How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard and the plentiful daylight it welcomes in. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Binghamton property, but also come with safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to stop intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Binghamton

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for function than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are typically simple to manipulate. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your home. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-frequented entry at your house. You may a routine of keeping it unlocked so your children can access your outdoor space on their own. Even if you lock your door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other tools so they may fit through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Discover what you might do.

Better defend your Binghamton home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Binghamton house, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When would-be invaders spot cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to locate an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to enter or break the window. Smart home systems will even notify you with alerts to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and straightforward to use. You could also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a traditional approach that adds another layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood supports fitted within the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Binghamton

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Binghamton from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Call (607) 600-9610 today to get more information and book your professional installation.