How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it lets in. These entryways are beneficial features for any San Antonio property, but also pose safety risks. Discover why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in San Antonio

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few straightforward explanations. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically a cinch to manipulate. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding door may be the most-used doorway in your home. You may get in a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can access the yard easily. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more prone to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars might try to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they may fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what you can do.

Better secure your San Antonio home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your San Antonio house, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective thieves notice cameras, they’ll likely find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively discourage prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to come in or shatter the glass. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to operate. You might also incorporate a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that provides an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in San Antonio from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted right away. Contact (210) 934-3694 today to find out more and book your professional installation.