How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These entryways are valuable elements of any Atlanta property, but also present security concerns. See why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Atlanta

As sought-after 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 made more for utility than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to bypass. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may a habit of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can go back and forth to the backyard on their own accord. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to pop the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may slip through.

Even though it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Atlanta home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Atlanta residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When potential thieves notice video cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to come in or shatter the window. Advanced systems will even notify you with updates to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to use. You can also get a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a simple method that provides an additional layer to your protection. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Atlanta

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Atlanta from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified right away. Call (404) 905-1132 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.