How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it brings in and the convenient access it delivers to your backyard. These entrances are desirable elements of any Amarillo property, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Amarillo

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of simple explanations. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to circumvent. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-used entryway at your house. You could get in a routine of keeping it unlocked so your children can access the backyard on their own. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what you might do.

Better secure your Amarillo home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Amarillo home, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential thieves notice video cameras, they’ll probably try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or break the window. Advanced systems will even notify you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and straightforward to secure. You could also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested solution that provides an additional layer to your protection. These are often solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Amarillo

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Amarillo from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Call (806) 615-4222 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.