Door Locks and Patio Safety

Safety Concerns

• Patio doors must be securely locked against uninvited intruders. A potential thief commonly enters a house through a patio door by prying, lifting or breaking the glass. Multi-locking patio door systems may be the best defense of safety against burglars. However, an equally important safety concern for patio doors is a toddler who can unlock the patio door from the inside and wander off alone. Even in a fenced backyard, hazards posed by in-ground pools, pets and harmful substances present potential dangers for small children.

Childproof Locks

• A variety of locking devices specifically engineered as childproof are available for patio doors. All child-safety locks should be installed at the top of the patio door completely out of the reach of small children. Some locks, such as the patio door locking pin featured on the TotSafe website, are budget-friendly and easy to operate. This simple locking device operates by running the pin through pre-drilled holes in each glass door, keeping the doors stationary until the pin is removed.

Security Bars

• Security bars are typically made of wood or metal and placed between the inside of the door frame between the sliding door and the stationary door. Security bars restrict an intruder from sliding the door open after picking the lock. They also inhibit a potential burglar from lifting the sliding door and rotating it, removing the door from its track. Visually, a security bar is a deterrent for prowlers.

Multiple Locks

• Unless a patio door is fitted with a multi-locking system, which may include a dead bolt, lock and key or dead-latch cylinder lock, additional locks may be needed. Assorted styles of patio door locks that are easy and economical to install can be added to your current locking system, making it more secure and giving you peace of mind. A key-locking bolt system attached to the top of the door is one choice.