How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the abundance of natural light it lets in. These entryways are beneficial features for any St. Petersburg residence, but also pose security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by burglars and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in St. Petersburg

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a few simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically made more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to manipulate. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the back of your residence. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-utilized entryway at your home. You could a pattern of leaving it open so your little ones can access the yard easily. Even if you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals could try to force the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better defend your St. Petersburg home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most at-risk doors in your St. Petersburg residence, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential invaders spot cameras around your house, they’ll most likely find a less secure target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to enter or smash the window. Smart home systems will even notify you with communications to your home security mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to use. You can also get a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested solution that adds another layer to your security. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements placed along the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in St. Petersburg

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with an integrated smart home in St. Petersburg from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Reach out to (727) 353-8318 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.