How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space and the abundance of natural light it brings in. These entryways are beneficial features for any Chicago residence, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re targeted by theives and what you should do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Chicago

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few straightforward explanations. To begin with, they are typically designed more for function than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locks are typically easy to circumvent. Intruders also have a better chance of approaching without being seen as the doors are found at the back of your house. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You may a pattern of keeping it open so your little ones can get to the yard easily. Even if you fasten the door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to pry the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other tools so they may slip through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn what you can do.

Better secure your Chicago home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of your Chicago property’s most vulnerable entry points, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When would-be invaders see surveillance at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to be recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with lights and sound.
• Integrate door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar starts to enter or break the window. You’ll also receive a notification through your home security cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and straightforward to secure. You might also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A door brace is a simple approach that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Chicago

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Chicago from Vivint. We offer all the devices you need, from cameras to door and window sensors. If something trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted right away. Call (312) 626-4802 today to find out more and book your professional installation.