hi everyone,
just moved into a new place, and it has a sliding glass door that opens to the patio. neither of us have had one before. any tips on how to secure it?
sliding doors can be a bit of a security issue. a few ideas:
first, limit access to the door itself. for instance, i have a fenced yard with locked gates, plus thorny bushes along the fence as an extra deterrent.
second, consider motion-activated lights and cameras around the door. they can help deter intruders.
third, use a pipe or wooden dowel in the track to keep the door from opening.
lastly, there’s the risk of breaking the glass. you could add security film or look into laminated glass for added strength.
@Jonas
great points! i’d recommend keeping a constant light over the sliding door area rather than motion lights. it makes it clear the area is visible with no place to hide.
glass-breaking isn’t as common for burglars since it’s noisy, but security film is still an option.
@scott
yeah, i looked into security film but didn’t go through with it. laminated glass is definitely pricey and heavy.
@scott
i’d skip the security film too. if it breaks, i want it to be loud!
had a truck window shatter once and held together with tint—it was a pain.
@scott
a lot of break-ins happen from lifting the door off its tracks. look into TOUGHBOLT Sliding Door Locks—they create a solid barrier for sliders.
Anthony said:
@scott
a lot of break-ins happen from lifting the door off its tracks. look into TOUGHBOLT Sliding Door Locks—they create a solid barrier for sliders.
how long are the screws in that kit?
@scott
seen too many burglary stories where they just break the glass, so it’s worth considering all options.
@Jonas
a few screws above the door can keep it from being lifted. we also keep our german shepherd nearby, which helps.
@Jonas
i have a door alarm and a glass break detector, so if anyone tries to get in, the house alarm goes off.
TomHarris said:
@Jonas
i’ve also added a sensor to the door frame. my phone notifies me whenever it’s opened or closed, and if i’m in sleep mode, music plays loudly through my speakers.
what kind of sensor did you get? would you recommend it?
TomHarris said:
@Jonas
i’ve also added a sensor to the door frame. my phone notifies me whenever it’s opened or closed, and if i’m in sleep mode, music plays loudly through my speakers.
i installed a trap that locks intruders in a room with an AI that scolds them on loop.
i added a screw in the top track to keep my sliding door from being lifted off the latch. a few inches from the latch, i drilled into the top track and adjusted a screw so it just clears the door. now, if anyone tries to lift it, it hits the screw and stops.
@evanderjames
best tip here!
ashleyn said:
@evanderjames
best tip here!
thanks! i also use a wooden dowel in the track, though a purpose-made blocking bar might be even better.
ashleyn said:
@evanderjames
best tip here!
thanks! i also use a wooden dowel in the track, though a purpose-made blocking bar might be even better.
good idea. a dowel is effective, but securing the top track is also key.
measure the door track and get an oak dowel cut to size. i added a small screw halfway in to make it easier to grab and remove. oak dowels are strong and can withstand a lot of force if someone tries to push the door open. costs about $4 and works well for securing the door!
i had a similar question. in hurricane-prone areas, accordion shutters are an option. not the neatest look, but they’re effective.
my advice is to install floodlights or motion sensors and make sure any cameras are visible but out of reach.
trunk monkey
in apartment maintenance, we install security bars for sliding patio doors. i’d still put a wooden dowel in the track if i was going away for a long time.