How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of light it lets in and the easy access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Ann Arbor home, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Ann Arbor

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of simple reasons why. To begin with, they are generally designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the back of your Ann Arbor house, giving prowlers a greater opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-utilized entry at your house. You could develop a pattern of leaving it unlocked so your children can access the backyard on their own. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they are able to slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Ann Arbor home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Ann Arbor residence’s most susceptible doors, here’s how you can.

• Implement video cameras. When potential intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to locate a less secure target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar attempts to intrude or break the glass. You’ll also receive an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to use. You can also get a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested solution that provides an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports positioned along the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Ann Arbor from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be notified immediately. Call (734) 206-7166 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.