How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space and the plentiful daylight it brings in. These entryways are beneficial aspects of any Brooklyn home, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by burglars and what you might do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Brooklyn

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a couple of explanations. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to bypass. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-used entryway at your house. You might develop a routine of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can effortlessly go back and forth to the yard. Even if you secure the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can fit through.

Even though it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover what your options are.

Better protect your Brooklyn home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Brooklyn house, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When would-be invaders see video cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar starts to intrude or smash the glass. Modern systems will also alert you with communications to your home security cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to operate. You might also choose a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a traditional solution that adds another layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood supports fitted along the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Brooklyn from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If anything trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (929) 552-2194 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.