How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the convenient access it delivers to your backyard. These entryways are desirable features for any Fort Myers home, but also present safety risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequently targeted in Fort Myers

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to burglars. There are a few explanations. Primarily, they are commonly constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often a cinch to bypass. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching unseen as the doors are found at the back of your home. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented entry in your home. You could a routine of keeping it unlocked so your children can access the backyard easily. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more inclined to shatter glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to shatter.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars might try to pop the door off the track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they can slip through.

Although it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Discover how you can do so.

Better protect your Fort Myers home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of your Fort Myers property’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When prospective intruders see cameras at your property, they’ll probably try to locate an easier target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to intrude or smash the glass. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Reinforce your simple flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular solutions and straightforward to operate. You might also choose a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
• Incorporate a door brace. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that brings one more layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports positioned within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Fort Myers from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If a device activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be notified instantly. Reach out to (239) 326-6141 today to find out more and arrange your professional installation.