How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the plentiful daylight it welcomes in. These entryways are desirable elements of any Tuscaloosa residence, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Tuscaloosa

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to bypass. They’re also positioned at the back of your Tuscaloosa residence, giving intruders a greater chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-frequented entry at your home. You might a habit of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to your outdoor space on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better protect your Tuscaloosa home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Tuscaloosa residence, here’s how to do so.

• Install security cameras. When would-be thieves notice video cameras around your house, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also get a notification through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to secure. You could also choose a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested solution that brings one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Tuscaloosa

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Tuscaloosa from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed instantly. Reach out to (205) 964-9849 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.