How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful light it brings in and the effortless access it provides to your backyard retreat. These doorways are valuable aspects of any Shreveport residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Shreveport

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a few explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for function than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-frequented entryway in your home. You may fall into a habit of keeping it open so your little ones can effortlessly go back and forth to the backyard. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves may try to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they may fit through.

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

Better secure your Shreveport home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Shreveport residence’s most vulnerable entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When prospective invaders see surveillance, they’ll probably try to locate a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Use security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or break the window. Smart home systems will also notify you with alerts to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to secure. You can also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that brings another layer to your protection. These are often solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the lower door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Shreveport from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be informed immediately. Reach out to (318) 612-1329 today to find out more and book your professional installation.