How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of light it welcomes in and the effortless access it offers to your backyard. These entryways are valuable elements of any Orlando residence, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Orlando

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few explanations. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Orlando residence, giving prowlers a better chance to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door might be the most-frequented entry at your house. You may develop a pattern of leaving it open so your children can get to your outdoor space easily. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they may squeeze through.

Even though it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn what your options are.

Better protect your Orlando home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Orlando property’s most susceptible doors, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When prospective thieves notice surveillance, they’ll likely find an easier target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to come in or smash the glass. Advanced systems will even notify you with communications to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to operate. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that adds an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood reinforcements placed along the bottom door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Orlando from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted right away. Reach out to (407) 972-1223 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.