How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it brings in and the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entrances are beneficial elements of any Fayetteville property, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Fayetteville

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple explanations. First and foremost, they are generally designed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are often a cinch to manipulate. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the back of your home. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-used doorway at your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it open so kids can effortlessly enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves might try to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can slip through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better protect your Fayetteville home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Fayetteville home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When would-be intruders notice video cameras, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest attempts to intrude or shatter the glass. Advanced systems will even alert you with alerts to your home security cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to operate. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple approach that adds another layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements placed within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Fayetteville from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Call (479) 364-5616 today to get more information and book your professional installation.