How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your outdoor living space and the bounty of light it welcomes in. These doorways are desirable elements of any Newburgh residence, but also present security risks. See why they’re preferred by theives and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Newburgh

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally designed more for utility than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are often a cinch to circumvent. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the back of your house. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may get in a pattern of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can access the yard on their own accord. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars could try to force the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they are able to fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. See what you can do.

Better secure your Newburgh home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Newburgh home’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective invaders notice surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely try to locate an easier target. They don’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with sound and lights.
• Use security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also receive an alert through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and simple to secure. You might also choose a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that provides an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the bottom door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Newburgh

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Newburgh from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed right away. Reach out to (845) 640-5419 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.