How to Make Your Sliding Glass Door More Secure: The Gators Sliding Doors Guide for Orlando Homeowners
- Bob Duary
- Dec 1
- 3 min read
Published by: Gators Sliding Doors
Category: Home Security / DIY / Orlando Living
Reading Time: 8 Minutes
Top 5 Real-Life Security Solutions (Ranked by Protection & Ease)
We have ranked these solutions based on combining protection level and ease of installation for the average Florida homeowner.
1. The Top Pro Pick: LOCKiT Double Bolt Lock
Difficulty: 2/5 (Simple Drill Installation) Cost: ~$25 (Available at Home Depot) For a powerful, permanent secondary lock, the LOCKiT Double Bolt is a local favorite. This high-security lock mounts securely to your door frame and prevents the door from being lifted, jiggled, or pried open. Double Security: It features two robust locking positions, allowing you to lock the door completely closed or lock it slightly open (3-4 inches) for safe ventilation. Child Safety: It can be mounted high up on the door frame, keeping it out of reach of children, adding a crucial layer of pool safety. 🛒 Buy the LOCKiT White Double Bolt Lock at Home Depot
2. The Quickest Fix: The "Charlie Bar" (Blocking Bar)
Difficulty: 1/5 (Super Easy) Cost: $15 - $30 This is the classic, immediate security measure. If the bar is down, the door cannot slide. Period. It physically prevents the door from sliding back, bypassing the weak factory latch entirely. The Old Way: A broomstick in the track. (Effective, but easy to dislodge and looks messy). The Pro Way: A fold-down security bar mounted mid-height on the door frame that locks securely into the track.Why it works: It physically prevents the door from sliding back, bypassing the weak latch mechanism entirely. 🛒 Buy a Highly Rated Fold-Down Security Bar
3. High-Security Frame Pin Lock (Drill-in Solution)
Difficulty: 2/5 (Requires a drill) Cost: $15 - $35 A frame pin lock involves drilling a small, non-visible hole through the sliding panel's frame and into the stationary frame (or wall). How it works: A hardened steel pin is inserted into the hole, effectively pinning the two sections of the frame together. This makes the door impossible to slide open, even if the primary lock is compromised. Pro Tip: This solution is excellent for maximizing security without bulky hardware, offering a clean look. Make sure to drill the hole high enough to be out of reach of small children. 🛒 Shop High-Security Pin Locks
4. Anti-Lift Track Blockers
Difficulty: 2/5 Cost: $10 - $20 If a burglar uses a crowbar to pry the bottom of the door, they are attempting to lift the rollers off the track so the bottom can swing inward.The Fix: Install screws or blocking brackets into the upper track. These fill the "headspace" above the door, physically preventing the door panel from being lifted high enough to disengage from the bottom track.
5. Smart Sensors & Glass Break Detectors
Difficulty: 1/5 (Peel and stick)Cost: Varies (Subscription based or one-time purchase)If you have a home security system (Ring, ADT, SimpliSafe), these sensors provide immediate alerts.Open/Close Sensor: Triggers if the door seal breaks and the door moves.Glass Break Sensor: Acoustic sensors placed nearby that detect the specific frequency of shattering glass, triggering an immediate alarm before an intruder even steps inside.🛒 Explore Affordable Door/Window Sensors
📊 Comparison Chart: Which Method is Right for You?
We’ve compiled this chart to help you decide based on your budget and security needs.
Security Method | Cost | DIY Difficulty | Protection Level | Orlando Hurricane Bonus? |
LOCKiT Double Bolt | $$ | ⭐⭐ | 🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️ | No |
Blocking Bar (Mounted) | $ | ⭐ | 🛡️🛡️🛡️ | No |
Frame Pin Lock | $ | ⭐⭐ | 🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️ | Minimal |
Anti-Lift Blockers | $ | ⭐⭐ | 🛡️🛡️🛡️ | No |
Broomstick in Track | Free | ⭐ | 🛡️🛡️ | No |
Impact Resistant Glass | $$$$ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Pro Only) | 🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️🛡️ | Yes (Major protection) |
Smart Sensors | $$ | ⭐ | 🛡️🛡️ | No |
💡 Quick Tips for Pool Owners
For many in Central Florida, the sliding door leads to the pool. Security isn't just about keeping bad guys out; it's about keeping kids safe.
Door Alarms: By Florida law, doors leading to pools must have high-pitched alarms (or the pool must have a barrier). Ensure these are working!High Locks: Install your secondary locks (like the LOCKiT Double Bolt or a pin lock) high up, out of reach of children.
🐊 Conclusion: Secure Your Sanctuary
Securing your sliding glass door doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. Start with a LOCKiT Double Bolt or a simple blocking bar this weekend. It’s a small investment for peace of mind.
Need help fixing a stuck door or ready for a full security upgrade?
Gators Sliding Doors is Orlando’s trusted expert for track repair, roller replacement, and lock upgrades. We know the specific challenges of Florida weather and home construction. 📞 Call us today for a free sliding door assessment!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. For maximum security, consult with a professional locksmith or security contractor.
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