How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space and the abundance of light it lets in. These doorways are valuable features for any Kingsport home, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re a target for theives and what you can do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Kingsport

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the back of your Kingsport home, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-used entryway in your home. You might a pattern of leaving it unlocked so kids can effortlessly enter and exit to the backyard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pry the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Discover what you might do.

Better secure your Kingsport home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Kingsport home’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When prospective invaders spot cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest tries to enter or smash the glass. Modern systems will even alert you with updates to your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and easy to secure. You can also choose a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted inside the lower door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Kingsport

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a fully connected smart home in Kingsport from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Reach out to (423) 556-9460 today to find out more and book your professional installation.