How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the easy access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are valuable features for any Fort Worth property, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Fort Worth

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a couple of reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to bypass. Intruders also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door could be the most-used doorway at your house. You may fall into a pattern of keeping it unlocked so kids can get to the backyard easily. Even when you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more prone to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to force the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they may slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better protect your Fort Worth home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Fort Worth home, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential thieves notice cameras at your property, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They never want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively scare off lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect door sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or smash the glass. Modern systems will even inform you with updates to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and straightforward to operate. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that adds one more layer to your security. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Fort Worth

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Fort Worth from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Contact (817) 241-5844 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.