How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it brings in. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Camden home, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Camden

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically designed more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are often a cinch to manipulate. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the rear of your home. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entry at your house. You could develop a habit of keeping it unlatched so your children can readily access the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to pop the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Learn what you can do.

Better secure your Camden home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Camden property’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When potential thieves notice cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to use. You could also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that adds an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted along the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Camden

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Camden from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Contact (856) 746-6164 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.