How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the bounty of daylight it welcomes in and the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entrances are desirable features for any Arlington residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Arlington

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few simple reasons why. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for utility than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually simple to bypass. They’re also placed at the rear of your Arlington house, giving intruders an improved opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door could be the most-used entry at your house. You may develop a pattern of keeping it open so kids can readily access the outdoor area. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to break glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to pop the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they can squeeze through.

Although it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover what you might do.

Better protect your Arlington home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entryways in your Arlington residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When potential invaders see video cameras, they’ll likely try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively deter lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or break the window. You’ll also get an update through your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and easy to use. You can also incorporate a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a simple solution that adds another layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports placed inside the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Arlington

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a fully connected smart home in Arlington from Vivint. We provide all the devices you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be alerted right away. Contact (703) 791-1576 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.