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 provides to your backyard retreat. These entrances are beneficial aspects of any Newark home, but also pose security concerns. Discover why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Newark

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are some explanations. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Newark home, giving burglars an improved chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entry at your house. You may develop a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your children can readily enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even if you fasten the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might try to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See what you can do.

Better defend your Newark home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Newark residence, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders see surveillance, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They don’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar attempts to enter or break the glass. You’ll also get an update through your home security cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and simple to secure. You can also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested method that brings an additional layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood supports placed inside the lower door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Newark from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to surveillance cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be informed right away. Reach out to (973) 566-5423 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.