How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your backyard retreat and the plentiful daylight it brings in. These doorways are desirable elements of any McAllen home, but also present security concerns. See why they’re targeted by burglars and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in McAllen

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a couple of simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly made more for utility than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your McAllen residence, giving burglars an improved chance to approach unseen. 

How do burglars bypass sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door may be the most-utilized doorway at your house. You may develop a pattern of keeping it unlatched so your children can access your outdoor space easily. Even if you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more prone to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals may try to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may squeeze through.

Although it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Learn what you can do.

Better secure your McAllen home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of your McAllen home’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll likely find a less protected target. They don’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor tries to come in or smash the glass. You’ll also receive a notification through your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to secure. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a simple solution that adds one more layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in McAllen

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in McAllen from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be informed instantly. Contact (956) 303-1646 today to get more information and arrange your professional installation.