How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of light it welcomes in and the effortless access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These entrances are beneficial aspects of any Eau Claire home, but also come with security concerns. See why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Eau Claire

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to bypass. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Eau Claire home, giving prowlers an improved opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used entry at your house. You might fall into a routine of leaving it unlatched so your children can access your outdoor space on their own accord. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to pry the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they are able to slip through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. See what your options are.

Better defend your Eau Claire home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of the most susceptible entryways in your Eau Claire house, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When prospective intruders notice video cameras around your house, they’ll probably 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 thieves with lights and sound.
• Use security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar starts to enter or shatter the window. Advanced systems will also notify you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to secure. You could also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that provides one more layer to your security. These are often solid wood supports placed within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Eau Claire from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed immediately. Call (715) 419-6703 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.