How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your outdoor living space and the abundance of daylight it brings in. These doorways are desirable features for any Sandy Springs home, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Sandy Springs

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are some straightforward explanations. Primarily, they are generally designed more for utility than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to bypass. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the back of your residence. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door could be the most-used doorway at your home. You may get in a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the backyard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals could try to pop the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they are able to slip through.

Although it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better secure your Sandy Springs home’s sliding glass door

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

• Implement video cameras. When would-be intruders see surveillance at your property, they’ll likely find an easier target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or break the window. Smart home systems will also inform you with updates to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and simple to secure. You could also get a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that adds another layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the lower door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Sandy Springs

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Sandy Springs from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Call (470) 466-8688 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.