How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it brings in and the convenient access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entrances are valuable features for any Tallahassee residence, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re targeted by burglars and what you should do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Tallahassee

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a few simple explanations. Primarily, they are typically made more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Tallahassee home, giving prowlers a greater chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-frequented entry in your home. You could a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can get to the backyard easily. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can force open with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they can fit through.

Although it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Tallahassee home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Tallahassee home’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be intruders see surveillance, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter thieves with sound and lights.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or shatter the glass. You’ll also receive a notification 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 fantastic solutions and easy to secure. You could also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested approach that brings one more layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood supports positioned along the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Tallahassee

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Tallahassee from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (850) 790-4997 today to learn more and book your professional installation.