How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard and the bounty of light it welcomes in. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Olympia residence, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Olympia

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a few explanations. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to manipulate. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your residence. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door might be the most-utilized doorway in your home. You might a habit of leaving it unlatched so your children can access the yard on their own. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more prone to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals could try to pop the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better protect your Olympia home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Olympia house, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential thieves see cameras, they’ll most likely find a less secure target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also receive an alert through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to use. You can also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a time-tested method that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports positioned within the lower door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Olympia

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Olympia from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted right away. Call (360) 996-1195 today to learn more and book your professional installation.