How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it welcomes in and the easy access it offers to your outdoor living space. These doorways are valuable elements of any Lima home, but also pose security concerns. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Lima

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented entryway in your home. You may fall into a pattern of keeping it open so your children can effortlessly access the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might try to force the door off the track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they can slip through.

Even though it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better defend your Lima home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of your Lima property’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders see surveillance, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They don’t want to be captured on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or break the window. You’ll also receive an update through your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to operate. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a traditional method that provides one more layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Lima

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Lima from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted instantly. Reach out to (419) 614-6227 today to get more information and book your professional installation.