How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your outdoor living space and the bounty of daylight it brings in. These entrances are valuable elements of any Missoula residence, but also present security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Missoula

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to intruders. There are some explanations. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually a cinch to manipulate. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Missoula house, giving prowlers a better opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do intruders bypass sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door may be the most-utilized doorway in your home. You may a pattern of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can readily access the outdoor area. Even if you lock your door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can circumvent with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is easy to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to force the door off the track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they can squeeze through.

Even though it’s easy to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Missoula home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to boost the security of one of your Missoula home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When would-be thieves spot cameras around your house, they’ll probably try to locate a less secure target. They never want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Connect security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor tries to enter or shatter the glass. You’ll also get a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and easy to secure. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional method that provides an additional layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood reinforcements positioned inside the door’s bottom track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to improved security with a Vivint smart home in Missoula

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Missoula from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from door and window sensors to surveillance cameras. If something triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring experts will be informed immediately. Reach out to (406) 926-0627 today to learn more and book your professional installation.