How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it lets in and the effortless access it provides to your backyard. These entryways are desirable features for any Phoenix residence, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you should do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Phoenix

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are some straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to bypass. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the back of your home. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented entryway in your home. You might develop a habit of keeping it open so your little ones can effortlessly access the outdoor area. Even when you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to force the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. See what you might do.

Better defend your Phoenix home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of your Phoenix property’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be thieves notice cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar attempts to intrude or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also notify you with communications to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and simple to operate. You might also get a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a traditional method that brings an additional layer to your security. These are often metal or solid wood supports positioned along the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Phoenix from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed instantly. Call (602) 755-6051 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.