How to Childproof a Sliding Glass Door

March 25, 2023 0

Are you concerned about childproofing a sliding glass door? Sliding glass doors can be dangerous for children and pets because they can open easily. Here are some tips on childproofing a sliding glass door to ensure your little ones stay safe.

As parents, we all want to keep our children safe and secure in our homes. One of the most dangerous potential hazards for young kids is an exposed sliding glass door that oftentimes can lead right outside onto a patio or backyard. Aside from providing worry-free parental peace of mind, childproofing your sliding glass doors also has the added bonus of being able to use them as covers – perfect if you’re looking to revitalize furniture and decor without having to search through expensive storage options.

With this blog post, we’ll discuss how to childproof a sliding glass door with ease!

What Will You Need?

To get started, you’ll need the following items:

Sliding glass door stopper
Double-sided tape
Adhesive hook
Safety latch
Pressure-mounted gate (Optional)
Tape measure
Pencil or marker

Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, you can begin to childproof your sliding glass door.

10 Easy Steps on How to Childproof a Sliding Glass Door

Step 1. Sliding Glass Door Stopper:

Sliding glass door stoppers are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be affixed to the bottom side of your sliding glass door, effectively preventing it from opening too far. This is a great option for those of you who don’t want to damage the door frame or surrounding walls with screws. If you choose this option, be sure to measure the width of the door first!

Step 2. Window Locks:

The most important step when it comes to childproofing a sliding glass door is installing a window lock. Many types of locks are available in hardware stores, so you’ll be able to find one that fits your specific type of sliding glass door. To install the lock, simply measure how wide and how deep it needs to fit inside your frame before affixing it with screws.

Step 3. Sliding Door Track Cover:

A great way to make sure children can’t reach the slider bar on the outside of the door is by using a sliding track cover. This will keep the slider locked in place and provide an extra security layer. Additionally, if you are using a stopper, this cover will also keep it in place.

Step 4. Double-Sided Tape:

To ensure your sliding glass door does not slide or come off its track, you can use double sided tape along the top and bottom edges of the door frame. This will act as another barrier to prevent the door from being opened too far. If you have black molding, it would be best to use white tape.

Step 5. Adhesive Hook:

An adhesive hook is a great way to ensure children cannot access your sliding glass door handle. Simply attach one at a height that your little ones won’t be able to reach, making it difficult for them to open the door without assistance! It also helps prevent any damage from gripping or pulling the handle.

Step 6. Safety Latch:

These are available in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be used to secure the door from both inside and outside. For added security, you may want to consider purchasing one with a key for extra protection. Once the latch is installed, be sure to replace the key in a safe place.

Step 7. Pressure-Mounted Gate:

For an extra layer of security, you can install a pressure-mounted gate in front of your sliding glass door. This will make it difficult for children or pets to get near the handle when it’s closed. Moreover, this can also be a great addition if you have young ones in the house.

Step 8. Measure Your Sliding Glass Door:

It’s important to take measurements before starting any installation process. Make sure you measure how wide, how tall, and how deep your sliding glass door frame is so you know how much material to purchase for each step. Be careful not to get any measurements wrong, as this can cause installations to fail.

Step 9. Mark Your Sliding Glass Door:

Once your measurements are taken, use a pencil or marker to mark where the stoppers, locks, and other items will be installed. This will make it easier when it comes time to install each item. Remember that marks should be made on both sides of the frame!

Step 10. Install Each Childproofing Item:

Installing each childproofing item is fairly simple. Just refer back to your measurements and marked areas when needed! Once everything has been secured tightly in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your sliding glass door is now safe for children and pets alike.

By following these ten simple steps, you can easily childproof your sliding glass door and make sure that it is safe for everyone in the household. Make sure to check regularly for any signs of wear or tear, so you’re able to replace any broken items before they become a safety hazard!

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Adjust the Sliding Door Track: Make sure that your door is not too loose or too tight in its track. This will help prevent children from accessing the door without it being opened from the inside.

2. Install a Childproof Lock: You can purchase special locks that prevent children from opening the sliding glass door and make it easier for adults to open it. These locks are usually easy to install and require no tools or hardware.

3. Keep Furniture Away From the Sliding Glass Door: Keeping furniture at least 6 feet away from your sliding glass door will make it harder for children to reach it, as well as make sure they won’t be able to stand on any of your furniture while trying to reach the handle.

4. Place Safety Stickers Near the Handle: Placing safety stickers on either side of your sliding glass door handle will help to remind kids not to open the door.

5. Install a Patio Bar: Installing a patio bar across the top of your sliding glass door is an effective way to block access and ensure that it can’t be opened without adults around. This can also work as a reminder for adults when it comes time to lock the door before leaving the house. Make sure that the bar is securely attached and won’t slide off easily if someone tries to remove it.

By following these tips, you should have no problem ensuring that your children are safe around your sliding glass door. If you feel like there are any additional steps that need to be taken, always consult with professionals who can provide advice and support in childproofing your home.

5 Things You Should Avoid

Don’t use a suction cup lock. These locks cannot create enough friction to hold the door in place and won’t be effective in keeping toddlers from opening the sliding glass door.
Avoid using a bar or bungee cord, as this is not a secure way of childproofing your sliding glass door and can cause injury if your child gets tangled up in it.
Don’t rely on an alarm system alone; alarms are designed to alert you when someone enters your home, not necessarily when someone leaves it!
Do not use curtains or blinds as they do nothing to stop children from opening the door and can be dangerous if they get caught in them.
Don’t depend on long handles or knobs, as children can easily reach these.

While childproofing a sliding glass door is important, it’s also essential to create a safe space outside the door. Consider fencing off any areas that could pose a danger to your child and ensure they know how to use the doors correctly. It’s also important to regularly check the locks and hinges on the door for wear and tear.

With proper safety measures in place, you can help keep your children safe from potential dangers associated with sliding glass doors.

Conclusion

To sum up, sliding glass doors are a beautiful and convenient addition to any home and can present a safety hazard. As parents, it is important to take the necessary precautions to childproof your sliding glass door. Ensure that no children or pets have access to the door when it is open; this includes installing window guards and pressure-mounted gates.

Additionally, use locks on the upper and lower tracks of the door as an extra precaution. Lastly, use adhesive-backed foam along all four sides of the frame for additional security. By putting some simple measures in place, you can help ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind.

Hopefully, the article on how to childproof a sliding glass door has been helpful in providing you with the essential information needed for your home. Thanks for reading!

Angela Ervin

Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.