Security with sliding glass 'pocket' doors
 

This is our first house with sliding glass pocket doors going out to our lanai. Can we trust the standard lock to provide security or should we install something better?

In our previous house, we had a sliding glass door and we added a 'charley bar' for extra security. I don't see how that would work with a pocket door.

What have you all done about this? Thanks for your replies.

Security bars won't work. Not long enough to reach to first panel. We were going to put in a 'safe slider' lock but we read about the glass potentially breaking, made us a little nervous. So we went old school.. We cut a pvc pipe, put rubber caps on the ends, and we have a little added protection.

I got some white 1 by 2 boards at homedepot, cut lengths to fit in jams. works perfect .

Do a search on this topic, I have posted specific instructions for stopping lifting the doors out of the tracks. I have also installed that additional lock, and posted the caution about possibly breaking the glass. If you have additional questions, send me a PM with your email address, and I will send you detailed info.

The sheriff department will do a complimentary walk through for your house and offer suggestions. Why not go to the pros and ask your question?

Because many "pros" will blow smoke up your arse because they want to sell you something.
What's wrong with asking people who have the same doors what they did?

I had the police do a review of our house, they were impressed with what I had done, but actually spotted 2-3 other things we could do. I found the review very helpful.

What were they? Interested...

We use a large caribener to clip over both door handles. It will not stop someone from lifting off the tracks. It is cheap, easy to install, and doesn't take a lot of storage space.

Originally Posted by villagetinker View Post

I had the police do a review of our house, they were impressed with what I had done, but actually spotted 2-3 other things we could do. I found the review very helpful.

What were they? Interested...

As I recall, I did not have the reinforced door lock plate (it is about 18 inches long, and uses 2 inch or longer screws), a peep hole in the door to the garage, a way to switch on the garage lights from inside the house without opening the door, and the burglar brace for the front door.

The "pros' I was referring to were the sheriff department. They know what works and doesn't when it comes to locks, etc.

How about a security system that sets off exterior sirens when someone enters the house and sends you a message to your smart phone.

That would not work for me. I am one of the privileged elite who does not carry a phone.

Before leaving, we just chain our two door handles together and secure them with a combination padlock. Can't open the doors by pulling them apart.

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