How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your outdoor living space and the bounty of light it brings in. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Columbus property, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Columbus

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are some straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are generally constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to circumvent. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the rear of your house. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-used entryway in your home. You might a habit of keeping it unlocked so your children can effortlessly enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars may attempt to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they may slip through.

Even though it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover what you can do.

Better secure your Columbus home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Columbus home, here’s how to do so.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential intruders notice video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest attempts to come in or smash the window. You’ll also receive an update through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to secure. You can also choose a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that provides an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Columbus from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be informed instantly. Reach out to (706) 770-6611 today to learn more and book your professional installation.