How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it lets in and the effortless access it delivers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Lubbock property, but also pose security concerns. See why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Lubbock

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a few explanations. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are usually simple to manipulate. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-frequented entryway in your home. You could a pattern of leaving it open so kids can easily go back and forth to the yard. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pop the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they are able to slip through.

Although it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what you can do.

Better secure your Lubbock home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of your Lubbock property’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be thieves spot cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with sound and lights.
• Connect door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest starts to come in or break the glass. Advanced systems will even alert you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and easy to operate. You could also incorporate a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that adds another layer to your defense. These are often metal or solid wood reinforcements placed along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Lubbock from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Reach out to (806) 615-4325 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.