How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your outdoor living space and the bounty of light it lets in. These entryways are beneficial features for any Johnson City home, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Johnson City

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a couple of simple reasons why. Primarily, they are generally made more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are often a cinch to manipulate. They’re also placed at the rear of your Johnson City house, giving prowlers an improved chance to approach undetected. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During clear days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You could a routine of keeping it open so your children can easily access the outdoor area. Even if you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash 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.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they are able to slip through.

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

Better protect your Johnson City home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Johnson City property’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When potential thieves spot cameras, they’ll probably try to find a less protected target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or break the glass. You’ll also be sent an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and simple to use. You can also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a time-tested method that adds another layer to your defense. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted inside the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Johnson City from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified instantly. Contact (423) 537-4338 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.