Tips & tricks to keep your sliding doors secure

by Jan Kennemer 05/12/2024

How to secure sliding doors featured image

Sliding doors can beautify your space, and they’re aesthetically pleasing - offering many benefits to your home. However, it’s crucial to understand the risks of sliding doors and how to properly secure them. This way, your household can enjoy this classy addition to your home, all the while keeping your space safe. 

The risks associated with sliding doors 

Even though sliding doors provide your home with addition light, the space can also provide thieves with view of your belongings if adequate coverage isn’t in place.  

Another possible risk to note is these doors can slide off the track, giving criminals easy access to your home. The deadbolt lock may also pose a security risk if it’s not made correctly, allowing unlawful access to your residence. 

The fix

A dowel rod is an affordable and simple way to secure your sliding door. With correct placement, this rod fits in the track of the door to prevent it from sliding open. To make this fix efficient, you’ll need to measure the track and get a dowel fitting these measurements in length, and make sure the rod is thick enough, so it can’t be easily snapped. 

Sensor alarms can give you more awareness of activity around the door as they can alert you when the door has been opened. An alarm like this deters thieves and even alerts you as to when the door is being opened, which can be helpful if you have kids.  

Another way to secure your sliding glass door is to install heavy-duty locks such as double bolted locks. These locks are a great addition along with the dowel rod as they’re hard to break. 

Check your door 

In addition to adding security features, it’s vital to check that your sliding glass door is locked every night before you head to bed. Check to make sure the dowel rod is in place and any alarms installed are set. Diligence and attention to detail can go a long ways in keeping your space secure. 

With the right examination and updates, you can keep your sliding doors secure, furthering the safety of your space.


About the Author
Author

Jan Kennemer

Jan will show you how you can live close to Washington, DC – by public transit and/or highway – and still enjoy all the many amenities and friendliness of a quiet community. Jan is a life-long resident of Arlington, Va. So, she is very familiar with northern Virginia …Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria and close-in Fairfax. She knows where to find those little out-of the-way places where you will still get excellent value and a home that meets your needs. As a Realtor® for over 20 years, Jan has developed a customized system for marketing and selling properties which includes the latest technologies combined with tried and true practices. She has received special training in working with first time buyers, repeat buyers and seniors. She is a certified VHDA trainer and is certified as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES©). Jan is also a certified e-Pro. She gets results you want – the best price in the shortest time. Jan is dedicated to helping clients satisfy their needs and wants while providing them with a strong investment for the future. She is readily available to provide explanations and information. She won’t push you into making an uncomfortable choice. Jan helps you to fully understand the transaction, so that you can always make an informed decision based on facts and figures.