How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of sunlight it welcomes in and the easy access it delivers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Baton Rouge residence, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you should do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Baton Rouge

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 function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to manipulate. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your residence. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may fall into a habit of leaving it unlocked so your children can access the yard easily. Even if you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can slip through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Baton Rouge home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Baton Rouge house, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential thieves notice surveillance, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They don’t want to be captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar starts to enter or break the glass. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to operate. You can also get a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that adds another layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports positioned inside the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Baton Rouge

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Baton Rouge from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (225) 725-8055 today to get more information and book your professional installation.