How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the easy access it provides to your backyard. These entryways are desirable features for any Nashville home, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Nashville

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are generally made more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Nashville house, giving intruders an improved opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and lovely days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You could get in a pattern of leaving it unlatched so kids can access the backyard on their own. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not hard to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to pry the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they can fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better secure your Nashville home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of your Nashville property’s most at-risk doors, here’s how you can.

• Implement security cameras. When potential thieves notice cameras, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar attempts to enter or smash the window. You’ll also receive an update through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and straightforward to use. You might also choose a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A door brace is a simple approach that brings an additional layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood supports positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Nashville from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Contact (615) 908-3403 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.