Window & Sliding Door Locks in Port St. Lucie

Why Your Windows and Sliding Doors Are Security Weak Points

You've got a Grade 1 deadbolt on your front door. Maybe even a smart lock. You feel secure.

Then a burglar walks past your front door, checks your back patio, and slides your glass door open in two seconds. Because the factory lock is garbage and you never thought to upgrade it.

Or they pop out your bedroom window screen, flip the cheap latch, and they're inside while you're asleep upstairs.

Here's what nobody tells you when you buy a house in Port St. Lucie: your front door is probably secure. Your windows and sliding doors? Not even close.

We're Doctor Lockout. We've been securing windows and sliding doors across the Treasure Coast since 2009. And we can make your house way harder to break into starting today.

How Burglars Actually Get Into Florida Homes

According to FBI data and our own 15+ years of experience securing break-in damage:

34% come through windows. First-floor windows are easiest. Bedroom windows are second-favorite because people leave them cracked for airflow.

22% come through back doors. Usually sliding glass doors. Florida homes love patio access. Burglars love it too.

Only 44% come through front doors. And most of those? Doors that weren't locked or had cheap locks that took 10 seconds to bypass.

Why Windows Are So Vulnerable

Factory window latches are designed to keep the window closed. Not to keep people out.

Most can be defeated with a butter knife slid between the sashes. Some you can literally just push hard enough and the latch pops.

And if you've got single-hung windows that slide up and down? Even easier. No tools needed. Just patience.

Why Sliding Doors Are Even Worse

Standard sliding glass door locks are a joke. The little hook latch that came with your door? A burglar with five minutes of YouTube education can bypass that.

Worse: many sliding doors can be lifted right off their tracks from outside. Even when they're "locked."

And that wooden dowel you put in the track? Cute. But if they lift the door, the dowel falls out.

How We Secure Your Windows

How We Secure Your Sliding Doors

Foot-Operated Floor Locks

Heavy-duty metal plate bolted to your floor. Step on it to lock. Step again to release.

This is the gold standard for sliding door security. Can't be bypassed from outside. Prevents door lift attacks. Works every time.

Cost: $100-175 installed

Sliding Door Bar Locks

Adjustable steel bar that wedges into the door track. Simple. Effective. No tools required.

Not as secure as a floor lock (can be dislodged if glass is broken), but way better than nothing.

Cost: $20-50 (DIY) or $75-100 (we install and fit perfectly)

Multi-Point Locking Systems

Replaces your standard sliding door lock with a system that engages at three points: top, middle, and bottom.

When you lock it, the door is secured at multiple heights. Can't be lifted. Can't be pried. Basically un-breachable short of breaking the glass.

Cost: $200-400 installed

Best for: Expensive homes, previous break-in victims, oceanfront properties

Anti-Lift Devices

Even with a good lock, burglars can sometimes lift sliding doors off their tracks. Anti-lift devices prevent this.

We install metal brackets or screws in the top track that leave just enough room for the door to slide but not lift.

Cost: $50-100 installed

What About Security Film?

Security film isn't a lock. But it's worth mentioning.

It's a clear adhesive film applied to your glass. When someone tries to smash the window or door, the glass shatters but stays in place. Makes forced entry way harder and way noisier.

We don't install security film ourselves (that's a different trade), but we work with glaziers who do. If you want the full security package, we'll coordinate it.

Real Window and Sliding Door Break-In Stories

The Cracked Bedroom Window

Family in St. Lucie West always left their bedroom window cracked at night for airflow. It's Florida. Who doesn't?

Someone noticed. Came back at 2 AM. Slid the window fully open. Climbed inside while they slept.

They woke up to their TV being carried out the front door. Called us the next day. We installed ventilation pin locks on every bedroom window. Now they can crack windows safely.

The Lifted Patio Door

Couple went on vacation. Locked their sliding door. Or thought they did.

Burglars lifted the door right off the track, walked in, took everything worth taking, and put the door back. Neighbors never saw anything unusual.

We installed a floor lock and anti-lift brackets. Door can't be lifted anymore. Problem solved.

The Ground-Floor Condo

Woman living in a ground-floor condo near Jensen Beach. Came home from work. Window screen was on the ground. Window was open. Apartment was ransacked.

Factory window latch basically fell open when the burglar pushed hard enough.

We replaced every window latch with keyed locks. She sleeps better now.

Why Florida Homes Need Special Attention

Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows

If you've got hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows and doors, you're already ahead of the game. Those things are tough.

But when the shutters are open (which is 99% of the time), you still need proper locks. Impact windows are harder to break, but the locks can still be weak.

Ventilation Is Critical

You can't seal every window shut in Florida. You'll cook. Air conditioning costs would be insane.

That's why we install ventilation locks that let you crack windows 4-6 inches while keeping them secure. Best of both worlds.

Corrosion Kills Cheap Locks

Salt air and humidity destroy cheap hardware. We use stainless steel, solid brass, and corrosion-resistant finishes on everything.

Cheap window locks from the hardware store will corrode and seize up in a year. Ours last.

How Much Does It Cost to Secure All Your Windows and Doors?

Typical 3-bedroom house in Port St. Lucie with 10-12 windows and one sliding door:

Budget Package: $200-400

• Pin locks on all ground-floor windows
• Security bar for sliding door
• DIY installation on some items

Standard Package: $400-800

• Pin locks on all windows (upstairs and downstairs)
• Keyed locks on high-risk windows
• Floor lock for sliding door
• Professional installation on everything

Premium Package: $800-1,500

• Keyed locks on all windows
• Multi-point locking system for sliding door
• Anti-lift devices
• Security film (coordinated with glazier)
• Full security assessment and recommendations

We'll assess your home and recommend what makes sense for your security needs and budget. No pressure to buy the expensive stuff if you don't need it.

Common Questions About Window and Door Security

Are keyed window locks a fire hazard?

They can be if you don't keep keys accessible. Fire codes prohibit double-keyed locks on bedroom egress windows (emergency escape routes).

Our recommendation: Use pin locks or non-keyed locks on bedroom windows. Save keyed locks for living rooms, kitchens, and other non-sleeping areas.

Can I install these locks myself?

Some of them, sure. Pin locks and security bars are DIY-friendly if you've got a drill and some patience.

But professional installation ensures proper placement, secure mounting, and usually comes with warranty coverage. Your call.

Will locks damage my windows?

Pin locks require drilling small holes in the frame. You can fill them later if needed. Surface-mount locks and security bars don't damage anything.

We use proper techniques to minimize impact and make sure everything looks clean.

What if I need to get out in an emergency?

Pin locks pop right out. Takes two seconds. Keyed locks need a key, which is why we recommend keeping one nearby (but not visible from outside).

For bedroom windows specifically, we recommend pin locks over keyed locks for exactly this reason.

Do I really need to secure upstairs windows?

Depends. If you've got a balcony, porch roof, or tree near an upstairs window, secure it. Otherwise, ground-floor windows are your priority.

Service Areas for Window and Door Lock Installation

We secure windows and sliding doors throughout Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast:

• Port St. Lucie
• Saint Lucie West
• Tradition
• Fort Pierce
• Jensen Beach
• Stuart
• Palm City
• Hutchinson Island

Make Your Home Actually Secure

Your front door lock is only as good as your weakest entry point. And if you've got unsecured windows and sliding doors, your weakest entry point is really weak.

Let's fix that. Call us today.

Related Home Security Services

• Complete Home Security Upgrades - Full security assessment and installation
• Deadbolt Installation - Secure your main doors first
• Lock Change Service - Replace old, worn-out locks
• Residential Locksmith Services - All home security solutions