How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of light it welcomes in and the convenient access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Cincinnati residence, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Cincinnati

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a few simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for utility than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Cincinnati home, giving intruders a better chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door could be the most-used entryway in your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it unlocked so kids can easily enter and exit to the yard. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might try to pop the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they can fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better defend your Cincinnati home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Cincinnati home, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate security cameras. When potential intruders see cameras around your house, they’ll probably try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and easy to secure. You might also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a simple solution that brings another layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood supports placed along the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Cincinnati from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Contact (513) 506-9171 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.