Sliding Door Locks

Often forgotten but quite necessary

Sliding doors make a great addition to any home, but they also offer a point of vulnerability for home security and require the installation of a sliding-door lock. Thieves are quick to seek out sliding doors because many people rely on the small latch that comes with the door to secure it. This latch is easily broken with a little bit of force – this means that it’s easy for someone to simply open the door and walk into your home!

Door Latches

The first step in upgrading your sliding-door lock is to replace the door latch. You can easily replace the one that came with the door with a deadbolt or another type of key lock. These after market models will have more durable latches that aren’t easy to break.

Most sliding door locks that you can purchase upgrade the latch itself. You’ll get an interlocking bolt that’s more elaborate then the simple ‘slide-into-the-slot’ fastener that comes with most doors. The after market latch secures itself to the slot with interlocking pins that require a key to release. This means it’ll be resistant to pulling and lifting, which might otherwise allow someone to remove the door from its track.

Door Blockers

An inexpensive way of reinforcing your door latch is to attach a door blocker. Door blockers securely attach to the stationary door and prevent the mobile door from sliding past them. Door blockers are often sold in pretty designs that look like window decorations - it’s a subtle security measure.

When you’re looking at door blockers make sure to examine how it affixes to the door. Most are held with a sticky fixative or a suction cup. To be effective, the door blocker needs to be securely attached – if it can be knocked off then the door can be opened.

Track Blockers

Another secure sliding door lock is a track blocker. This should be used in conjunction with a durable door latch. The track blocker prevents the door from sliding open when forced.

Some people simply place a broom or stick across the door to prevent sliding, but you may find this less reliable then a lockable track blocker that won’t break or bend. A track blocker is also usually less obtrusive as it’ll come as a small-key lock that attaches to the track to prevent the door from opening.

Lock That Door

Regardless of the type of security you choose, it’s a sure bet that you need to replace that stock fastener that came with the sliding door! Sliding-door locks are specially designed with the safety and security of home owners in mind, and have been made to prevent the most common ways that thieves compromise your home.