Last Updated on 9 December 2024 by Tia Ellahi
How Can I Secure a Sliding Patio Door?
From adding reinforced locks to upgrading the glass, there are effective ways to protect your door and give you peace of mind if you find yourself looking for ways to secure an older sliding patio door.
Sliding patio doors add style and ease to your home, creating a seamless transition to the outdoors.
But, you might wonder, “How secure are they?” At GFD Homes, we believe that securing your patio door shouldn’t mean sacrificing style.
With a few smart upgrades, you can make sure your sliding door remains a beautiful yet strong entry point to your home.
Here’s our team’s guide to enhancing your door’s security and giving you peace of mind.
In a hurry? Why not jump to the section you need…
- Are Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors Secure?
- How to Secure a Patio Door
- Maintaining your Sliding Patio Door Security
- Can Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors Be Used as a Fire Exit?
- FAQs
Are Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors Secure?
The good news is that modern aluminium sliding doors are built with security in mind, and they’ve come a long way from older models.
These doors are made to be both strong and stylish, using top-quality materials and advanced technology to keep your home safe.
Modern Security Features for Aluminium Sliding Doors
We know peace of mind matters, and today’s sliding doors come packed with security features that make a real difference. Here are a few highlights:
- Multi-Point Locking Systems – Unlike older doors with a single locking point, today’s multi-point systems secure the door at multiple points along the frame.
This spreads out the pressure if anyone tries to force the door open, making it a tougher barrier to break.
- Toughened Glass – These aren’t your standard panes! Modern sliding doors tend to come with toughened glass as standard, with an option to upgrade to laminated glass for maximum security.
- Sensor Alarms – These alarms detect unusual vibrations or forced entry attempts, sounding an alert that’s loud enough to stop most would-be intruders in their tracks.
While they don’t come as standard on aluminium sliding glass doors, It’s a smart addition that can help to add an extra layer of security to your door.
How to Secure a Patio Door
At GFD Homes, your safety is our priority. That’s why all our sliding doors come secure as standard, featuring toughened glass, multi-point locks, and sturdy frames. For those seeking maximum protection, we also offer upgrade options like laminated glass and advanced lock cylinders.
If you have an old sliding door model, here are some additional steps you can take to further enhance the security of your aluminium sliding glass door.
Installing Security Bars or Rods
Security bars or rods are structures that sit in the door track to create an additional physical barrier, making it nearly impossible to open the door even if the main lock is compromised.
While these additional security measures might suit other types of doors, we don’t recommend them for aluminium sliding doors, as they could interfere with their smooth, everyday operation.
Using Strong Locks and Deadbolts
While sliding doors often come with basic locks, upgrading to a stronger system can make a big difference:
- Deadbolts – Deadbolts are well-known for their strength and resistance to tampering, but aren’t normally found on aluminium sliding doors.
- Standard Key-Key Cylinder – These locks require a key on both sides, making it difficult for anyone to bypass the lock without a key.
- Shootboot Handles – Some sliding doors like our new Korniche Cortizo 4700 Sliding doors come with PAS24 certified shootboot handles that prevent operation from the outside even when unlocked thanks to anti-backdrive technology.
- Foot Bolts – These are installed at the bottom of the door and lock the door in place. While they can provide stability and prevent some doors from being lifted or forced open, they’re not recommended for aluminium sliding doors and could void your warranty.
Reinforce the Existing Lock
Many older sliding door models were often fitted with simple latches that may not provide the best resistance against tampering.
Reinforcing the existing lock or upgrading to a multi-point lock adds extra security at several points along the frame.
It’s an upgrade that goes a long way in strengthening the door without major changes.
Our Advice: Look for locks designed specifically for sliding doors to ensure compatibility. Multi-point locks engage at multiple points, making forced entry far more difficult.
Toughened Glass with Security Film
Some suppliers may offer the option to add a security film to toughened glass, but at GFD Homes, we take a different approach. Our aluminium sliding doors come with toughened glass as standard, and for those seeking maximum security, we offer an upgrade to laminated glass.
Laminated glass provides significantly better protection than adding a film to toughened glass, ensuring your home’s security is built in from the start.
Install a Door Alarm
Adding a door alarm is a smart, cost-effective way to deter intruders.
Many alarms use magnetic sensors to detect if the door’s opened unexpectedly, sounding a loud alarm to scare off potential intruders.
Installation Tip: Door alarms are easy to install and often need only adhesive or a few screws. Place them on the upper frame for easy access without being too obvious.
Reinforce the Sliding Door Frame
Sometimes, the frame itself can be a point of vulnerability. Most modern sliding doors from the last 25 years already include reinforcement within the frames, typically made from durable plastic materials.
However, ensuring the frame is properly secured and maintained can further enhance security.
- Check for Gaps: Inspect for gaps between the frame and the wall, as these can weaken the structure. If you notice any gaps, contact your fitter or supplier.
- Proper Installation: A well-installed frame is critical. If the frame wasn’t properly secured during installation, consider consulting your fitter or supplier for advice or adjustments to ensure maximum stability.
By focusing on proper installation and maintenance, you’ll enjoy both style and strength in your sliding doors without compromising energy efficiency.
For more tips on patio doors, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to sliding doors or explore the different types of sliding doors to find the perfect fit for your home.
