How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your backyard and the abundance of daylight it lets in. These doorways are valuable features for any West Bloomfield property, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in West Bloomfield

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few explanations. Primarily, they are typically designed more for function than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are often easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-utilized entry at your house. You might fall into a pattern of keeping it open so your children can effortlessly enter and exit to the yard. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they can slip through.

Even though it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. Discover what you can do.

Better defend your West Bloomfield home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of your West Bloomfield home’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When prospective invaders notice surveillance at your property, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also inform you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and simple to operate. You can also get a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a simple method that provides one more layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood supports placed inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in West Bloomfield

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in West Bloomfield from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be notified immediately. Contact (248) 963-1801 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.