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How to Secure Internal Sliding Doors


Also known as barn doors, internal sliding doors are a popular choice for homes and offices. Not only do they look stylish and sleek, but they also save space as there is no swivel required, the doors simply slide open. However, as these doors don’t have a traditional handle, latch, and lock, they don’t necessarily offer as much privacy as regular doors. The good news is that, using options such as magnetic door locks, you can secure internal glass sliding doors in your home or office space. Find beautiful internal sliding glass doors in the UK at BM Steel.




Before continuing, let’s clarify what we mean by the term ‘internal sliding doors.’ Whether made of glass, wood, or another material, these sliding doors slide open and closed on a track or rail. Usually, a single track is mounted above the door. A piece of hardware known as a hanger connects the door panel to the track. The hanger’s roller allows it to move on the track. Rails can also be installed at the bottom of the door, or the sliding door frame may extend to the ground and the door may slide along the frame.

What is an internal sliding door?

Before continuing, let’s clarify what we mean by the term ‘internal sliding doors.’ Whether made of glass, wood, or another material, these sliding doors slide open and closed on a track or rail. Usually, a single track is mounted above the door. A piece of hardware known as a hanger connects the door panel to the track. The hanger’s roller allows it to move on the track. Rails can also be installed at the bottom of the door, or the sliding door frame may extend to the ground and the door may slide along the frame.



In the introduction to this article, we briefly mentioned a few of the reasons why some people in Britain and further afield choose internal sliding doors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the uses and benefits of these doors with a difference:

 


	Better use of space
	Greater structural flexibility
	Low maintenance
	Quiet
	Improved energy efficiency

Uses of internal sliding doors

In the introduction to this article, we briefly mentioned a few of the reasons why some people in Britain and further afield choose internal sliding doors. Let’s take a closer look at some of the uses and benefits of these doors with a difference:

 

  • Better use of space
  • Greater structural flexibility
  • Low maintenance
  • Quiet
  • Improved energy efficiency



Internal sliding doors are less secure than traditional hinged doors. Thanks to the door frame, a locked traditional door can’t be removed from the hinges. Sliding doors are not the best choice if you’re looking for a more secure option.

That said, if yours isn’t a high-security application or you simply want to increase the level of privacy offered by the door, you can find an array of products, such as magnetic door locks and locks for sliding glass doors.

Are internal sliding doors secure?

Internal sliding doors are less secure than traditional hinged doors. Thanks to the door frame, a locked traditional door can’t be removed from the hinges. Sliding doors are not the best choice if you’re looking for a more secure option.

That said, if yours isn’t a high-security application or you simply want to increase the level of privacy offered by the door, you can find an array of products, such as magnetic door locks and locks for sliding glass doors.





There are many different ways to secure internal sliding doors. Some methods are as simple as the time-honoured hook and eye latch, while others are more contemporary. Let’s find out more about some of the most popular options:

How do you secure internal sliding doors?

There are many different ways to secure internal sliding doors. Some methods are as simple as the time-honoured hook and eye latch, while others are more contemporary. Let’s find out more about some of the most popular options:



  1. Hook and eye latch: Not the most secure option, a hook and eye latch is easy to install, easy to use, and affordable. You can also use this method together with another of those we describe below.
  2. 90-degree angle flip latch: A robust option that is suitable for internal sliding doors in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other high-use areas, a 90-degree angle flip latch doesn’t take much effort to install and is easy to use.
  3. 90-degree buckle lock: More secure than a latch, a 90-degree buckle lock can be locked by using your thumb to slide it into place. You can install the switch portion on the door to lock from the bottom or on the jamb to lock from the top.
  4. Teardrop latch: Sleek and elegant, a teardrop latch gets its name from its teardrop shape. Although these latches require more effort and skill than simpler latches and locks, the security and convenience they offer is worth it.
  5. 90-degree hasp and padlock: If you want to secure your internal sliding door simply to prevent children from accessing the space, a good old-fashioned 90- degree hasp and padlock might be just the thing you need. Look for a design in which hasps cover the screwheads to prevent easy removal.

 

Other popular options for securing internal glass sliding doors include mechanical push button door locks and magnetic door locks.



FAQs


Do internal sliding doors need a bottom track?

Although some types of internal sliding doors require a bottom track, barn-style doors do not. The only track necessary is the track at the top.


How do you stop an internal sliding door from opening?

There are various ways to stop an internal sliding door from opening. You can use easy-to-install and easy-to-use methods such as a 90-degree hasp and padlock or a hook and eye latch, or more complex options, such as a teardrop latch. Contact our friendly team for assistance if you aren’t sure about the best option for your needs.


How do you adjust internal sliding door rollers?

The most common way to adjust internal sliding door rollers is to start by cleaning each roller as well as the track using a microfibre cloth or a damp cloth soaked in white vinegar. Next, use the appropriate type and size of screwdriver to turn the rollers’ adjustment screws. Loosening or tightening the screws will lower or raise the rollers.



Enjoy enhanced privacy

Installing an internal glass sliding door does not mean compromising your privacy. Thanks to the array of locks for sliding glass doors, you can enjoy enhanced privacy and security, a greater sense of space, and improved energy efficiency. Order internal sliding doors, as well as locks, latches, and accessories from BM Steel conveniently online.



Posted by Killian Ward
9th January 2024

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