How to fix gap where security screens meet?

[Obie]

The sliding security screen doors have a large gap when locked. There's a strip screwed to the outside of the doors to cover the gap but I don't think that's particularly secure, I think the striker is incorrectly installed because it is sitting on top of the channel in the door frame. Aren't they usually inside the channel so the doors then slide into each other without a gap when closed? Can anyone tell me how the striker should be mounted please?  Or is there a problem with the framing on the door?

[EricL]

Hello @Obie 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your security screens.

Looking at the pictures you've posted, it appears that the striker's base is quite big and prevents it from sitting inside the channel of the receiving door. This could be the reason why they installed a plastic filler base to get the striker to install correctly. If this unit has just been recently installed by a professional, I propose asking them to come back to rectify the striker's position so that there is a minimal gap.   

At this point in time the only way for the striker to go lower is to either change it to one with a narrower base or you can ask the installer to trim the striker's base so that it fits inside the channel of the receiving door. 

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Noyade for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @Obie 

When the door is closed is the gap at the top of the door to frame larger then the gap at the bottom? My door has a largish gap and is still secure but the door has not been adjusted in years, if ever. There are little wheels underneath the bottom of the door and adjustable screws (sometimes from the side, sometimes from the top next to the wheels that can be screwed. This raises or lowers the door to sit level. It could be why there is a gap.

If the gap is the same top and bottom then my thoughts head towards @EricL 's suggested next steps.

Dave

[JacobZ]

Hi @Obie,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I've had a look at a similar lock in my own house and see what you mean.
 

Typically, there is another fin on the inside of the door that the door closes into. This additional fin would help to stop someone from forcing the door inwards.

As it stands, any lateral force applied to the door would be applied primarily to the two screws holding the striker in place, which isn't exactly secure.

Perhaps you could unscrew the striker plate, remove that plastic spacer, and attach a piece of aluminium angle that runs the full height of the door using screws every 300mm or so, then reinstall the striker plate through the angle into the frame of the door.

This would create an additional fin that would spread out any lateral force between far more screws, thus making it more secure.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Obie]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for the reply. I think you're right. Would you have a photo of a sliding security door striker by any chance that shows how it sits in the channel?

I need something to show the installer to explain the problem. I haven't been able to find any displays at shops that actually have two doors closing together in the middle. All displays have a door locking against the door jam.

Obie

[EricL]

Hello @Obie 

I've done a bit of photo manipulation so that you can show the installer what you want to happen. Please let me know if this is the look you are after. My sliding door locks are too old and don't look anything like your modern ones.

If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Eric