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 abundance of natural light it lets in. These entryways are valuable features for any Oakland residence, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Oakland

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are some explanations. Primarily, they are commonly made more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to manipulate. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the back of your house. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When you have clear days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented entry in your home. You might a routine of keeping it unlocked so your children can access the yard on their own. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might try to force the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they may slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. See what your options are.

Better protect your Oakland home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Oakland home, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential invaders see surveillance, they’ll probably find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest attempts to come in or shatter the glass. Modern systems will even alert you with updates to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also choose a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A door brace is a traditional solution that adds another layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports fitted within the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Oakland

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Oakland from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (510) 281-3999 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.