How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it lets in and the easy access it delivers to your outdoor living space. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Boulder home, but also pose safety risks. See why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to prevent unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Boulder

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a couple of straightforward reasons why. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are often easy to bypass. They’re also installed at the back of your Boulder residence, giving intruders a better chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

During pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-used doorway at your house. You could get in a routine of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can get to the yard on their own accord. Even if you lock your door, determined intruders can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they are able to fit through.

Even though it’s not difficult to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to step up your security. See what your options are.

Better protect your Boulder home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to enhance the security of one of your Boulder home’s most vulnerable entrances, here’s how you can.

• Incorporate video cameras. When potential intruders spot video cameras at your property, they’ll likely find a less protected target. They won’t want to take the chance of being recorded on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with lights and sound.
• Integrate security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted guest tries to enter or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also notify you with updates to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and simple to secure. You could also incorporate a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested solution that provides one more layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood supports positioned inside the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Boulder from Vivint. We have all the devices you need, from cameras to window and door sensors. If something triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Call (720) 807-9203 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.