How to Secure a Sliding Glass Door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it lets in. These entrances are beneficial features for any Charlotte property, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Charlotte

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some reasons why. To begin with, they are generally designed more for function than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are usually simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Charlotte home, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You may develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to the yard on their own accord. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Charlotte home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Charlotte residence’s most at-risk doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential invaders spot surveillance at your property, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar starts to come in or shatter the glass. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and straightforward to secure. You can also get a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a traditional approach that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Charlotte from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If a device triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be notified right away. Call (704) 457-8797 today to get more information and book your professional installation.