How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your outdoor living space and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These doorways are desirable elements of any Jonesboro residence, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Jonesboro

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some simple explanations. To begin with, they are generally made more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often simple to circumvent. They’re also placed at the rear of your Jonesboro house, giving burglars an improved opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized entry at your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it open so your little ones can get to the yard on their own. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders 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 common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they may slip through.

Even though it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better defend your Jonesboro home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Jonesboro house, here’s how to do so.

• Install video cameras. When prospective thieves notice video cameras at your property, they’ll likely find a less secure target. They don’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with sound and lights.
• Integrate door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest starts to enter or break the glass. Advanced systems will even alert you with alerts to your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to use. You might also choose a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested method that provides another layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood supports positioned inside the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Jonesboro from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Contact (870) 568-4128 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.