How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it lets in and the effortless access it offers to your backyard. These doorways are desirable features for any Jackson home, but also pose safety risks. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Jackson

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are often a cinch to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Jackson residence, giving prowlers a better chance to approach unseen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entry in your home. You could get in a routine of leaving it open so kids can go back and forth to your outdoor space on their own. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could try to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they can fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what you might do.

Better defend your Jackson home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Jackson residence’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders see cameras, they’ll likely try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest starts to come in or smash the window. You’ll also get a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to operate. You might also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that adds one more layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Jackson

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Jackson from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified immediately. Reach out to (601) 607-9990 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.