How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it lets in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are valuable elements of any Lincoln home, but also present security risks. See why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Lincoln

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few simple explanations. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the back of your residence. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

During sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You might develop a pattern of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can readily access the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to force the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they can squeeze through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better protect your Lincoln home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Lincoln residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be invaders notice surveillance, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively scare off prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also receive an alert through your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and easy to secure. You could also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a traditional approach that provides one more layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports placed inside the bottom door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Lincoln

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Lincoln from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted instantly. Reach out to (402) 545-5763 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.