How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard retreat and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These entryways are beneficial features for any Hammond property, but also pose security concerns. See why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Hammond

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of simple explanations. First and foremost, they are typically made more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your home. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entry in your home. You could a pattern of keeping it unlatched so kids can access the backyard easily. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves may try to pop the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what you might do.

Better secure your Hammond home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Hammond home, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When prospective thieves spot cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to enter or shatter the window. Modern systems will even notify you with communications to your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and simple to use. You could also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports fitted along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Hammond from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be notified right away. Call (219) 500-8943 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.