How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it welcomes in and the easy access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entryways are valuable features for any Chandler residence, but also pose security concerns. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Chandler

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a couple of explanations. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for utility than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the back of your home. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door could be the most-utilized entry at your home. You may develop a habit of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can access the backyard on their own. Even when you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better protect your Chandler home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Chandler residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When prospective thieves spot surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest tries to enter or break the glass. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to secure. You could also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar is a simple solution that adds one more layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Chandler

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Chandler from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (480) 739-3177 today to learn more and book your professional installation.