How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it brings in and the convenient access it delivers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are beneficial features for any Montgomery residence, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you should do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Montgomery

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a few simple explanations. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Montgomery residence, giving prowlers an improved chance to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding glass door might be the most-used entry in your home. You may get in a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your children can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pop the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Montgomery home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Montgomery home’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Install security cameras. When would-be thieves notice video cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or shatter the glass. Advanced systems will also notify you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and straightforward to secure. You can also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a traditional method that provides one more layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal supports fitted within the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Montgomery from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be notified right away. Reach out to (334) 378-2456 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.