How to Secure a Sliding Glass Door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it welcomes in and the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space. These doorways are beneficial features for any Lawrence residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Lawrence

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the back of your Lawrence house, giving burglars a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door could be the most-frequented entry at your house. You could a pattern of keeping it open so your children can go back and forth to your outdoor space on their own accord. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to force the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Learn what you might do.

Better secure your Lawrence home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Lawrence property’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate security cameras. When would-be invaders see video cameras around your house, they’ll most likely find a less secure target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the window. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested method that provides another layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal supports positioned within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Lawrence

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Lawrence from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted instantly. Contact (785) 829-4689 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.