How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it welcomes in and the effortless access it provides to your backyard. These entrances are beneficial aspects of any College Station home, but also come with security risks. Discover why they’re targeted by intruders and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in College Station

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are some reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the back of your College Station home, giving intruders a greater opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You could develop a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can readily enter and exit to the backyard. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they can squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Learn what your options are.

Better defend your College Station home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your College Station home, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate security cameras. When would-be thieves notice video cameras, they’ll most likely try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to operate. You might also get a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested approach that brings one more layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood supports placed inside the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in College Station

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in College Station from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed right away. Reach out to (979) 356-2138 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.