How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space and the plentiful natural light it lets in. These entryways are valuable aspects of any New Haven residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in New Haven

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few reasons why. Primarily, they are typically designed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are often simple to manipulate. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the back of your home. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have clear days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You could a habit of leaving it unlocked so your children can easily go back and forth to the yard. Even if you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to pop the door out of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices 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 protect your New Haven home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your New Haven residence’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential thieves notice surveillance, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They don’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or break the glass. Modern systems will also alert you with alerts to your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to secure. You could also get a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are often metal or solid wood supports positioned along the lower door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in New Haven

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in New Haven from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be notified right away. Reach out to (203) 625-1716 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.