How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it welcomes in. These entrances are desirable aspects of any Hoover property, but also present security concerns. Discover why they’re targeted by intruders and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Hoover

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often a cinch to manipulate. They’re also installed at the rear of your Hoover house, giving prowlers a greater opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-used entryway at your home. You might develop a habit of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can go back and forth to the yard easily. Even if you fasten the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more likely to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to pop the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to squeeze through.

Although it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Hoover home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Hoover house, here’s how to do so.

• Install surveillance cameras. When potential intruders see cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar starts to come in or shatter the glass. You’ll also receive a notification through your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to operate. You might also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional approach that adds an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Hoover

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Hoover from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be notified immediately. Contact (205) 898-6989 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.