How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it lets in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These entryways are beneficial features for any Tucson residence, but also present security concerns. Discover why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Tucson

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are typically designed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to manipulate. They’re also placed at the rear of your Tucson residence, giving prowlers a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When you have clear days and warm temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-frequented entryway in your home. You may a pattern of keeping it open so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they may slip through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Tucson home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Tucson residence’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be intruders spot surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar starts to come in or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also alert you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and simple to secure. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A door brace is a time-tested solution that adds an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood supports placed within 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 Tucson

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Tucson from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Contact (520) 655-6492 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.