How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful daylight it brings in. These entrances are valuable elements of any Fort Lauderdale residence, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you can do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Fort Lauderdale

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a couple of reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly designed more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are often easy to manipulate. Intruders also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your house. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding glass door might be the most-frequented entry at your house. You could fall into a habit of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn what you might do.

Better secure your Fort Lauderdale home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Fort Lauderdale home’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When would-be invaders see cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively discourage thieves with sound and lights.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest attempts to intrude or break the window. You’ll also be sent a notification through your security system’s smartphone 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 secure. You can also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a simple approach that brings an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood supports placed inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Fort Lauderdale from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Call (954) 287-0437 today to find out more and book your professional installation.