How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your outdoor living space and the bounty of natural light it brings in. These entryways are desirable elements of any Augusta residence, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you should do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Augusta

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a few simple explanations. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually a cinch to bypass. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-utilized doorway in your home. You may develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to break.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they are able to slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better protect your Augusta home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Augusta home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate security cameras. When prospective intruders see surveillance around your house, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They don’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest attempts to come in or break the window. Advanced systems will even inform you with updates to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and easy to operate. You might also incorporate a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that provides another layer to your protection. These are often solid wood supports placed along the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Augusta from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If anything triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted instantly. Reach out to (706) 780-3805 today to find out more and book your professional installation.