How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These entrances are valuable features for any Savannah residence, but also pose security risks. See why they’re preferred by theives and what you should do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Savannah

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a couple of reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for utility than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to circumvent. They’re also placed at the back of your Savannah residence, giving burglars a better opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door could be the most-used entryway at your house. You could a pattern of keeping it open so kids can get to the yard on their own accord. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more likely to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not hard to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to pry the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they are able to fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn what your options are.

Better defend your Savannah home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Savannah residence, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When potential invaders see surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or break the glass. Advanced systems will also alert you with communications to your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to secure. You can also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar or brace is a simple solution that adds one more layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Savannah

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Savannah from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Call (706) 770-6267 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.