How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it welcomes in and the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entryways are desirable features for any Fresno residence, but also pose security risks. See why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Fresno

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically made more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the rear of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-utilized entry at your house. You might develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can effortlessly go back and forth to the yard. Even if you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to pry the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Fresno home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Fresno home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential thieves notice cameras at your property, they’ll probably find a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively scare off prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or break the window. You’ll also receive an alert through your home security cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and easy to operate. You can also incorporate a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a traditional method that provides one more layer to your protection. These are often metal or solid wood supports fitted along the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Fresno

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Fresno from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted right away. Contact (559) 354-6624 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.