How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard retreat and the abundance of light it welcomes in. These entryways are desirable features for any Ocala residence, but also pose safety risks. Learn why they’re targeted by intruders and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Ocala

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to burglars. There are a few simple explanations. To begin with, they are commonly constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often simple to bypass. They’re also placed at the rear of your Ocala residence, giving prowlers a better chance to approach unseen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding patio door might be the most-frequented entryway at your house. You might a routine of leaving it unlocked so your children can effortlessly access the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can get around it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Prowlers are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might try to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they can slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. Discover what you might do.

Better secure your Ocala home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of the most susceptible entryways in your Ocala residence, here’s how you can.

• Implement surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders spot surveillance, they’ll most likely try to find a less secure target. They don’t want to risk being caught on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with sound and lights.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or shatter the window. You’ll also get a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and simple to operate. You might also choose a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A door brace is a time-tested approach that provides an additional layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted within the bottom door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with an integrated smart home in Ocala from Vivint. We provide all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything triggers, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be alerted instantly. Reach out to (352) 922-3678 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.