Security Tips For Arcadia Doors

Eliminating ‘lift”

Sliding doors are inherently less secure and should be avoided if possible. If sliding doors are already in place, make sure that the sliding panel is on the inside. If it is outside, you have a serious security issue because they can be lifted right out of the track. This lift may also be found in sliding doors wherein the inside panel becomes dislocated out of the track when lifted. The most effective method of securing your arcadia door if this is the case, is by installing a pan head screws in the upper track of the movable panel much like securing sliding windows as seen in the sliding glass windows section. The purpose is to prevent the sliding door from being lifted off the track and removed from the frame when it is in the closed position. These screws have rounded heads and should be installed about 2 feet apart. They should be screwed in so that the door can just barely slide by, while preventing it from being lifted out of the track.

Add a charlie bar or Broomstick

A charlie bar is a commercially available device that mounts to the frame opposite the sliding door and swings down 
behind the door to stop it from sliding. Make sure however, that if you purchase a metal charlie bar or door dowel that you check to make sure that a magnet does not stick to it. Sometimes thieves use large magnets to pry the bar up from the outside. A broomstick inserted snuggly into the bottom of the track is just as effective. This recommendation will only work on doors that slide on the inside track.

Door pin

Another means of securing your Arcadia sliding door is by drilling through both arcadia panels and installing a steel pin. With the door in the closed position, drill a small diameter hole from the inside center frame to the outside frame (but not through the outside frame.) Insert a nail or other sturdy pin into this hole when complete. To be most effective the hole should be made at a slight downward angle to prevent the pin from falling out if someone tries to lift the door up out of the frame. Caution: When drilling holes in the frame great care should be taken to avoid drilling into or striking the glass. Tempered glass will frequently shatter on contact with the drill bit. If you are unsure at all with the installation of such an item, make sure that you consult a home repair specialist.