How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space and the abundance of light it welcomes in. These doorways are valuable elements of any Killeen residence, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Killeen

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a few reasons why. To begin with, they are typically made more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to manipulate. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You might a habit of keeping it open so your little ones can easily access the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See how you can do so.

Better protect your Killeen home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Killeen house, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement security cameras. When potential intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to enter or break the glass. Advanced systems will also inform you with updates to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and easy to operate. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a time-tested approach that provides an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements positioned along the lower door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Killeen from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted instantly. Contact (254) 351-0495 today to learn more and book your professional installation.