How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your outdoor living space and the bounty of daylight it lets in. These doorways are desirable features for any Manchester home, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Manchester

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some straightforward explanations. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are usually simple to bypass. They’re also placed at the rear of your Manchester house, giving intruders an improved chance to approach unseen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door might be the most-used entry at your home. You might fall into a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your children can access the backyard on their own accord. Even if you fasten the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to force the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

Even though it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover how you can make it happen.

Better defend your Manchester home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Manchester home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When would-be intruders spot cameras, they’ll probably try to locate a less secure target. They don’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively deter prowlers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or break the glass. Modern systems will also notify you with alerts to your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to use. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A door brace is a simple approach that adds one more layer to your security. These are typically solid wood or metal supports positioned along the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a fully connected smart home in Manchester from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If anything triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Contact (802) 944-4500 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.