How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard retreat and the bounty of light it welcomes in. These doorways are desirable features for any Lancaster residence, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Lancaster

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of simple explanations. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the rear of your Lancaster residence, giving burglars a greater chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entry in your home. You could get in a routine of keeping it open so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can slip through.

Although it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Lancaster home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Lancaster home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When would-be thieves see cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate an easier target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest starts to enter or smash the window. You’ll also receive an update through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and easy to operate. You can also get a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional solution that brings one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Lancaster

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Lancaster from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If a device trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (717) 922-5237 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.