How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of sunlight it brings in and the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat. These entrances are beneficial aspects of any Lake Havasu property, but also come with security risks. See why they’re a target for theives and what you should do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Lake Havasu

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of simple explanations. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for function than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Lake Havasu house, giving intruders a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When experiencing nice temperatures and lovely days, your sliding patio door might be the most-frequented entry in your home. You might get in a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your children can easily access the outdoor area. Even when you lock your door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could attempt to pry the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See how you can do so.

Better secure your Lake Havasu home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Lake Havasu house, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When prospective intruders spot surveillance, they’ll probably try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to be caught on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to enter or smash the glass. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and simple to use. You can also get a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that provides one more layer to your protection. These are typically solid wood reinforcements positioned within the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entry points in your home with a fully connected smart home in Lake Havasu from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Contact (928) 877-2148 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.