How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space and the abundance of daylight it lets in. These entrances are desirable elements of any Oklahoma City residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Oklahoma City

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are some straightforward reasons why. To begin with, they are generally designed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often simple to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Oklahoma City house, giving intruders a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding door may be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so your children can effortlessly go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to break glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to break.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars might try to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Oklahoma City home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable entryways in your Oklahoma City home, here’s how you can.

• Install security cameras. When would-be thieves notice cameras around your house, they’ll probably try to locate a less secure target. They won’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively scare off lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest starts to come in or smash the window. You’ll also get a notification through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to use. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a simple method that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted along the lower door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Oklahoma City

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Oklahoma City from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If anything activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (405) 777-7501 today to get more information and book your professional installation.