How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard retreat and the bounty of light it brings in. These doorways are desirable aspects of any Topeka residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Topeka

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a few simple explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to manipulate. They’re also placed at the back of your Topeka home, giving burglars a greater chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-used entry at your home. You might a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your little ones can readily access the outdoor area. Even if you secure the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Prowlers are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Learn how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Topeka home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Topeka residence’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be thieves see surveillance, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar tries to come in or break the window. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to secure. You could also get a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested solution that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood supports positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Topeka from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Call (785) 369-9429 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.