How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These entrances are valuable aspects of any Akron property, but also pose safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for intruders and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Akron

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of explanations. First and foremost, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to circumvent. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding patio door might be the most-used entryway in your home. You may a habit of leaving it unlocked so kids can go back and forth to the yard on their own. Even when you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could try to pop the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Akron home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Akron residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When would-be thieves see surveillance at your property, they’ll probably try to find a less protected target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or shatter the window. Modern systems will also notify you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to operate. You can also get a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a simple approach that brings an additional layer to your security. These are often metal or solid wood reinforcements placed along the bottom door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Akron

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Akron from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Contact (330) 632-1171 today to learn more and book your professional installation.