How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it welcomes in and the easy access it offers to your backyard. These doorways are valuable aspects of any Bloomington home, but also present security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Bloomington

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few simple explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are often simple to bypass. They’re also placed at the back of your Bloomington residence, giving burglars a better chance to approach undetected. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You might a routine of leaving it open so kids can go back and forth to the yard easily. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars may attempt to pry the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they may squeeze through.

Even though it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn what your options are.

Better defend your Bloomington home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Bloomington home, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When would-be invaders notice video cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor tries to enter or smash the glass. Modern systems will even alert you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and easy to use. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that adds one more layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with an integrated smart home in Bloomington from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Call (309) 332-1140 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.