How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it lets in and the effortless access it offers to your backyard. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Concord property, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Concord

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually easy to bypass. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your home. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could fall into a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can go back and forth to the backyard easily. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more prone to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars may try to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better secure your Concord home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Concord home, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective intruders see cameras, they’ll most likely find a less secure target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively discourage lurkers with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also get an update through your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to operate. You can also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a traditional method that brings another layer to your protection. These are often metal or solid wood supports placed inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Concord from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Contact (802) 909-3379 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.