How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These doorways are beneficial features for any New York City residence, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in New York City

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. Primarily, they are generally made more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to circumvent. Burglars also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your home. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and lovely days, your sliding glass door might be the most-used doorway at your home. You might a pattern of leaving it open so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the yard. Even if you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may try to pop the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they may fit through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover what you can do.

Better defend your New York City home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your New York City residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective invaders see video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest attempts to intrude or smash the window. Advanced systems will also alert you with updates to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and easy to operate. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are typically metal or solid wood supports positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in New York City

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in New York City from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed immediately. Reach out to (332) 877-9062 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.