How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard and the plentiful daylight it lets in. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Auburn residence, but also present safety risks. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Auburn

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for utility than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often easy to bypass. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding door may be the most-utilized doorway in your home. You may get in a pattern of leaving it unlocked so your children can effortlessly enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even if you fasten the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves could try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they are able to slip through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Auburn home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Auburn residence’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective invaders see surveillance at your property, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They don’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the window. Modern systems will even inform you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and simple to use. You can also get a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a simple solution that adds another layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood supports fitted within the lower door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Auburn from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Call (334) 378-2297 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.