Security measures for sliding doors in high-traffic areas include impact-resistant glass, multi-point locks, and electric access control systems. Others are maglocks, security bars, automatic lockdowns, and installing CCTV cameras. These measures provide additional security to further reduce break-ins and other threats.
However, achieving high security for commercial sliding doors starts with proper installation and maintenance. A-24 Hour Door National Inc. provides long-lasting and reliable commercial sliding door services in Philadelphia. We handle the installation, repair, and replacement of sliding door systems. Call (215) 654-9550 for a quote.
Impact-Resistant and Laminated Glass
Standard glass is a common security gap in commercial sliding doors. However, laminated and impact-resistant glass addresses the problem directly.
Laminated glass consists of two or more glass panes bonded together with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. When struck, the interlayer holds broken fragments in place instead of allowing them to fall apart. This slows forced-entry attempts and provides additional time for alarms and response teams. Impact-resistant glass shatters into small, dull fragments rather than dangerous shards, to reduce injury risk.
Laminated and impact-resistant glass is standard for retail storefronts, commercial lobbies, and warehouses. It reduces smash-and-grab attacks and break-ins. Impact-resistant glass reduces liability exposure for glass-related injuries on the premises.
Multi-Point Locking Systems
A single-latch lock secures a sliding door at one point, but it creates a predictable weakness. In contrast, multi-point latch systems engage locking bolts at the top, middle, and bottom of the door frame when the handle is turned or the lock is activated.
This distributes resistance across the entire height of the door, making forced entry much more difficult. Mortise locks, installed within the door body rather than surface-mounted, are the ideal types. They are deeply embedded in the frame, offering strong resistance to prying, kicking, and impact attacks.
Multi-point locking systems are widely used in warehouse entry doors, storefronts, and office buildings for after-hours perimeter security. They minimize forced entry without requiring electricity.
Electromagnetic Locks (Maglocks)
Electromagnetic locks (maglocks) use electrical current to generate a powerful magnetic bond between a door-mounted plate and a header-mounted electromagnet. Commercial-grade maglocks provide holding forces of 600-1,200 pounds, making them virtually impossible to force open.
They are either fail-safe (unlocking during a power outage to ensure safe exit) or fail-secure (remaining locked during a power outage to maintain security). The correct configuration depends on your specific use and applicable fire safety codes.
Maglocks integrate with access control systems to release only when valid credentials are presented. For businesses, they offer low mechanical wear, minimal maintenance, and reliable long-term performance.
Electronic Access Control Systems
Electronic access control systems regulate entry and exit through credentials rather than physical keys. Modern systems support authentication methods such as proximity keycards, RFID tags, PINs, biometric fingerprint readers, and facial recognition scanners.
Two-factor authentication provides significantly stronger protection for high-security zones. Access permissions are managed centrally, allowing facility managers to add, modify, or revoke credentials. Every access event is logged, creating a full audit trail of who entered, where, and when.
Access control is standard in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and commercial buildings with multiple secure zones. It directly counters unauthorized entry, credential sharing, and unmonitored access to sensitive inventory and equipment.
Security Bars and Floor-Mounted Door Braces
Security bars and floor-mounted door braces provide a simple yet highly effective mechanical barrier against forced entry through sliding doors. They dramatically increase door security and protection.
A security bar is placed horizontally within the door floor track to physically prevent the panel from sliding open even if the lock has been unlocked. Floor-mounted braces anchor directly to the floor, providing downward and lateral resistance to the door panel. They require no electrical power, making them a critical backup layer when power is lost.
Security bars are commonly used in commercial facilities that require enhanced after-hours perimeter protection. They counter track-lifting attacks, lock-bypass attempts, and forced-sliding-entry attacks. For businesses, they are a low-cost, high-reliability security upgrade that integrates easily with existing doors.
Automatic Lockdown and Remote Door Control
During a security incident or emergency, all connected sliding doors can be locked simultaneously from a single control point. That could be an on-site security station or a remote mobile device. This is essential for fast threat containment.
Lockdown commands override standard access credentials, preventing entry or exit until the threat is resolved. Some security systems support scheduled locking protocols. That is, automatically switching doors to exit-only mode or full lockdown at specified times. Integration with alarm systems triggers automatic lockdown when sensors detect unauthorized entry attempts or glass breakage.
For businesses, automated lockdowns reduce incident response time and minimize reliance on manual intervention.
Alarm Security System and CCTV
Commercial sliding doors with alarm systems and CCTV allow for faster responses to security threats in high-traffic areas.
Doors with contact sensors trigger audible and silent alarms when a panel is forced open or tampered with. Glass-break sensors detect when impact-resistant glass is being shattered. High-definition CCTV cameras positioned at entry points provide real-time monitoring, time-stamped event recording, and remote viewing. Also, visible camera placement is a strong deterrent.
Alarms and CCTV cameras directly counter unauthorized access, after-hours intrusion, and internal theft. For businesses, they support reporting and reviews.
Secure Your Commercial Sliding Doors
A-24 Hour Door National Inc. installs, repairs, and services a full range of commercial automatic sliding door systems. Our AAADM-certified technicians ensure doors meet ANSI/BHMA safety standards. We are available 24/7 to offer fast responses to security door emergencies. Plus, we arrive in fully stocked service trucks. That means we resolve most issues on the first visit and install security features for your sliding doors fast.
Call (215) 654-9550 to keep your commercial sliding doors secure or installation.
FAQs
How do you secure a sliding glass door from the inside?
You secure sliding glass doors from the inside by installing security bars or floor-mounted door braces. You can also install a maglock with an interior release button for robust interior security.
What is the most common security feature on commercial doors?
Electronic access control is the most common security feature on commercial doors. Keycard readers, PIN keypads, and proximity fob systems restrict entry to authorized personnel only.
What is the ADA approach for sliding doors?
Under ADA guidelines, automatic sliding doors must provide a minimum clear opening of 32 inches. Activation sensors must detect approaching users without requiring physical contact. Plus, opening and closing forces must remain within safe thresholds.