The locks on all doors in your home are likely to suffer from wear and tear over a period of time, and may even need replacing if used frequently or damaged. Patio doors, however, are particularly vulnerable to malfunction due to a build up of dust and debris, rust or even a lack of lubrication, and as they tend not to be as sturdy as other doors, the entire framework can become faulty over time.
Patio doors are also particularly susceptible to break-ins, since they are typically easier to get into than other, sturdier, thicker doors on a property. All of this means that as a homeowner, you should be paying special attention to the maintenance of your patio doors, and wherever possible, reinforcing the locks on them to prevent anyone from gaining unlawful entry when you’re away from the property, or even asleep.
If the locks on your patio doors are faulty in any way, damaged, or even missing, then you should seek help from a licensed locksmith to have them replaced or upgraded at the earliest.
How to make your patio doors as secure as possible
A high security lock installed on your patio doors is a great idea, but this is only ever a worthwhile investment if the door itself is sturdy and impenetrable to thieves. Flimsy patio doors leave your entire home vulnerable, even when fitted with a strong lock, since the glass may be smashed if it isn’t film-coated, or the door lifted from its tracks by a skilled burglar.
If in doubt as to how secure your patio doors are, consult with an experienced locksmith in your area and have them assess the doors for any weak areas.
When to replace the locks on your patio doors
As mentioned previously, it’s all well and good to replace the locks on your patio doors with stronger, higher security ones, but without addressing any other security issues the doors may be experiencing, they may be of little use. Foundational problems are common with patio doors, such as wood expansion or improper fitting, and it’s essential that you get these remedied before upgrading your locks.
If you’ve recently experienced a break in – or break in attempt – and your patio doors were damaged, then replacing the locks is paramount, along with repairing any damage to the doors.
Below isthe most common type of patio door lock:
- Latch locks
Latch locks come in two forms: rim locks and mortise locks. It’s advisable to hire an experienced locksmith to replace mortise locks, since mishaps can easily occur when disassembling them to replace them.
Rim lock latches are a little easier to install, but to avoid any issues when doing so, simply hire a professional to get it done properly.
What else to check for when assessing patio doors for security?
The handles on patio doors get used a lot and can easily become damaged, making the doors vulnerable to criminals. Check these over while replacing the locks to high security ones. In many cases, the lock itself is embedded in the handle, making it especially important to check their function.
For some patio doors, they are locked using a sliding bolt method, and while this may be sufficient if you live in a relatively crime free area and have taken other security measures at your home, such as having CCTV installed or an alarm system, for many homes this locking method simply doesn’t offer a high enough level of security.
Never neglect your patio doors, and if they aren’t as secure as you’d like them to be, or are faulty in any way, always seek professional guidance from a locksmith as to how you can improve their overall security.
