How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it brings in and the effortless access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These entrances are beneficial aspects of any Logan property, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Logan

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a couple of explanations. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to bypass. They’re also placed at the rear of your Logan house, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door might be the most-frequented entry at your home. You might fall into a routine of keeping it unlocked so kids can easily access the outdoor area. Even when you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may attempt to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Learn what your options are.

Better protect your Logan home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Logan property’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When would-be thieves notice cameras, they’ll probably find a less secure target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to come in or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to operate. You might also get a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that adds another layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Logan from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be notified right away. Reach out to (562) 376-5457 today to find out more and book your professional installation.