Open-air interiors can be achieved by sliding doors, allowing a substantial amount of natural light into the interior and leading it easily into the garden or patio. However, high security should be considered before installation to ensure the safety of your home and the comfort of your family. Understanding the security features thoroughly is essential for making informed decisions.
Multi-Point Locking Systems
The locking mechanism is the primary defender of any home against intruders. The common types of latches found on sliding doors are generally not very secure. Therefore, it is prudent to go for sliding doors that have multi-point locking systems, which lock the door with several locks into the frame at the same time when the door is closed. Such a locking system enhances the forced entry resistance of the sliding door compared to a single latch.
Glass Security
Large glass panels tend to serve as easy entry points on sliding doors, which one may think of upgrading from normal glass types to toughened glass or the best option—laminated glass.
Tempered glass is, however, more robust, and laminated glass contains a layer of inner plastic between sheets that does not break in a way that makes creating a large opening possible for an entry, even with broken glass.
Ensuring Structural Integrity
The level of security largely relies on the door frame’s material and structural strength. Strongly framed sliding doors made in robust materials such as aluminium or reinforced uPVC are recommended. Ensure that the door has interlocking stiles, the vertical edges of the sliding panels, which will provide additional security that prevents the doors from easily prying open when closed.
Anti-Lift Mechanisms
A typical breach mechanism for sliding doors is lifting the sliding panel off its tracks. An anti-lift mechanism thus prevents this from taking place. Most of these features include internal interlocking between the door panel and frame that make it virtually impossible to remove without first unlocking the door.
Track Security and Reinforcement
The sliding door tracks generally fall prey to oblivion when it comes to security. Make certain the lines are laid down securely and of stout materials.
For added security against lifting, consider adding bolts or screws on the top track. Some advanced systems feature hidden tracks that are more tamper-resistant.
Supplementary Security Measures
Supplementary measures such as security bars or blocking devices that fit into the track to prevent the door from being opened even if the lock is compromised may be encouraged for better safety. You could also set up the sliding doors as part of your home’s security system with the installation of some external sensors to have that added insurance policy and alert you to any unauthorised entry.
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