Any house would benefit from the elegant and useful addition of internal sliding doors, which cleverly split spaces. They are aesthetically pleasing and practical for closets, room divisions, and entry to home offices or ensuites.
Still, their design can occasionally make them more susceptible to unintentional damage or unlawful access more than their conventional counterparts.
Securing internal sliding doors is vital for the privacy and security of your home. This thorough guide will tell you how to keep your space safe by securely locking internal sliding doors.
Install a Secure Locking System
Installing this dedicated system is one of the easiest methods to secure interior sliding doors.
Sliding doors are easy targets for illegal access since they usually lack built-in locks, unlike conventional doors. There are several locking choices, each fit for a different kind of sliding door, such as bypass doors, barn doors, or pocket doors.
A sliding door lock with a key or thumb turn is perfect for doors used as room divisions or entry points to private spaces. You can install these locks either on the door jamb or on the edge of the door.
Keyed locks are quite helpful in bedrooms, home offices, or any area needing more seclusion.
Another used choice is often a bolt lock, which offers a high level of security and is simple to install. Sliding a metal bolt into a strike plate securely locks any sliding door. This type of lock is perfect for any door that leads to rooms containing sensitive documents or precious goods.
A badly fitted lock is useless and damages the door. Hence, ensure the lock you install is properly positioned and runs smoothly.
Use Security Bars or Stoppers
These locks are simple yet effective solutions for preventing the access of sliding doors from the outside.
Stoppers and security bars are perfect for locking doors without needing standard locks since they physically prevent the door from rolling along its track.
Found near the foot of the door, security bars are placed into the door track to prevent it from rolling open.
Renters or people who don’t wish to change their doors will find them a flexible option as they are movable, simple to operate, and do not require any installation.
Some security bars can be folded or removed so your sliding door remains functional when you most need it.
Mounted to the floor or wall, door stoppers restrict the door from sliding past a specific point.
Stoppers are particularly useful for wardrobe doors as they can restrict access to them without needing a complete locking mechanism.
When choosing a stopper, search for models that are made of robust materials like reinforced plastic or stainless steel.
If you’re not sure which model to choose, we recommend consulting an expert locksmith, as they’ll give you advice on the best type and determine the weak points in your house that require security.
Apply Shatterproof Film for Glass Sliding Doors
Glass sliding doors add a modern flair to any space, but they also carry some security concerns since glass is naturally easy to breach.
By covering the glass panels with a shatterproof film, you’ll greatly increase the security of your internal sliding doors, preventing accidental breakage and deliberate damage.
Made from a robust clear adhesive that sticks to the glass, shatterproof films form a protective barrier holding fragmented glass in place in case it breaks.
This not only improves safety by keeping harmful fragments in place, but also discourages anyone from trying to smash through the door.
Installing shatterproof film is a relatively simple DIY project. These films come in various thicknesses to suit your specific needs.
UV protection also reduces sun glare and protects interior furniture from fading. Apply the film evenly and avoid any air bubbles for maximum efficiency since they can reduce their protective qualities.
Install Floor Track Locks
Particularly in places where conventional locks or security bars are not appropriate, floor track locks are another great way to secure interior sliding doors.
Installed directly on the door’s floor track, these locks secure it in place, preventing it from sliding along the track.
Simple to use, floor track locks fit most designs. They are ideal for bypass or pocket doors where you can’t use conventional locks.
Choose models built of premium materials to withstand corrosion and wear, guaranteeing long-term security for your doors.
They are particularly helpful for doors that separate shared areas or rooms where privacy is vital, such as home offices or shared living quarters.
Clean the lock’s mechanism on a regular basis to make sure it runs smoothly. Track locks can occasionally gather dirt and debris which compromises their performance.
Enhance Privacy with Curtains
Although blinds do not physically lock a sliding door, they offer a necessary layer of visual concealment that provides more privacy for your room. This is a great addition to glass sliding doors that reveal what’s behind them.
By installing curtains, shades, or frosted panels, you can finally have some personal space. For spaces where privacy is most important, like bedrooms or home offices, use blackout shades or heavy-duty drapes.
Alternatively, install frosted window films to preserve the door’s visual attractiveness and maintain privacy.
For sliding wardrobe doors, consider including internal panels or screens to keep personal items hidden away from view.
Ensure that you choose curtains or blinds that are easy to install since badly fitted curtains or blinds can be more of a hassle than beneficial.
Regular Maintenance and Inspection
Over time, sliding doors can become misaligned, collect dirt, or wear out, all of which compromise the door’s security.
Check often that the locking mechanisms are operating as they should and that the door slides easily down its track.
Frequent cleaning of the door tracks also helps in eliminating dust and grime that impede the door’s movement. To ensure smooth track and lock operation and prevent corrosion or wear, regularly lubricate them.
Inspect any security bars, stoppers, or locks to ensure they still fit and offer the required security. Replace any worn-out or damaged components right away to keep your sliding doors secure and functional.
Conclusion
There are several ways to enhance the security of your sliding doors, from installing reliable locking systems and security bars to applying shatterproof films and ensuring regular maintenance.
Enjoying the elegance and convenience of internal sliding doors without sacrificing your safety or privacy is possible. Just take these proactive steps and you’ll ensure your home’s maximum protection.
Lastly, don’t forget to contact a local qualified locksmith if you run into any trouble or just need expert advice.