How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard retreat and the abundance of natural light it brings in. These entryways are beneficial aspects of any Boise property, but also present safety risks. Discover why they’re preferred by theives and what you should do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Boise

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a few explanations. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually simple to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the back of your Boise house, giving intruders a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door could be the most-utilized entryway at your home. You may fall into a routine of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can get to your outdoor space easily. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s not hard to shatter.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars could try to force the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See what you might do.

Better protect your Boise home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Boise residence, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When prospective thieves spot cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to locate a less secure target. They don’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to come in or shatter the window. Advanced systems will even alert you with communications to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and straightforward to use. You could also incorporate a sturdy, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that provides one more layer to your security. These are often solid wood reinforcements fitted within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Boise from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Call (208) 306-4107 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.