How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the plentiful natural light it welcomes in. These doorways are desirable aspects of any El Paso home, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in El Paso

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are typically easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing pleasant temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding door could be the most-frequented entry at your home. You may develop a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the yard. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better protect your El Paso home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most at-risk doors in your El Paso home, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential invaders spot surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to locate an easier target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar starts to intrude or smash the window. You’ll also receive an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and simple to use. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that brings another layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood supports fitted inside the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in El Paso

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in El Paso from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be notified instantly. Reach out to (915) 465-3064 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.