How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it lets in and the easy access it offers to your backyard retreat. These entrances are valuable elements of any Kennewick residence, but also present security concerns. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Kennewick

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

During sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could fall into a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can effortlessly access the outdoor area. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. See how you can do so.

Better protect your Kennewick home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Kennewick residence, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When prospective invaders see cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to find a less secure target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to enter or shatter the window. Modern systems will also inform you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Add 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 easy to secure. You could also choose a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A door brace is a time-tested method that brings one more layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal supports placed inside the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Kennewick

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Kennewick from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be notified instantly. Reach out to (509) 794-3375 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.