How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it lets in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These entrances are desirable aspects of any Dayton home, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Dayton

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a few simple reasons why. Primarily, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are typically easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You may get in a habit of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can go back and forth to the yard easily. Even when you fasten the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to pry the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn what you can do.

Better defend your Dayton home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of your Dayton home’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate security cameras. When potential invaders notice video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively discourage lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar starts to enter or break the glass. Advanced systems will even notify you with communications to your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and straightforward to use. You can also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a traditional approach that brings an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports positioned inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Dayton from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If a device trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Contact (937) 888-2339 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.