How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the bounty of daylight it welcomes in. These entryways are valuable features for any Bozeman residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Bozeman

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly constructed more for utility than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to bypass. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the rear of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-used entryway in your home. You may get in a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can effortlessly enter and exit to the backyard. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. See what you might do.

Better defend your Bozeman home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Bozeman home’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement security cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They don’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to secure. You might also choose a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional solution that brings an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood supports fitted within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Bozeman

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Bozeman from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be notified immediately. Contact (406) 926-0255 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.