How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it welcomes in and the convenient access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Springfield home, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Springfield

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to circumvent. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-frequented entry at your home. You could get in a routine of leaving it unlatched so your children can readily access the backyard. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they can fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover what you might do.

Better protect your Springfield home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Springfield home, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When prospective thieves notice cameras, they’ll likely find a less secure target. They don’t want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest tries to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also get an alert through your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to secure. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a traditional method that brings an additional layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned along the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Springfield from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be informed instantly. Call (413) 277-7517 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.