How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it brings in. These entrances are desirable aspects of any Davenport property, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Davenport

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly made more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door could be the most-utilized entryway in your home. You may get in a pattern of keeping it unlatched so kids can go back and forth to the backyard easily. Even if you secure the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves may try to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they are able to squeeze through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better defend your Davenport home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Davenport house, here’s how you can.

• Implement security cameras. When potential thieves notice video cameras around your house, they’ll probably find a less protected target. They never want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest attempts to enter or smash the window. Smart home systems will even alert you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to secure. You might also get a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that adds another layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Davenport

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Davenport from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be informed right away. Call (563) 674-6116 today to get more information and book your professional installation.