How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your outdoor living space and the abundance of natural light it welcomes in. These entryways are valuable features for any Bellingham home, but also present security concerns. See why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Bellingham

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some straightforward explanations. To begin with, they are typically made more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often simple to manipulate. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the rear of your residence. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used doorway at your house. You may develop a habit of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can access the yard easily. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to pop the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Discover what you can do.

Better defend your Bellingham home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Bellingham house, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate security cameras. When would-be invaders notice video cameras, they’ll probably try to find a less protected target. They don’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or break the glass. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and simple to use. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a traditional solution that provides one more layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports placed inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Bellingham from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed instantly. Call (360) 968-8970 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.