How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the effortless access it offers to your backyard. These entrances are desirable aspects of any Madison residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Madison

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of reasons why. Primarily, they are generally made more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching without being seen as the doors are typically at the rear of your home. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-used entry at your home. You may get in a routine of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can access the yard easily. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves could try to pry the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they are able to slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what your options are.

Better protect your Madison home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Madison house, here’s how to do so.

• Install video cameras. When prospective intruders notice cameras at your property, they’ll probably find a less secure target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor attempts to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and straightforward to secure. You might also choose a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that provides another layer to your defense. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements placed inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Madison from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified instantly. Contact (608) 470-6808 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.