How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful light it lets in. These doorways are beneficial elements of any Asheville property, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Asheville

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some simple reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are typically simple to bypass. They’re also positioned at the back of your Asheville house, giving burglars an improved chance to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

During sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding glass door may be the most-used entry in your home. You might develop a routine of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can go back and forth to the yard on their own. Even when you secure the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more likely to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Many sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars may try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to squeeze through.

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

Better secure your Asheville home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of your Asheville residence’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When prospective intruders spot cameras at your property, they’ll likely try to find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively discourage lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate security sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or break the window. Modern systems will even alert you with alerts to your security system’s mobile app.
• Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and straightforward to operate. You can also get a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple solution that adds an additional layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports placed within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with an integrated smart home in Asheville from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to video cameras. If anything triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be informed instantly. Call (828) 571-7175 today to get more information and book your professional installation.