How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it brings in. These doorways are desirable elements of any Austin home, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Austin

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally designed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Austin house, giving burglars an improved opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized entry at your house. You might get in a pattern of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to your outdoor space easily. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars could try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they may slip through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better defend your Austin home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Austin home’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When potential invaders spot video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or break the glass. Smart home systems will also notify you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to secure. You can also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that provides another layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal supports placed inside the bottom door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Austin from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed immediately. Reach out to (512) 229-9684 today to find out more and book your professional installation.