Sliding Door Security – Seven Hot Tips
by: Owen Walcher
Sliding door security should be important to you because intruders find gaining access through most sliding doors a piece of cake. All a burglar has to do is lift out the door from its track and your sliding door security is immediately compromised.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #1 – Use correct installation.
Did you know than home security experts estimate that 25% of sliding glass doors/windows in America are installed backwards. This leaves the sliding portion on the outside track! This makes it easy for any intruder to easily lift the panel out. Make sure yours is installed correctly. If it is, hunt down the contractor and have them do it right!
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #2 – Use a broomstick.
Now you’re aware how vulnerable your sliding door security is, but it will take you some time to do something about the problem. A broomstick is a great stopgap measure that can stop your door from sliding in its track.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #3 – Use a fitted pole.
Your broomstick is probably the wrong size, so get a pole or dowel that fits right (short by only ¼ inch or less of track length). If you leave some space, an intruder can slip a finger or wire in to lift out the pole.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #4 – Use wood framing.
Insert a 2-foot length wood frame into the doorframe’s upper channel. Make sure the wood frame is the same width as the channel. Screw it firmly into the doorframe channel, but check first if the door can freely slide.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #5 – Use metal screws.
This is based on the same principle as the wood frame. Drill 4 staggered holes into the doorframe’s upper channel. Put in metal screws so they protrude just until the door can freely slide.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #6 – Use track locks.
These will hold your sliding doors in place, so intruders can’t lift the doors from their tracks. Also called track stops or pin locks.
Sliding Door Security Hot Tip #7 – Use a jamb bar.
These bars are designed to burglar proof both sliding doors and windows.
Finally, to boost your sliding door security, use a motion detector around the area. You have several attractive options. A wide range of outdoor lamp-cum-motion detectors are available to complement your sliding door design. Or you can probably turn your existing outdoor light into a motion detector. Get an estimate from your contractor or security specialist.
Owen Walcher is an Intrepreneur writing articles on subjects such as securing sliding doors.
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