How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it lets in and the easy access it offers to your backyard. These entrances are valuable features for any Orange County residence, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Orange County

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly made more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to circumvent. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

During sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You might fall into a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can go back and forth to your outdoor space easily. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can circumvent with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could try to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Orange County home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most at-risk doors in your Orange County home, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective intruders see video cameras, they’ll probably try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest starts to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also get an alert through your home security cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and easy to secure. You might also get a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar or brace is a simple solution that brings another layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted along the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Orange County

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Orange County from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (714) 769-8364 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.