How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it lets in and the effortless access it offers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are beneficial aspects of any Omaha home, but also present security concerns. Discover why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Omaha

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some simple explanations. To begin with, they are generally constructed more for function than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-utilized doorway at your home. You could a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your children can effortlessly go back and forth to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more likely to smash glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals may attempt to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can slip through.

Although it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to boost your security. Discover what you might do.

Better secure your Omaha home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of your Omaha property’s most at-risk entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When prospective thieves spot cameras, they’ll likely find a less secure target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to come in or break the window. Advanced systems will even inform you with updates to your home security cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and straightforward to operate. You might also incorporate a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested approach that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted along the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Omaha from Vivint. We have all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted instantly. Reach out to (402) 925-9471 today to learn more and book your professional installation.