How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the bounty of light it welcomes in and the convenient access it provides to your outdoor living space. These doorways are valuable features for any Joliet property, but also come with security concerns. See why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Joliet

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to thieves. There are a couple of simple explanations. Primarily, they are generally constructed more for function than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often easy to bypass. Burglars also have a greater opportunity of approaching without being seen as the doors are located at the rear of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented entry at your house. You might get in a pattern of leaving it open so kids can get to the yard on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves might try to pop the door off of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another device so they may slip through.

Even though it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to boost your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better secure your Joliet home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of the most at-risk doors in your Joliet home, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When prospective intruders see cameras, they’ll probably try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
• Use door sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest starts to intrude or shatter the glass. Advanced systems will also notify you with alerts to your security system’s smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and easy to use. You can also get a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A door brace is a time-tested approach that brings one more layer to your security. These are typically solid wood reinforcements positioned along the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

Unlock the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Joliet

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entryways in your home with an integrated smart home in Joliet from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If something trips, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed immediately. Reach out to (815) 427-4864 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.