How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it lets in and the effortless access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entryways are desirable features for any Louisville home, but also present safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Louisville

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for function than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are typically a cinch to bypass. They’re also placed at the back of your Louisville home, giving burglars a greater chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door might be the most-used entry at your house. You might get in a pattern of leaving it unlocked so kids can access the backyard easily. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more likely to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better protect your Louisville home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Louisville house, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When would-be invaders see video cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to enter or smash the window. You’ll also be sent an alert through your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and easy to use. You can also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional solution that brings an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Louisville from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Call (502) 483-0778 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.