How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it welcomes in. These doorways are beneficial features for any Lafayette property, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Lafayette

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a couple of simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to manipulate. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could fall into a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can easily access the backyard. Even if you secure the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves might try to pop the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they are able to squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn what you might do.

Better defend your Lafayette home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Lafayette property’s most vulnerable entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate security cameras. When would-be intruders see cameras, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest attempts to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also be sent a notification through your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to secure. You might also get a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested approach that adds another layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood supports placed along the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Lafayette

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Lafayette from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If a device activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted instantly. Call (337) 226-0040 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.