How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These doorways are valuable aspects of any Rockford home, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Rockford

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally made more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Rockford home, giving burglars a greater chance to approach without being seen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door may be the most-used doorway at your house. You may a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can get to your outdoor space easily. Even when you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more likely to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pop the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may slip through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better defend your Rockford home’s sliding glass door

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

• Implement video cameras. When potential thieves notice surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to find a less protected target. They don’t want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively scare off lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar starts to come in or smash the glass. Modern systems will even inform you with updates to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to operate. You can also get a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested approach that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements placed within the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Rockford

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Rockford from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed instantly. Contact (815) 362-1830 today to find out more and book your professional installation.