How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the easy access it creates to your backyard and the plentiful light it welcomes in. These entrances are valuable features for any Morgantown property, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you might do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Morgantown

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also enticing to thieves. There are a few reasons why. Primarily, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically a cinch to manipulate. They’re also placed at the back of your Morgantown house, giving intruders a greater chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-used entry at your home. You might develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to your outdoor space on their own. Even when you secure the door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Criminals could try to force the door out of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they can squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better protect your Morgantown home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Morgantown residence, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential intruders notice cameras at your property, they’ll most likely find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively scare off thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or shatter the glass. You’ll also get an alert through your security system’s cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to use. You could also get a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a time-tested solution that provides one more layer to your protection. These are often solid wood reinforcements placed inside the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with an integrated smart home in Morgantown from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified right away. Reach out to (304) 903-6090 today to learn more and book your professional installation.