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 abundance of daylight it brings in. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Columbus residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re a target for theives and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Columbus

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are some straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally made more for function than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to manipulate. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door might be the most-utilized entry at your home. You might a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can readily enter and exit to the yard. Even if you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better secure your Columbus home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Columbus residence, here’s how to do so.

• Install video cameras. When potential thieves spot surveillance, they’ll probably find a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar tries to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to secure. You might also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a simple solution that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood supports placed within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Columbus from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed instantly. Reach out to (614) 820-1364 today to get more information and book your professional installation.