How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it lets in. These doorways are beneficial features for any Brownsville home, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re a target for theives and what you should do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Brownsville

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for function than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are often simple to circumvent. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the rear of your home. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entryway in your home. You could a routine of keeping it open so your children can go back and forth to the backyard easily. Even when you secure the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to slip through.

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

Better protect your Brownsville home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Brownsville residence, here’s how you can.

• Implement security cameras. When potential invaders notice surveillance, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They won’t want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar tries to come in or shatter the glass. You’ll also be sent a notification through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and easy to operate. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested approach that adds an additional layer to your security. These are typically solid wood reinforcements fitted within the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Brownsville from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If anything triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Contact (956) 948-3547 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.