How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the easy access it provides to your backyard and the abundance of daylight it lets in. These entrances are valuable elements of any Ventura property, but also come with safety risks. See why they’re a target for theives and what you might do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Ventura

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few simple reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to bypass. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Ventura residence, giving intruders a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding door could be the most-utilized entry in your home. You may develop a habit of keeping it unlocked so kids can access the yard on their own. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can unlock with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to force the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they may fit through.

Although it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Ventura home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Ventura home, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When potential intruders see surveillance around your house, they’ll probably try to locate a less protected target. They never want to risk being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect entrypoint sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent a notification through your home security mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to use. You could also choose a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple solution that brings another layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood reinforcements fitted inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Ventura from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Reach out to (805) 590-5999 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.