Picture this: It’s late at night and you’re getting ready for bed. As you’re about to turn off the lights, you hear a loud noise from your living room. You cautiously approach the sliding door and find that it’s slightly ajar. Your heart starts racing as you realise someone could have entered your home without your knowledge. Thank goodness, it was only your dog that pushed the door open and you were there to quickly close it, but what about next time?
This is just one of the many scenarios where a seemingly harmless sliding door can become a security threat. While stylish and convenient, sliding doors can provide a sense of vulnerability if not properly secured. In this article, I’ll explore the purpose of sliding door locks and how to choose the best ones to keep you, your family, and your possessions safe.
Reasons to Secure Your Sliding Door
If you’re still unsure whether to check out the sliding door locks Australia hardware stores offer, here are some reasons to convince you.
- Peace of mind – This small addition will give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home and family are protected. You can sleep soundly at night, knowing that intruders won’t be able to easily break in.
- Protect your possessions – Taking the extra step to secure your entry does not only protect your family but also your valuable possessions. You can feel confident that your jewellery, electronics, and other valuables are secure.
- Increase property value – Good safety features can increase the value of your property. Potential buyers will see that you take security seriously and are more likely to pay a premium for a home that offers peace of mind.
- Add a layer of privacy – This feature also helps maintain privacy inside your home by making it difficult for people to enter certain rooms with sliding doorways, such as bathrooms or bedrooms.
- Improve energy efficiency – Entrances that are closed tight can also help improve energy efficiency by reducing drafts and helping to keep heating and cooling costs down.
Types of Locks to Choose From
Mortice
These are the most common sliding door locks Australia homes have. There’s a considerable probability that your sliding glass door already comes with either a pre-built mortice sliding lock or a basic latch. However, if it doesn’t, getting one is a good choice.
A pocket (also known as a mortise) is carved into the width of the doorway into which a mortice lock’s entire body is inserted. As a result, this element is almost invisible. In terms of construction, a mortice lock typically consists of three components – handles (interior and exterior), a mortice lock body and a thumb latch.
Keyed
You’ll probably need a keyed lock if you want to secure your sliding patio door from the outside. If your door handle does not allow for the addition of a key cylinder, you will also need to purchase a new one. The best course of action in this situation is to purchase an essential lock set that also includes handles.
From the outside, a key sliding door latch performs the same function as a thumb latch does from the inside: it moves the hook into the open position. Installation is rather simple because the majority of types on the market are flush mount.
Two-Bolt
Two-bolt sliding door locks are considered auxiliary latches. These kinds of latches are not usually included with the doorway. They can instead be quickly added if there’s a need.
A double bolt, often known as a deadbolt latch, operates separately from any other type. The fixed, non-moving portion of the latch must typically be put on the door jamb, while the lock itself should be installed on the stile above the handle.
Automatic and Smart Options
There aren’t many smart locks available for sliding entries. There aren’t many businesses that sell these kinds of products. These systems are ideal if, for example, you require your sliding glass patio entrance to open automatically for the sake of your pet or accessibility.
Even though these products are by far the most expensive on the list, no other option is automated and remotely accessible. In that case, this could be a good solution for you if that’s what you require.
Other Features That Can Increase the Security of Your Sliding Doors
In addition, several other safety features can be added for more security. Some of the most common options include:
- Peepholes and viewers: These allow you to see who is outside your door without opening it, enhancing your safety.
- Impact-resistant glass: This type of glass is more difficult to break, making it harder for intruders to gain access to your home.
- Sliding door alarms: These alarms can be triggered if someone tries to force open the door, alerting you to potential intrusions.
To Sum Up
Enhancing the security of your entryways is essential for protecting your home and family from potential intrusions. By choosing the right locks and safety features, you can provide added security and peace of mind. Don’t neglect the security of your sliding doors, take the necessary steps to enhance it today.
