How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it brings in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Greensboro residence, but also come with safety risks. See why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Greensboro

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a couple of reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to circumvent. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door might be the most-used doorway in your home. You may fall into a pattern of leaving it unlatched so kids can get to your outdoor space on their own accord. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to force the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they can fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn what your options are.

Better defend your Greensboro home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Greensboro residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be intruders notice surveillance at your property, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to secure. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested solution that brings another layer to your security. These are typically solid wood or metal supports placed within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Greensboro from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Call (336) 962-5081 today to find out more and book your professional installation.