How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the bounty of light it lets in. These entrances are valuable aspects of any Burlington residence, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for theives and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Burlington

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are some explanations. To begin with, they are typically made more for utility than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to circumvent. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your home. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-utilized entryway at your house. You may a pattern of leaving it unlocked so kids can access the backyard easily. Even when you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

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

Better defend your Burlington home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Burlington home, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When would-be intruders notice surveillance at your property, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar attempts to intrude or shatter the glass. You’ll also get a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and simple to operate. You might also choose a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a traditional method that provides an additional layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood reinforcements positioned within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Burlington

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Burlington from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted right away. Call (802) 945-2439 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.