How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat and the plentiful light it brings in. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Memphis property, but also pose security concerns. See why they’re preferred by intruders and what you might do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Memphis

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a few reasons why. To begin with, they are generally made more for function than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to manipulate. Prowlers also have a a greater likelihood of approaching undetected as the doors are located at the back of your home. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and lovely days, your sliding door could be the most-used entry at your home. You could a routine of leaving it open so your children can readily go back and forth to the backyard. Even if you secure the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to pop the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they may squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to step up your security. Learn what you can do.

Better protect your Memphis home’s sliding glass door

If you want to enhance the security of one of your Memphis residence’s most vulnerable doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential thieves see surveillance at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also get an update through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to secure. You could also choose a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple solution that adds another layer to your defense. These are often solid wood reinforcements positioned along the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Memphis from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If anything activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be informed right away. Call (901) 763-6618 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.