How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it welcomes in and the easy access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are valuable elements of any Monroe property, but also present safety risks. See why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Monroe

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally made more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to bypass. They’re also placed at the back of your Monroe residence, giving intruders a better opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door could be the most-utilized entry at your house. You may get in a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to your outdoor space easily. Even when you secure the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars might try to pry the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may slip through.

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

Better secure your Monroe home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entryways in your Monroe residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When potential thieves 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 get surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to enter or break the glass. Smart home systems will also alert you with alerts to your home security cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and straightforward to operate. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements placed along the bottom door track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Monroe

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Monroe from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Call (318) 758-9140 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.