Locks Heights for Sliding Doors

25 Mar 2017

Seconline manufacture a wide range of both Hinged and Sliding Security and Barrier Screen Doors. One of the most common questions we get here at the help desk is how do I measure my lock height correctly?

One of the absolute, written in stone, non-changeable rules we have at Seconline is the insistence of the measurements been taken from an outside looking in perspective. If a measurement for a lock side for example were to be taken from an inside looking out perspective then we would inadvertently put the lock on the incorrect side. It is imperative that when measuring all Seconline products be they Insect screens, Security Screens or either Hinged or Sliding Security and Barrier Screen Doors it is always outside looking in.

It is quite obvious when looking at your sliding door from an outside looking in perspective which side the lock will be. It will mirror the existing glass door lock or in the case of a Timber Sliding Screen Door the Timber Door lock side. In all cases if you walk up to your door you will need both locks to be on the same side.

To measure for the height of your lock; it is important that you first ascertain whether you want the lock to be above your existing sliding either glass or timber door lock. It is not good practice to have them at the same height for obvious reasons. One reason is in most cases there is insufficient room for both locks to be at the same height. Another reason is if at some point you happen to leave the key in either the Security Screen Door or your existing Sliding Glass or Timber door then you would find they would impact with each other if they actually did happen to have enough room and may snap off any keys left in the cylinders.  It is usual and preferable to either have the lock above or below the existing sliding Glass or Timber Door lock.

To have your new lock for your Sliding Screen Door below the existing Glass or Timber Sliding Door then simply measure from the top of the bottom track to the bottom of the existing lock and subtract 60 mm. To have your lock above the existing Sliding Glass or Timber Sliding door then again simply measure from the top of the bottom track to the top of the existing lock and add an additional 125 mm.

In both cases these are minimum measurements. If for example you require your lock considerably lower than the suggested 60 mm as in some cases, if you have a large step on the outside of the doorway and you would be positioned to walk three steps down when unlocking the door then it may be sensible to have the door lock position much lower. This should not represent any problems from an external point of view, however you need to consider the height of the door from the inside as well because you will be at another level.

If you would require your lock position on your new Sliding Screen Door to be much higher than the suggested 125 mm above your existing Sliding Glass or Timber Door as in some states of Australia is a requirement for pool laws if your door opens to a pool.

Laws concerning pool lock heights vary from state to state and from council to council and it would be very wise to gain accurate information from your local authorities regarding the precise law pertaining to your area. If however, you are just requiring a higher lock it provided there is no barrier or restriction above the existing sliding Glass or Timber door then provided you are a minimum of 125 mm above from the top of the bottom track then it is perfectly fine to add exactly the measurement you require.

In consideration of a higher lock thought needs to be given to small children accessing the lock in an emergency; locks are often placed well above the existing Sliding Glass or Timber door lock for this precise reason. Sometimes doors can open on to areas where children should not be given access without permission such as busy roads, cooking areas and unsupervised areas.

For more information and guidance please view our FAQ concerning measuring for Sliding Doors; /faq/sliding-doors