How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it lets in and the easy access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entryways are beneficial aspects of any Seattle residence, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Seattle

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally designed more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are often easy to circumvent. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You might a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can access the backyard on their own. Even when you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves could try to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better secure your Seattle home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Seattle residence’s most susceptible entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or break the glass. Modern systems will also inform you with updates to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and easy to operate. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar is a traditional solution that brings another layer to your protection. These are often solid wood supports positioned inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Seattle from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Call (206) 590-6257 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.