How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your outdoor living space and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These doorways are desirable features for any Buffalo home, but also come with security concerns. See why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Buffalo

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a few straightforward reasons why. To begin with, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to bypass. They’re also installed at the rear of your Buffalo house, giving intruders a better opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door might be the most-utilized doorway at your home. You could a pattern of leaving it open so your little ones can easily access the outdoor area. Even if you fasten the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pry the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Learn what your options are.

Better defend your Buffalo home’s sliding glass door

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

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential invaders spot surveillance around your house, they’ll likely find a less secure target. They won’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or smash the glass. Modern systems will also inform you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to operate. You might also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a simple solution that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with an integrated smart home in Buffalo from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Reach out to (716) 567-8226 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.