How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of daylight it brings in and the effortless access it offers to your backyard. These entryways are desirable aspects of any Milwaukee property, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you should do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Milwaukee

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a couple of explanations. To begin with, they are typically made more for utility than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may fall into a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can get to your outdoor space easily. Even if you secure the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they are able to squeeze through.

Although it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Milwaukee home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Milwaukee home’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential invaders notice cameras around your house, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even find surveillance tools that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to enter or shatter the window. Advanced systems will also notify you with alerts to your security system’s mobile app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to secure. You can also get a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that brings an additional layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood or metal reinforcements positioned inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Milwaukee

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with an integrated smart home in Milwaukee from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If anything triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring specialists will be notified immediately. Call (414) 409-5889 today to get more information and book your professional installation.