How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it welcomes in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are beneficial aspects of any Detroit home, but also pose safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for intruders and what you can do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Detroit

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of simple explanations. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are typically easy to bypass. They’re also positioned at the back of your Detroit residence, giving burglars a better chance to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding patio door might be the most-frequented entry at your home. You could develop a routine of keeping it open so kids can effortlessly access the backyard. Even when you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they may fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn what you can do.

Better secure your Detroit home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Detroit home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders spot video cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or smash the window. You’ll also get a notification through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and straightforward to operate. You could also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that adds one more layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports fitted within the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Detroit from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Call (313) 766-2527 today to get more information and book your professional installation.