How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of natural light it welcomes in. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Pensacola home, but also present security concerns. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Pensacola

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically designed more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are typically easy to circumvent. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the back of your residence. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When you have clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could a habit of leaving it open so your little ones can easily access the outdoor area. Even if you secure the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more prone to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pop the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they can slip through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better protect your Pensacola home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of your Pensacola home’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how you can.

• Implement video cameras. When would-be invaders see surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to enter or break the glass. You’ll also receive an update through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to operate. You might also incorporate a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that brings an additional layer to your protection. These are typically metal or solid wood supports fitted along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Pensacola

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Pensacola from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Contact (850) 790-5902 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.