How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard. These entryways are desirable features for any Birmingham residence, but also come with security risks. Discover why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Birmingham

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a couple of simple reasons why. To begin with, they are typically designed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to circumvent. They’re also installed at the rear of your Birmingham residence, giving prowlers a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door may be the most-used entryway at your house. You could fall into a routine of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can access the backyard on their own. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves could try to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what you might do.

Better secure your Birmingham home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Birmingham home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install surveillance cameras. When potential thieves see video cameras at your property, they’ll likely find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar starts to enter or break the window. Smart home systems will also inform you with alerts to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to use. You could also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that provides an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Birmingham from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (205) 973-4125 today to learn more and book your professional installation.