Best ways to secure a sliding glass door?

security screens work great for sliding doors. i got mine installed professionally, but they’re pricey.

oliviamartin said:
security screens work great for sliding doors. i got mine installed professionally, but they’re pricey.

$4000 for screens is a bit out of budget for most people.

consider swapping the sliding door for french doors.

  1. install locking hurricane/security shutters. 2) place a dowel in the door track to stop it from opening.

has anyone seen a sliding glass door with built-in security mesh? i’d love an all-in-one solution.

i have Pella brand sliders, and they slide on an outside track, so adding a track bar isn’t an option. i’ve tried everything for better security and even called Pella, but no luck. does anyone have ideas?

@Dallas
is there something unique about the Pella track that keeps it from being reversed?

Clayton said:
@Dallas
is there something unique about the Pella track that keeps it from being reversed?

Pella claims it’s better for wind resistance, which might be true.

Dallas said:

Clayton said:
@Dallas
is there something unique about the Pella track that keeps it from being reversed?

Pella claims it’s better for wind resistance, which might be true.

thanks for explaining! adding a security screen door might be the most reliable solution.

haven’t found a great solution. the best i can think of is drilling a small hole and adding a screw for extra security.

could you tell me more about your security bar idea?

i’d go with a wooden stick in the track and consider adding security film on the glass.

we had a double deadbolt child lock above the handle and a kick plate at the bottom. it worked well for keeping the door secure.

best solution depends on your area and budget. if the neighborhood is pretty safe, a wooden dowel in the track can be enough to prevent easy entry. for higher security, adding a motion light nearby can help.