Additional locks to patio doors

[velosam]

My current patio door have a lever locking system and a single lock. What I would like to do for house insurance purposes is to fit 2 x secondary locks, top and bottom of the patio doors.

Is this a relatively easy diy thing to do - or do I need to get a locksmith?

Also what locks should/ can I get

thanks

[mrcharly-YHT]

Depends on the door construction and the construction of the frame etc.

If it is uPVC, I wouldn't try it myself.

A half-decent carpenter should be able to do a very neat job on wood.

[velosam]

Its uPVC not wood

[rafletcher]

Sliding or hinged doors?

[velosam]

Sliding or hinged doors?

sliding doors, it looks easy but I have this ability to turn a easy 2min job into a half a day replace everything broken, very expensive kind of job.

As they are double sliding I am guessing I need 4 locks - one each for the left and right fixed panes at the top and then 2 x bottom ones for the sliding bits?

[rafletcher]

There's usually very little to fasten into in the structure of those uPVC doors, which make adding extra security difficult, and if you're not that skilled at DIY it's something best left to someone who does know what they're doing!

A simple extra security (but not insurance approved) is to get a broom handle cut to length that you can drop into the track of the inner door when it's closed. A very effective secondary stopper.

You could also see if you can contact the local Crime Prevention officer for advice.

http://www.met.police.uk/crimeprevention/mobile/doors.htm

[velosam]

cheers will look into that

[Polar Bear]

I loathe sliding upvc door with a vengeance.   It was when lifting one onto the track for a friend that I realised just how easy it might be to lift it off. 

[rafletcher]

I loathe sliding upvc door with a vengeance.   It was when lifting one onto the track for a friend that I realised just how easy it might be to lift it off.

That's also addressed in the Met piece.