locks will be preserved. You can also install glass break sensors in case burglars break the glass to gain access.
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A sliding glass door is a beautiful addition to any home, but it can also prove a security breach if it is not adequately secured. Your home will be safe and secure from break-ins by upgrading your existing sliding glass door locks and adding additional security measures. To learn more about sliding glass door locks for your residential home, contact the experts at First Lock & Security Technologies today.
