How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the effortless access it delivers to your backyard. These entryways are valuable elements of any Saginaw residence, but also come with safety risks. See why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Saginaw

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to bypass. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized entry in your home. You might a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your children can effortlessly enter and exit to the yard. Even if you fasten the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could try to pop the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to squeeze through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what you can do.

Better defend your Saginaw home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Saginaw residence’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be invaders see surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor attempts to intrude or break the glass. You’ll also get a notification through your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to use. You could also choose a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Saginaw from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Contact (989) 461-3399 today to get more information and book your professional installation.