How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it brings in and the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entryways are beneficial features for any Little Rock property, but also pose security concerns. Discover why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Little Rock

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to circumvent. They’re also installed at the rear of your Little Rock house, giving intruders an improved opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-used entryway at your home. You could get in a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the outdoor area. Even if you secure the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they may slip through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. See what your options are.

Better secure your Little Rock home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of your Little Rock home’s most at-risk doors, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When prospective thieves see cameras, they’ll most likely find a less secure target. They don’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively scare off lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest tries to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also get an update through your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and easy to use. You can also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that brings an additional layer to your defense. These are often solid wood reinforcements placed along the lower door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in Little Rock from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If anything triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted immediately. Contact (501) 510-8749 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.