Are Sliding Glass Doors a Security Issue?

Sliding glass doors can add a lot to a home. They let in more light than a regular door and provide the feel of bringing the outdoors inside. Many people use these types of doors for their back garden access and enjoy beautiful views and easy access to the exterior. However, the great expanse of glass and the fact they are only latched with a small latch has many people wondering if their door is really a security problem.

Here’s all you need to know.

Material Quality Matters

The first thing to look at is the type of glass that is in the sliding door. This should be difficult to shatter, which not only protects you from accidentally breaking the door, but also helps prevent break-ins. Look for triple-glazed or security glass to ensure you are as protected as possible. These will hold up to more wear and tear and even a few thumps. If security glass breaks, it breaks into small cubes, rather than shards, to protect your skin.

However, glass isn’t the only thing to worry about. You should also look at the materials used for the frame. A lock is only as good as the frame and that means you don’t want a flimsy one but a sturdy frame that can be secured to the house. Your lock should also be of excellent quality, not the mere flip lock that most patio doors feature.

Install a Better Lock

The flip-lock that comes with most patio doors is useless, so you’ll want to replace that or shop for a better-quality door. A security pin is a very easy option that adds a lot more security. It’s simply an extra-strong pin that is inserted into a hole drilled through the doors to prevent sliding. You can also use a blocking bar at the bottom of the doors so there is no way to slide the door open until it is removed.

Additional Security Measures

You’ll want to take further steps to ensure your home is safe. While your patio door is one possible entry, there are others throughout your home. Adding CCTV cameras can help you prevent burglaries and give you advance notice if someone is trying to get into your home. An alarm system should also be high on your list of priorities. If someone forces a door or window, it will alert you and the authorities. Simply having an alarm on the house will often dissuade a would-be burglar who hears it go off. Rather than staying to risk being caught, they’ll usually leave as quickly as possible. However, if you have cameras, you can still bring them to justice.

Interested in learning more about your options with sliding doors? Contact Shuretech to learn more about what’s available to you.