How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it welcomes in and the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Joplin home, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Joplin

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often easy to circumvent. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used entry in your home. You could a habit of keeping it unlocked so your children can readily access the outdoor area. Even when you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to force the door out of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to slip through.

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

Better protect your Joplin home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Joplin house, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When would-be intruders see surveillance, they’ll likely find a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar attempts to come in or smash the window. You’ll also receive a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to use. You might also incorporate a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a traditional method that adds one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned within the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Joplin from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (417) 557-3490 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.