How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of daylight it lets in. These doorways are valuable features for any Rochester residence, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Rochester

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to manipulate. They’re also installed at the rear of your Rochester home, giving burglars a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You might develop a routine of keeping it open so kids can easily enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves could try to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

Even though it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better secure your Rochester home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Rochester residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install surveillance cameras. When prospective thieves see surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively scare off prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to enter or break the window. You’ll also get an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to use. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood reinforcements placed along the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Rochester from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If anything activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be informed immediately. Reach out to (585) 534-3389 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.