Sliding patio doors provide natural lighting to a home and allow freedom of movement between indoor spaces and the yard. However, this type of door can be a security weak point, and if a burglar has broken into your home by forcing the lock on a sliding patio door, your New York home insurance provider may have suggested that you have an auxiliary security device fitted.

There are three types of auxiliary locks for sliding patio doors: jimmy plates, safety bars and auxiliary locks. Jimmy plates are fitted to the upper channel of the door and prevent it from being moved in a vertical direction, and safety bars prevent the door from being moved horizontally along its track. Auxiliary locks supplement the existing primary lock. 

Other steps to improve the security of a sliding glass panel door include replacing a weak primary lock with a stronger bolt lock, installing an alarm that will be triggered if the glass is broken or the door is tampered with, or replacing the glass panel with a panel made from a stronger material such as plastic, laminated glass or wired glass.

Homeowners planning to install improved security devices on sliding glass patio doors should ask their insurer or agent what types of enhanced security are likely to qualify them for discounts on New York home insurance premiums. A good discount on annual insurance could make you feel better about investing in a security upgrade!

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