How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your outdoor living space and the abundance of natural light it lets in. These doorways are valuable features for any Minneapolis property, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Minneapolis

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are a few explanations. To begin with, they are generally made more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically a cinch to manipulate. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the back of your home. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entryway at your house. You may a habit of keeping it open so your little ones can effortlessly go back and forth to the backyard. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to force the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. See what you might do.

Better secure your Minneapolis home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Minneapolis home’s most susceptible entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement security cameras. When would-be intruders notice surveillance, they’ll likely find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively scare off prowlers with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the glass. Modern systems will also inform you with updates to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a traditional method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned along the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Minneapolis from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified right away. Call (612) 662-1765 today to learn more and book your professional installation.