Urgent Reasons to Use a Sliding Door Lock

Most homes include sliding patio doors, especially for townhomes and in apartments. These doors are popular because of the ability to open up more to the fresh air, pool or back yard and for easier access for residents and guests. Unfortunately, they do represent a security issue since they do not use the same kinds of double locking entries with deadbolts that secure doors.

Every home needs adequate locks to discourage unauthorized entry. The simple, single sliding door lock that equips most sliding doors is rather flimsy and easily overcome. The mechanisms become more unreliable with time as the parts age. Fortunately, there are many devices available that are easy to apply to these doors and add considerable more security.

A very popular and effective sliding glass door lock device is called a "jimmy plate." You simply screw this device into the upper channel of the door. When this device is in place, an intruder cannot "jimmy" open the door by lifting it up off its track, which then could circumvent the lock. A door can sometimes be lifted up completely and removed if there is too much play available at the top and bottom. You can accomplish the same security, using materials you may already have at home. However, ones you can purchase from any store that carries hardware and home supplies will sell genuine jimmy plates that will do the job best.

Another popular choice for creating additional home security is the safety bar. This device is attached to the door's glass. The positioning of this device prevents anyone from sliding it open from the outside. These sliding door locks are easier to install and very low-cost ways to add security. The proper location is at the bottom area of the door's glass. Some add a second one for the door's mid-point just to be even safer. It is strongly recommended that you go outside to make sure the sliding glass door locks like you expected.

To decide what kind of sliding patio door lock you need, first consider the location of your door, its size and what is on the other side. A door that opens up to a balcony 10 stories up has very different needs from one that opens up to a pool area that belongs to the whole apartment complex. Happily there are plenty of different sliding door locks on the market made for each situation. For such an important item, you want to pick quality merchandise that will do the job.

Many manufacturers offer their own brand of sliding door lock, and each puts their own spin on the style and way it works. Whichever one you choose, they will give you more peace of mind in a sometimes dangerous world.

Prevention is the best way to keep your home and family safer. Potential intruders want easy targets. If they see that getting through your door is going to require time and possibly noisy effort they will move along. The proper sliding glass door lock can provide that extra measure of safety you want for your most precious possession - your family.