How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of natural light it brings in. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Port St. Lucie residence, but also pose security risks. See why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Port St. Lucie

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a few simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to circumvent. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When experiencing sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used entryway in your home. You may get in a routine of leaving it open so kids can go back and forth to the yard easily. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they can fit through.

Even though it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See what your options are.

Better defend your Port St. Lucie home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of the most susceptible doors in your Port St. Lucie residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When prospective invaders notice cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to find an easier target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect door sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to enter or smash the window. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to use. You can also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a traditional solution that provides an additional layer to your security. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned within the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Port St. Lucie

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Port St. Lucie from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified instantly. Call (772) 257-4553 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.