How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it brings in and the convenient access it provides to your backyard. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Charleston property, but also present security risks. See why they’re targeted by theives and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Charleston

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some straightforward reasons why. To begin with, they are generally designed more for function than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to circumvent. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding patio door could be the most-utilized doorway at your home. You could develop a habit of leaving it open so your children can get to the backyard on their own. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to force the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they may fit through.

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

Better defend your Charleston home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most at-risk doors in your Charleston residence, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective invaders see surveillance at your property, they’ll most likely try to find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or break the window. You’ll also get an update through your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to secure. You might also choose a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a simple method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Charleston

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Charleston from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed right away. Call (304) 902-6244 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.