How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the convenient access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entrances are beneficial features for any Harrisburg home, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Harrisburg

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to circumvent. They’re also placed at the rear of your Harrisburg house, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

When you have clear days and nice temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-used entryway at your home. You might get in a pattern of keeping it unlatched so kids can go back and forth to the backyard on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to force the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See what your options are.

Better defend your Harrisburg home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Harrisburg home’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras, they’ll probably find an easier target. They never want to risk being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar starts to enter or smash the glass. Advanced systems will also notify you with communications to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular options and simple to use. You can also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a simple approach that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood reinforcements positioned within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Harrisburg from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If a device trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Contact (717) 844-9116 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.