How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the convenient access it offers to your outdoor living space. These doorways are valuable features for any Helena residence, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Helena

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically designed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the rear of your residence. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented entryway at your home. You might develop a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to the backyard on their own accord. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to break glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is easy to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to pry the door off the track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to fit through.

Even though it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn what you can do.

Better protect your Helena home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Helena home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect security sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest attempts to intrude or break the window. Advanced systems will even notify you with alerts to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and simple to use. You can also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a simple method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports fitted along the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Helena from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified right away. Contact (406) 926-5388 today to learn more and book your professional installation.