How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of daylight it lets in. These doorways are desirable features for any Santa Clarita home, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Santa Clarita

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are some explanations. Primarily, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to circumvent. They’re also placed at the back of your Santa Clarita residence, giving intruders an improved opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door could be the most-utilized entry in your home. You could fall into a habit of leaving it open so your little ones can effortlessly go back and forth to the backyard. Even if you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to force the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may squeeze through.

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

Better protect your Santa Clarita home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Santa Clarita residence, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders see cameras, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar starts to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that provides one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the bottom door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Santa Clarita

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Santa Clarita from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Reach out to (661) 718-4936 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.