How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it brings in and the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entryways are desirable elements of any Fort Collins property, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Fort Collins

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically made more for utility than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the back of your Fort Collins house, giving burglars an improved chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

During clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door could be the most-utilized entry at your home. You could get in a habit of leaving it unlocked so your children can easily go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might try to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they are able to squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn what you might do.

Better defend your Fort Collins home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Fort Collins home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective invaders see surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to intrude or break the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to use. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple method that provides one more layer to your security. These are often solid wood supports positioned within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Fort Collins from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Contact (970) 703-0718 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.