How to Secure a Sliding Glass Door

Sliding glass doors are a popular architectural feature in many homes, offering an elegant and convenient way to access your outdoor spaces. However, these doors can also be vulnerable entry points for intruders if not properly secured.

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Ensuring the safety and security of your home is paramount, and one crucial aspect of this is protecting your sliding glass door.

Install a Quality Deadbolt Lock

One of the most fundamental and effective methods to secure a sliding glass door is by installing a deadbolt lock. This additional lock adds a layer of security to your door and makes it more challenging for burglars to gain access.

How to Install a Deadbolt Lock

Things You’ll Need:

• Deadbolt lock kit
• Screwdriver
• Drill and drill bits
• Pencil
• Tape measure

Step-by-Step:

1. Measure and mark the location for the deadbolt. Place the lock at a height that is comfortable for you to use but not easily reachable by an intruder. Usually, this is about 36 inches from the floor.

2. Drill holes for the deadbolt and the strike plate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the deadbolt extends deep into the door frame for maximum security.

3. Install the deadbolt, ensuring that it operates smoothly. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines to secure it in place.

Use a Security Bar

A security bar is a cost-effective and straightforward way to secure your sliding glass door. They can be used in addition to a deadbolt lock to provide extra security. These bars can be adjusted to fit the width of your door and provide an additional physical barrier against unauthorized entry. While very easy to install, these bars need to be installed and removed whenever you want to secure or use the door, so if your slider gets heavy use, you might want to consider another option.

How to Install a Security Bar

Step-by-Step:

1. Extend the security bar to the desired length, ensuring that it fits snugly between the sliding door and the door frame.

2. Position the bar at the desired height, typically in the lower track of the sliding door.

3. Apply pressure to the bar to ensure it is securely in place. It should prevent the door from sliding open.

Note: Some security bars are meant to go in the lower track of the door to keep it from sliding in its track. The installation method is the same.

Use a Wooden Dowel or Stick

If you don't want to go through the expense of purchasing a bar meant for the task, you can also place a broom handle or other piece of wood cut to the proper length in the track. Be aware that an intruder could simply break the glass and remove this solution, so it's not the most secure option. But if you don't live in a high-crime area or your slider is on an upper floor that's not likely to be a source of entry, it could be a quick and easy option.

How to Use a Wooden Dowel or Stick

Things You’ll Need:

• Wooden dowel or stick
• Tape measure
• Hacksaw or circular saw

Step-by-Step:

1. Open the sliding glass door.

2. Measure the width of the lower track from inside the door frame to the edge of the glass door.

3. Cut the wooden dowel or stick to the measured length.

4. Place the cut dowel or stick into the lower track to prevent the door from sliding open.

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Install Window Film

Window film is a less obvious but highly effective method for securing sliding glass doors. This film not only reinforces the glass, making it more difficult to shatter, but it also adds privacy to your door. For even more protection, you could choose to install a special security film designed to resist impact, which can deter potential intruders. They are installed the same as regular window film.

How to Install Window Film

Things You’ll Need:

• Window film kit
• Glass cleaner
• Squeegee
• Utility knife

Step-by-Step:

1. Clean the glass thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris that may interfere with the adhesion of the window film.

2. Measure the dimensions of the glass and cut the window film to fit. Leave a slight overlap to ensure complete coverage.

3. Wet the glass with a soapy water solution.

4. Peel the backing off the window film and apply it to the glass, starting from one edge.

5. Use the squeegee to smooth out any air bubbles and excess water.

6. Trim any excess film with a utility knife, following the contours of the glass.

Use a Sliding Door Lock

A sliding door lock is a simple and effective method to prevent your sliding glass door from being opened. These locks are installed on the track of the sliding door and can be locked in place to prevent it from moving. As is the case with a security bar, you will need to lock and unlock this mechanism in order to use and then secure the door.

How to Install a Sliding Door Lock

Things You’ll Need:

• Sliding door lock
• Screwdriver

Step-by-Step:

1. Open the sliding glass door.
2. Position the sliding door lock in the track, typically at a comfortable height for you.
3. Close the lock to secure the door in place.