How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the easy access it offers to your backyard retreat. These entryways are valuable elements of any Beaumont residence, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Beaumont

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some explanations. To begin with, they are typically designed more for utility than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are typically a cinch to bypass. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door could be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You may a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can easily access the outdoor area. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might try to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can fit through.

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

Better secure your Beaumont home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Beaumont residence’s most susceptible doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When prospective thieves notice cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to come in or shatter the window. Modern systems will also inform you with alerts to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to operate. You could also choose a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A door brace is a simple method that adds another layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood supports placed inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Beaumont from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Call (409) 978-7822 today to get more information and book your professional installation.