How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it brings in. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Sugarland property, but also present security concerns. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Sugarland

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the back of your Sugarland house, giving intruders a better chance to approach undetected. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door could be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You could develop a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your children can access the backyard easily. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might try to pop the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Sugarland home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Sugarland house, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When potential intruders spot surveillance, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar tries to intrude or smash the window. Advanced systems will also inform you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to secure. You could also choose a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar is a traditional approach that provides another layer to your defense. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned inside the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Sugarland from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be informed right away. Call (281) 688-2891 today to find out more and book your professional installation.