How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your outdoor living space and the bounty of daylight it welcomes in. These entrances are valuable features for any Scottsdale home, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Scottsdale

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for function than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are typically a cinch to bypass. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entryway at your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your children can easily enter and exit to the yard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to force the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Scottsdale home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Scottsdale home, here’s how you can.

• Implement security cameras. When prospective intruders see cameras at your property, they’ll probably find an easier target. They never want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter prowlers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to intrude or shatter the glass. Modern systems will also alert you with alerts to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to operate. You can also choose a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a traditional approach that provides another layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports positioned within the lower door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Scottsdale from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If anything triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted instantly. Contact (480) 681-6262 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.