How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the plentiful light it welcomes in and the easy access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entrances are valuable elements of any South Fulton home, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in South Fulton

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some reasons why. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the back of your home. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented entry at your home. You could fall into a habit of leaving it open so kids can readily enter and exit to the yard. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what you can do.

Better secure your South Fulton home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your South Fulton home, here’s how to do so.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be thieves spot surveillance at your property, they’ll probably try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or shatter the glass. Advanced systems will also alert you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and simple to use. You could also get a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports placed within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in South Fulton

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in South Fulton from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed immediately. Reach out to (731) 327-6123 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.