How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it welcomes in. These entryways are beneficial elements of any Wichita home, but also pose security risks. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Wichita

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some simple explanations. First and foremost, they are typically made more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are often easy to circumvent. They’re also installed at the rear of your Wichita residence, giving burglars a greater opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door might be the most-used entryway at your home. You may get in a routine of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can access the yard on their own. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves may attempt to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Wichita home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Wichita property’s most susceptible entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When would-be intruders see cameras, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively scare off prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar starts to intrude or break the window. Smart home systems will even notify you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to operate. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that brings another layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal supports placed inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Wichita from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be informed right away. Call (316) 844-6283 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.