How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it lets in and the easy access it delivers to your outdoor living space. These doorways are valuable features for any Baltimore property, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Baltimore

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few explanations. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the back of your home. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized entryway at your house. You could get in a routine of keeping it unlocked so kids can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves could try to pop the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they can slip through.

Even though it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn what you can do.

Better defend your Baltimore home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Baltimore property’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When prospective thieves spot cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They don’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage lurkers with lights and sound.
• Use security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar tries to intrude or shatter the window. Advanced systems will also notify you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to secure. You could also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a simple approach that provides an additional layer to your security. These are typically solid wood supports fitted along the lower door 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 Baltimore

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Baltimore from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Call (410) 231-7697 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.