How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These doorways are desirable features for any Texarkana home, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Texarkana

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some straightforward reasons why. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to manipulate. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the rear of your residence. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

During clear days and warm temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You could a habit of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can access your outdoor space easily. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to pop the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn what you might do.

Better protect your Texarkana home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Texarkana house, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be thieves notice surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar attempts to enter or shatter the window. You’ll also get an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to secure. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that provides another layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Texarkana

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Texarkana from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (870) 544-4225 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.