How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it lets in. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Jamestown property, but also pose security concerns. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Jamestown

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few simple explanations. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually easy to circumvent. They’re also installed at the back of your Jamestown home, giving intruders a better chance to approach undetected. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door might be the most-used entryway in your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it unlatched so kids can effortlessly access the yard. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could try to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they may fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better secure your Jamestown home’s sliding glass door

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

• Install security cameras. When potential intruders see surveillance around your house, they’ll likely find a less secure target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to enter or smash the glass. Advanced systems will even notify you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to secure. You can also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A door brace is a traditional approach that adds an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood reinforcements positioned within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Jamestown

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Jamestown from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted instantly. Contact (601) 494-3394 today to find out more and book your professional installation.