How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard and the bounty of daylight it welcomes in. These doorways are valuable elements of any San Diego property, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re a target for theives and what you should do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in San Diego

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a couple of explanations. To begin with, they are generally made more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually easy to circumvent. They’re also placed at the back of your San Diego home, giving burglars a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could get in a routine of leaving it unlocked so your children can readily enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars might try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better protect your San Diego home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your San Diego house, here’s how you can.

• Install video cameras. When would-be invaders see video cameras, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an update through your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to operate. You can also choose a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that brings one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports positioned along the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in San Diego from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (619) 492-4324 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.