How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it brings in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Green Bay residence, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Green Bay

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some explanations. To begin with, they are commonly made more for utility than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to bypass. They’re also installed at the rear of your Green Bay residence, giving burglars a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used doorway in your home. You might develop a habit of keeping it unlocked so your children can go back and forth to your outdoor space on their own. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they are able to fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn what your options are.

Better secure your Green Bay home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Green Bay home, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When prospective invaders see cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to find a less protected target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to use. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A door brace is a traditional approach that adds another layer to your security. These are typically solid wood supports fitted along 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 Green Bay

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Green Bay from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be informed instantly. Reach out to (920) 663-3617 today to find out more and book your professional installation.