How to Secure a Sliding Glass Door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the effortless access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entrances are desirable features for any Kalamazoo property, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you might do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Kalamazoo

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for function than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to bypass. They’re also installed at the back of your Kalamazoo house, giving burglars a better chance to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You might develop a pattern of keeping it unlocked so kids can readily access the outdoor area. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they may slip through.

Even though it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what you can do.

Better defend your Kalamazoo home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Kalamazoo home, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras at your property, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or break the window. Smart home systems will even inform you with updates to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and simple to secure. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A security bar is a traditional solution that provides an additional layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Kalamazoo

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Kalamazoo from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted right away. Call (269) 280-0186 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.