How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat and the abundance of daylight it welcomes in. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Elizabethtown property, but also pose security concerns. Discover why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Elizabethtown

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are some simple explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually simple to circumvent. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door may be the most-utilized entryway in your home. You might fall into a pattern of keeping it unlatched so kids can readily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might try to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what your options are.

Better secure your Elizabethtown home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Elizabethtown residence, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate security cameras. When potential thieves spot surveillance at your property, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest attempts to enter or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also inform you with communications to your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to operate. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that brings an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Elizabethtown

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Elizabethtown from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Reach out to (270) 550-1814 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.