How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it brings in and the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space. These doorways are beneficial aspects of any Lynchburg residence, but also come with security concerns. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Lynchburg

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for utility than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the back of your residence. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-utilized entryway in your home. You might fall into a routine of keeping it unlatched so your children can go back and forth to the backyard on their own. Even if you fasten the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars might attempt to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may slip through.

Although it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better defend your Lynchburg home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Lynchburg residence, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When potential thieves notice surveillance, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or break the window. Advanced systems will also inform you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to operate. You could also choose a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a time-tested method that adds one more layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Lynchburg from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be informed immediately. Call (434) 300-3689 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.