How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it welcomes in and the convenient access it offers to your backyard. These entryways are desirable features for any Houston property, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Houston

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of simple reasons why. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your home. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door could be the most-utilized entry in your home. You could fall into a routine of keeping it open so your little ones can go back and forth to the backyard on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars might try to pop the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can squeeze through.

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

Better defend your Houston home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Houston residence, here’s how to do so.

• Install video cameras. When potential intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to enter or shatter the window. You’ll also receive an update through your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to operate. You can also incorporate a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that adds another layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Houston from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If a device triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (713) 597-3506 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.