How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it lets in. These doorways are valuable aspects of any Huntsville property, but also present security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Huntsville

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to circumvent. They’re also installed at the rear of your Huntsville residence, giving burglars an improved chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During clear days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-frequented entry at your home. You could develop a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can get to your outdoor space on their own accord. Even when you secure the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves might try to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can slip through.

Although it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn what you might do.

Better secure your Huntsville home’s sliding glass door

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

• Install surveillance cameras. When prospective invaders see cameras, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or break the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and simple to secure. You can also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that brings one more layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned along the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Huntsville

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Huntsville from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Call (256) 330-4373 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.