How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful daylight it brings in. These entryways are beneficial elements of any Gaithersburg property, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you should do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Gaithersburg

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally made more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are typically simple to bypass. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You might get in a routine of leaving it unlocked so kids can access the yard on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves may try to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they are able to fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Learn what you might do.

Better defend your Gaithersburg home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of your Gaithersburg home’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential intruders see cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also receive an alert through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also get a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a traditional solution that adds one more layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports fitted along the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Gaithersburg from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Contact (301) 923-4670 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.