How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it lets in and the convenient access it delivers to your outdoor living space. These entrances are desirable features for any Raleigh home, but also come with security risks. See why they’re a target for theives and what you should do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Raleigh

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a few straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for function than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. They’re also installed at the rear of your Raleigh house, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door could be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You might get in a pattern of keeping it unlocked so kids can readily access the backyard. Even if you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. See what you might do.

Better protect your Raleigh home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Raleigh home’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can.

• Install video cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras around your house, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively scare off lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest attempts to come in or smash the glass. Smart home systems will also notify you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to use. You can also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a traditional method that adds one more layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted within the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Raleigh from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Contact (919) 899-2155 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.