If you’ve ever stood in front of your sliding glass door and wondered, “are my sliding doors secure?” you’re not alone. It’s a question most homeowners ask, especially after hearing about break-ins in the neighbourhood.
Sliding doors offer brilliant natural light and easy access to outdoor spaces, but they can also be an easy target for would-be intruders if left unprotected.
However, with the right upgrades and a bit of know-how, you can make your sliding doors as secure as any other entry point in your home. Perth Window & Door Replacement Company has been helping Perth families protect their homes for over 40 years, and we’re here to walk you through exactly how to secure sliding glass doors from break-ins.
Are Sliding Doors Secure? The Reality Check
Standard sliding doors aren’t always strong in security. Many come with a simple latch that can be bypassed surprisingly easily. Some older models can even be lifted right off their tracks with enough force.
According to WA Police quarterly statistics, there were 3,098 burglary-dwelling offences in Western Australia between July and September 2025 alone. The metro region accounted for 1,391 of these incidents.
But here’s the thing: sliding doors don’t have to be a weak point. With proper upgrades, they can be just as secure as hinged doors or windows. The key is understanding where the vulnerabilities lie and addressing them systematically.
Upgrade Your Sliding Door Lock
The most common weakness in sliding glass doors is the lock itself. That basic latch mechanism might keep the door closed on a windy day, but it won’t stop a determined burglar.
A keyed double-bolt lock adds another layer of protection. Even if someone manages to break the glass, they still can’t open the door without the key. This simple upgrade can be a real game-changer for home security.
If you’re renting or want a less permanent solution, there are surface-mounted locks you can install yourself. They’re not as robust as built-in multi-point systems, but they’re miles better than nothing.
Add a Secondary Lock or Security Bar
Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. A security bar or dowel placed in the bottom track prevents the door from sliding open, even if the main lock is compromised.
You can use a cut-to-length piece of timber or purchase a telescopic security brace designed specifically for sliding doors. These braces are adjustable and sit at an angle between the door frame and the sliding panel, creating physical resistance against forced entry.
The beauty of this method? It’s cheap, easy to install, and works immediately. Plus, if you’re renting, it’s completely non-invasive.
For a more sophisticated approach, consider a floor-mounted pin lock. These devices lock the door to the floor, preventing both sliding and lifting. They’re particularly useful if you have kids who might accidentally leave the door unlocked.
Install Anti-Lift Devices
Here’s something many homeowners don’t realise: some sliding doors can be lifted right out of their tracks from the outside. It’s a common method burglars use because it’s quiet and quick.
Anti-lift pins or screws installed through the top track solve this problem entirely. These devices prevent the door panel from being lifted vertically, even if someone manages to disengage the lock.
Make sure the pins are positioned correctly so they don’t interfere with the door’s normal operation. When installed properly, you won’t even notice they’re there, but potential intruders definitely will.
Reinforce the Glass
Glass can be broken – but not all glass is created equal.
Most sliding doors come with tempered glass. Tempered glass is stronger, but strength multipliers vary by thickness and manufacturer. That’s good, but tempered glass still shatters when struck hard enough.
Laminated or impact-resistant glass is another option. This type of glass has a plastic interlayer that holds the pieces together even when broken. The security benefit depends on the thickness and film type.
Double-glazed units offer the added benefits of insulation and noise reduction, though they’re primarily designed for energy efficiency rather than security. Still, two panes of glass are harder to break than one.
Fit a Security Screen Door
Security screens let you enjoy the breeze without compromising safety, which makes them great for Perth’s climate.
Security screen doors provide a physical barrier that’s incredibly difficult to breach. They also allow airflow, which is essential during Perth’s sweltering summers when leaving the glass door open becomes tempting.
The mesh is strong enough to resist cutting tools, and the frame is typically made from heavy-duty aluminium or steel. Plus, they look far better than the old-fashioned security bars that used to be popular.
Use Smart Sensors and Alarms
Technology has come a long way in home security. Glass-break sensors and door contact sensors can alert you (or a monitoring company) the moment someone tries to force entry.
Door contact sensors trigger an alarm if the door is opened while the system is armed. You can also get smart sensors that send alerts directly to your phone, so you know immediately if something’s wrong, even when you’re not home.
These systems vary in cost depending on the brand and features. When integrated with your existing alarm system, they create a comprehensive security net that makes your home far less appealing to potential burglars.
Maintain Your Tracks and Door Frame
A poorly maintained sliding door is easier to break into.
Perth’s sandy soils and coastal air can accelerate aluminium track corrosion. Debris in the tracks can prevent the door from closing properly, and worn rollers make it easier for someone to lift the door off its track.
Clean your tracks regularly. A vacuum and a damp cloth will do the trick. Check the rollers every six months and replace them if they’re worn.
Adjust the door so it sits snugly in the frame. There shouldn’t be any gaps that allow someone to insert a tool and manipulate the lock. If the frame is warped or damaged, consider having it repaired or replaced. A compromised frame defeats the purpose of all your other security measures.
Schedule an annual service with a professional. They’ll spot issues you might miss and ensure everything’s working as it should.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Entire Door
Sometimes, upgrading individual components isn’t enough. If your sliding door is old, warped, or has non-compliant glass, replacement might be your best option.
Signs you need a new door include:
- Visible rust or corrosion on the frame
- Difficulty opening or closing the door
- Gaps around the frame when closed
- Rollers that no longer work smoothly
- Glass that doesn’t meet current safety standards
Perth Window & Door Replacement Company can assess your current door and recommend the best replacement options for your home and budget. Sometimes starting fresh with a properly designed, secure door is more cost-effective than trying to retrofit an old one.
Your Home, Your Peace of Mind
So, are sliding doors secure? They can be if you take the right steps.
The most effective approach is layering multiple security measures. Upgrade your lock, add a security bar, install anti-lift devices, reinforce the glass, fit a security screen, integrate smart sensors, and maintain everything properly. Each layer makes it harder for intruders to gain entry, and most will simply move on to an easier target.
Don’t wait until after a break-in to take action. A few simple upgrades today can save you thousands of dollars and immeasurable stress tomorrow. Get in touch with our expert sales team today to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of sliding doors?
The main disadvantages are security vulnerabilities (if not properly upgraded), ongoing maintenance requirements, and potential energy leakage around the seals. Sand and debris can accumulate in tracks, and coastal environments accelerate corrosion. But all these issues can be mitigated with proper upgrades, regular cleaning, and quality materials designed for Perth’s climate.
How to stop sliding doors from coming off track?
The primary solution is installing anti-lift pins in the top track, which physically prevent the door from being lifted high enough to clear the bottom track. Regular maintenance is also important; replace worn rollers, clean debris from tracks, and adjust the door height so it sits properly. Quality stainless-steel rollers are more durable in Perth’s coastal conditions.
Are sliding doors hard to break into?
Standard sliding doors with basic latches are relatively easy to break into—they can be forced, lifted off tracks, or bypassed with simple tools. But upgraded sliding doors with multi-point locks, security screens, anti-lift devices, and reinforced glass are very difficult to breach. The level of difficulty depends entirely on the security measures you implement.
How to secure a glass door from the inside?
Install a multi-point lock with interior key operation, add a security bar or dowel in the bottom track, fit a floor-mounted pin lock, apply security film to the glass, and install anti-lift pins in the top track. You can also add a door sensor connected to the alarm system that alerts you if the door is opened unexpectedly.
