How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it lets in and the effortless access it delivers to your backyard. These entrances are valuable elements of any Evanston residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you should do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Evanston

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally made more for function than security. Many don’t have deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically easy to circumvent. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You might develop a routine of leaving it open so your little ones can readily enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars might try to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they can fit through.

Although it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. Learn what you can do.

Better defend your Evanston home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Evanston home, here’s how you can do it.

• Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders see video cameras at your property, they’ll most likely try to locate a less secure target. They never want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest attempts to enter or smash the glass. Smart home systems will also alert you with communications to your security system’s mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your simple flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and simple to operate. You might also choose a sturdy, key-turned deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a simple solution that provides one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements placed inside the bottom door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with a fully connected smart home in Evanston from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Call (847) 925-7636 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.