Maintaining Your Sliding Patio Door Security
Once you’ve made these security upgrades, a bit of maintenance will keep your door working smoothly and securely.
Regularly Check and Replace Door Locks
At GFD Homes, our sliding doors are already fitted with high-quality locks, so there’s no need to change them. However, for older doors, especially those that have been in use for many years, replacing the lock cylinders might be necessary to ensure they remain secure.
- Inspect for Wear and Tear: Check locks regularly for signs of rust, loosening, or difficulty locking. Addressing these issues early can help maintain your door’s security.
- Older Doors: If you have an older sliding door, upgrading to a modern lock cylinder can greatly improve security and reliability.
Pro Tip: With GFD Homes’ secure locks already installed, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your sliding door is designed to keep your home safe. Regular maintenance is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition.
Keep the Door Tracks Clean and Free from Debris
Clean door tracks keep the lock engaged securely and prevent wear on the door.
Dust and debris in the door tracks can block movement and even damage the door over time.
Regularly clean the tracks with a vacuum or a damp cloth to keep everything in top shape.
Inspect the Glass for Cracks or Weaknesses
Any cracks or weaknesses in the glass can compromise security.
Regularly inspect the glass, especially after heavy storms or accidental impacts, and replace any damaged glass to keep the door secure.
Handy Hint: For a quick repair, always contact your supplier. They’ll provide expert advice tailored to your sliding door and ensure it’s fixed properly, keeping it secure and in top condition.
Can Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors Be Used as a Fire Exit?
Aluminium sliding doors are not suitable for use as designated fire exits.
Fire exits in the UK must meet strict safety regulations outlined in British Standards (BS 9999:2017) and UK Building Regulations, which typically exclude sliding doors from qualifying due to their operational mechanisms.
Why Sliding Doors Cannot Serve as Fire Exits
Sliding doors, by design, do not meet the primary requirements for fire exits, which include:
- Quick and Easy Operation: Fire exits must be operable without keys, special tools, or excessive force. While sliding doors can be smooth to operate, their mechanisms—especially if locked or obstructed—do not guarantee the same reliability as traditional fire doors with push bars or similar hardware.
- Obstruction Risks: Tracks and frames in sliding doors can become obstructed by debris or damage, potentially delaying evacuation during an emergency.
- Width and Accessibility: Fire exits must provide a clear and consistent width for evacuation. Sliding doors often do not fully open to the required width due to their overlapping panels, which can limit their effectiveness in high-stress scenarios.
Sliding Doors vs Traditional Fire Exits
If you need a compliant fire exit for your property, consider installing doors specifically designed and certified for emergency use, such as outward-opening hinged doors with panic bars.
While aluminium sliding glass doors offer excellent aesthetics and functionality, they are not a suitable replacement for a dedicated fire exit.
Always consult with your supplier, manufacturer, or a fire safety professional to ensure your building complies with fire regulations and provides a safe means of escape. Prioritising the correct door for emergency situations ensures the safety of everyone in your home.
Choose Secure Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors With GFD Homes Today!
At GFD Homes, we’re passionate about helping you create a safe, beautiful home.
If you have any questions about sliding door security or want to explore more options, our team is here for you.
Contact our expert team on 01642 309 576 or you can book a visit to our state of the art Teesside showroom.
If you’d like to explore all the benefits of aluminium doors, check out our blog for a wealth of articles. From detailed comparisons and maintenance tips to the best cleaning methods, we’ve got everything you need to know.
FAQs about How to Secure Sliding Patio Doors
Are sliding doors easy to break into?
Modern-day aluminium sliding doors are highly secure and have been designed to offer more resistance when it comes to potential break-ins. With multi-point locking systems, toughened glass, secure frames and an option to upgrade to laminated glass, these doors provide a strong barrier against unauthorised entry.
How can I make my sliding patio door more secure?
Modern sliding doors, like ours, are highly secure, but you can enhance them by upgrading to laminated glass and choosing the most secure cylinder lock. These simple steps boost protection and provide extra peace of mind.
Are sliding patio doors secure in the UK?
Yes, sliding patio doors can be secure in the UK, especially when designed to meet the rigorous standards of Part Q. The sliding doors we offer are built for high security, with options to upgrade to laminated glass, advanced locks, and reinforced frames. Regular maintenance also helps keep your doors performing at their best.
At GFD Homes, not only are our sliding doors highly secure, but each also comes with various upgrade options to meet the vigorous standards of Part Q.
How do you secure outdoor track sliding doors?
Modern sliding doors already offer great security as standard, featuring toughened glass and multi-point locking systems. For even greater protection, you can upgrade to laminated glass and high-security lock cylinders.
For extra peace of mind, consider installing external cameras and a strong alarm system to secure your property further.
Can sliding doors be secure?
Absolutely! Sliding doors, like the ones we offer, are designed with security in mind. With features like multi-point locks, toughened glass as standard, and sturdy frames, they’re already highly secure.
For added peace of mind, you can also upgrade to laminated glass instead.
Which is safer: sliding doors or French doors?
Both sliding doors and French doors can be very secure with the right features.
Sliding doors often come with reinforced glass and multiple locking points, while French doors can be secured with additional locks as well.
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