How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These entrances are desirable elements of any Jefferson City residence, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Jefferson City

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to bypass. They’re also placed at the rear of your Jefferson City home, giving prowlers an improved chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented entry in your home. You might get in a pattern of leaving it open so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the yard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. See what you can do.

Better defend your Jefferson City home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Jefferson City house, here’s how to do so.

• Install security cameras. When prospective invaders notice surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor attempts to enter or shatter the glass. Advanced systems will even alert you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and straightforward to use. You could also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a simple approach that brings an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned along the lower door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Jefferson City

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Jefferson City from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Reach out to (573) 498-8565 today to learn more and book your professional installation.