How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the effortless access it delivers to your backyard. These entrances are desirable aspects of any Yakima home, but also come with security concerns. See why they’re targeted by intruders and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Yakima

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Yakima residence, giving intruders an improved opportunity to approach undetected. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door might be the most-used entryway in your home. You may a pattern of leaving it unlatched so kids can go back and forth to the backyard on their own accord. Even if you secure the door, determined intruders can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves may try to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may fit through.

Even though it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Discover what you can do.

Better protect your Yakima home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Yakima residence’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When prospective intruders see cameras, they’ll probably try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate door sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor tries to intrude or break the glass. Advanced systems will even inform you with communications to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to use. You could also incorporate a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested method that brings another layer to your protection. These are often solid wood or metal supports placed within the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Yakima from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from video cameras to window and door sensors. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed instantly. Call (509) 790-6958 today to get more information and book your professional installation.