How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it lets in and the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat. These entryways are valuable elements of any Denver home, but also come with safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Denver

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a few explanations. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to manipulate. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your residence. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing clear days and warm temperatures, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented entry in your home. You could fall into a pattern of leaving it open so kids can access the backyard easily. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to force the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better secure your Denver home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Denver property’s most at-risk doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When would-be invaders see cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to locate 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.
• Connect security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to come in or smash the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to use. You could also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that brings one more layer to your defense. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Denver

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Denver from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If anything trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed immediately. Contact (720) 807-3060 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.