7 Tips to Improve Patio Door Security

Sliding patio doors are excellent home upgrades that brighten up your space, give you easy access to the outdoors, and add value to your home. However, there’s just one major concern: How does a home stay safe with large panels of see-through glass?

The answer is simple: upgraded patio door security. This guide goes over seven vital tips to help you reduce the risk of unauthorized access and reinforce the security of your property. Let’s slide to it!

How to Secure Sliding Patio Doors

The first step to good patio door security is to ensure you’re choosing durable and heavy-duty sliding patio doors. From here on, it’s only a matter of mixing and matching security upgrades that fit your needs. Here are seven sliding door security tips to help you get started:

1. Invest in Heavy-Duty Patio Door Frames

Patio door security relies heavily on the quality of your door frames, so choosing the toughest ones on the market is strongly suggested. Strong frames stand their ground, even under pressure. What’s more, high-quality door frames are generally extra resistant to damage caused by wear and tear. You can have peace of mind knowing superior patio door security protects your family day and night

But how do you choose the right heavy-duty patio door frames for your home? Here’s what to look for:

• High-quality materials (look for ones made from wood, PVC, aluminum, or steel)
• Reinforced corners and built-in metal or composite cores
• Weather-resistant coatings or treatments to prevent rust, rot, or corrosion over time

Learn more: Can You Replace a Door Without Replacing the Frame

2. Double-Glaze Your Glass Panels

With the quality of the door frames down, let’s move on to the glass quality. The glass panels are often the most vulnerable parts of a patio door, and the type you choose can make or break your home’s security.

Single-glazed glass is a clear opportunity for burglars to smash their way through and into your home. Luckily, double and triple-glazed glass panels are widely available to secure patio doors. Doubling (or even tripling) the glaze equals twice the security, as this glass panel does not crack under the pressure of attempted smashing or shattering. Plus, you get added insulation, noise reduction, and UV protection!

Image Source: Shutterstock

3. Reinforce Safety with Strong Locks

Broken glass isn’t the only point of vulnerability in your sliding door security—weak or outdated locks can also leave your home exposed. Fortify your home’s security with a combination of locking options. Here are simple ways to level up your patio door security:

• Add internal and external sliding door locks
• Place a security bar between the sliding door and the wall
• Install smart door sensors and alarms 

Pro Tip: Check your sliding glass door lock regularly to ensure it’s working properly. Tighten loose screws, lubricate moving parts, and replace any worn-out locks right away to prevent would-be thieves from gaining access to your home.

Learn more: How to Choose a Door Lock

4. Install a Patio Door Security Gate

Did you know 22% of break-ins happen because burglars sneak in through the back door? Your patio door can be an easy target, but you can turn it into a stronghold by adding a security gate.

This patio door security upgrade creates a sturdy barrier that blocks access to your patio door, even when compromised. It also lets you leave the patio door open for fresh air while keeping the gate closed for security.

The best part? These gates come in all kinds of styles so you can choose one that blends with your interior. At the same time, it sends a deterring signal to burglars.

5. Get Added Privacy Using Patio Door Glass Film

When it comes to patio door security, privacy is just as important as protection. Using glass film is an easy and stylish way to keep prying eyes out while adding security for sliding glass doors. 

Some films are designed to hold glass together if it shatters, adding an extra layer of safety. On top of that, they also help reduce glare and block harmful UV rays, protecting your furniture and floors from sun damage. 

6. Put Curtains or Blinds for Better Patio Door Security

With less visibility, burglars will be less interested in breaking in. But if you don’t want to commit to glass film, you can always opt for curtains or blinds. 

These patio door treatments give you the freedom to adjust your privacy and light levels throughout the day while keeping your home stylish. Thick curtains or blinds can even help with insulation! Just make sure to:

• Choose thick, opaque fabrics to block visibility completely
• Look for cordless designs (especially with kids or pets)
• Make it a habit to close them at night

Pro Tip: If you’re away from home, use timers to open and close your curtains or blinds automatically. This gives the appearance that someone is home, deterring potential intruders.

Learn more: How to Pick the Best Patio Door Blinds

Image Source: Shutterstock

7. Install Security Cameras for All-Around Home Security

If you want to secure sliding doors, installing security cameras is a must. This extra layer of protection scares most burglars away, making it an effective deterrent.

Modern security cameras offer motion detection, night vision, real-time alerts, and mobile apps so you can monitor your home for any movement from anywhere. Not only does this upgrade sliding glass door security, but it also takes your home’s overall safety to a whole new level.

Pro Tip: Make sure to place them strategically so you have visibility over the entry points of your home.

Get Durable and Stylish Patio Doors from Burano Doors

While all these tips create elevated patio door security, starting from the basics is the way to go—starting with high-quality and durable patio doors. 

We manufacture sliding patio doors and hinged garden doors made with top-notch materials for your peace of mind. Our vast collection of sliding patio doors and garden doors includes plenty of durable, stylish, and highly energy-efficient options.

You’ll also love our wide range of customization options! Whether you want deadbolt locks, security glass, or other tweaks, our team can deliver. 

Still not sure how to enhance your patio door security? Contact us today—we’ll be glad to answer any further questions you may have.