How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful sunlight it brings in and the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Bakersfield residence, but also present security risks. See why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Bakersfield

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few explanations. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to circumvent. They’re also placed at the back of your Bakersfield home, giving prowlers an improved chance to approach unseen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door might be the most-used doorway at your house. You might a routine of keeping it unlocked so kids can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you lock your door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can squeeze through.

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

Better protect your Bakersfield home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Bakersfield residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install surveillance cameras. When potential invaders notice surveillance, they’ll likely find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or smash the window. You’ll also get a notification through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and straightforward to use. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a time-tested solution that adds another layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Bakersfield

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Bakersfield from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Call (661) 732-2557 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.