Sliding doors are the door of choice for property owners who want to save on floor space and enjoy the ease of use that comes with them. However, sliding doors need locks like regular doors for security and protection. There are many different types of locks for sliding doors available on the market, each offering a different level of protection and price point. Some locks are suitable for keeping the door shut, and others can prevent intruders from breaking in; some are easy to install, while others are much harder.
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of sliding door locks.
Types of Sliding Door Locks
Many different types of sliding door locks are available on the market, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types of sliding door locks:
Mortise Locks
Mortise locks are the most prevalent type for sliding doors, and many sliding doors come preinstalled with mortise locks. The lock consists of a pocket, called the mortise, cut into the side of the door where the lock is placed to hook into the strike plate on the door frame. Most variants of mortise locks do not have keys, but some do. These locks are simple and affordable but may not be as secure as other options.
Sliding Track Locks
As their name suggests, sliding track locks prevent the sliding from moving on its tracks. The lock is relatively simple and affordable and can be installed very easily. It is installed on the bottom edge of the sliding door and has a clamp that can be closed onto the tracks to lock the door down. While it is effortless and convenient, it offers little security.
Loop Locks
Loop locks are another simple and affordable type of lock for sliding doors. This lock comprises a metal bar attached to the door and can loop around a hook on the door frame to keep the door shut. They can only be opened and closed from one side of the door. Just like mortise locks, they are good for the simple purpose of keeping doors shut but provide little in terms of security. They are simple to install and maintain but cannot protect the door from intruders.
Double Bolt Locks
Double bolt locks are installed on the edge of the door, and a latch is installed on the door frame. When the door is locked, the lock extends two bars, one which pushes down into the latch and another which pushes up into the latch. These locks offer high protection and can stop intruders from opening or lifting the door from its tracks. They are more expensive and harder to install than other options, but the security they provide makes the extra effort worth it.
Smart Locks
Smart sliding door lock systems incorporate digital security technologies into traditional locks, allowing users to control their locks remotely using their smartphones. Users can use this remote control to lock and unlock the door, monitor its status, grant access to guests, and more without being physically present. These locks are extremely convenient and versatile, but they typically have a higher price tag than other locks.
Conclusion
Locks are essential for doors of all kinds, whether regular or sliding. Locks ensure property security and give property owners peace of mind that no intruders can enter at will. Slider locks have been manufactured with sliding doors in mind, and since sliding doors do not pivot on a hinge like regular doors, they need to be designed differently to cater to their unique requirements.
