Many residential homes and even a few commercial businesses will often install a sliding glass door to improve the natural light resource and enhance the esthetics. Sliding glass doors are often installed to improve the architectural elements and to add grace and charm to the design. But the unfortunate setback is the sliding glass door is not as secure as the traditional wooden doors and steel doors. With the risks they pose, some homeowners and business owners may ultimately decide not to have the sliding glass door they so desire to avoid their building being vulnerable. Known for being the weak link, criminals often target buildings featuring sliding glass doors, but there are actually several ways you can have the sliding glass door without sacrificing the safety and security other doors offer!
What Makes a Sliding Glass Door a Target & How Do Intruders Break In?
With the sliding glass door there are three common methods used for the intruder to break in. They are 1) the lock is forced or broken open 2) the door itself is lifted off the track or 3) the glass is smashed through. In most cases, the intruders avoid breaking the glass as doing so makes loud noises that can alarm neighbors or the residents. Typically, the sliding glass door features a thin locking mechanism about halfway down the frame. The lock reinforcements and are fairly easy to force or break open. Some of the locks can be cut with a simple hacksaw or even pried with a sturdy screwdriver. In some cases the lock can even be jiggled loose, or a more direct approach the door is lifted off the track with a pry bar.
Sliding Glass Door Replacement Lock Services
The locks that are preinstalled on the door itself are of poor quality. The best way to determine the locks quality is to have a professional locksmith inspect the locks. In most cases, the locks will need to be replaced with something more durable and offer more security. If the mechanics on the current door isn’t recommended for replacement or even desired, a locksmith can install a secondary lock that is more reliable. Generally the locks are installed on the back edge of the slider or along the top rail along the track or frame.
– Safety bars: Safety bars are placed in the far edge of the frame that extends from the back edge. It prevents the intruder from sliding the door back, but it must fit snugly. Even an inch of give, it can still be manipulated and be used to their advantage. Some safety bars are featured with the use of a key to lock them in place to give more strength.
– Jimmy plates: A jimmy plate is installed above the door frame on the sliding side of the door and a long flat plate. Installed directly to the track, if properly installed it can prevent them from being lifted off the track. Because of the complex nature of where they are installed, precision and care need to be given to ensure damage is not administered to the track.
Additional Sliding Glass Door Lock Safety
– Install the glass safety film on the door to enhance to resistance of the glass from breaking.
– Consider a professional installation of motion light near the sliding glass door.
– Trim away bushes and trees to minimize the hiding places intruders can seek refuge from.
– Invest in a reliable security system to arm your home or business with alarms.
Residential Home Locksmith Services in KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS
If you want to fortify you sliding glass doors with a high quality locks, call in the experts of Texan Lock and Key. Our technicians are fast and efficient and can make recommendations suited for your needs.
