How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the plentiful natural light it lets in. These entrances are desirable features for any Manhattan property, but also present safety risks. Learn why they’re preferred by theives and what you can do to stop unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Manhattan

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few reasons why. To begin with, they are typically made more for utility than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locks are usually simple to manipulate. Prowlers also have a greater opportunity of approaching undetected as the doors are typically at the back of your house. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding patio door may be the most-utilized entryway at your house. You might a habit of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even when you lock your door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that housebreakers can unlock with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more likely to shatter glass when they’re hidden from sight. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to smash.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could attempt to pry the door out of its track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they are able to squeeze through.

Even though it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to improve your security. Discover what your options are.

Better protect your Manhattan home’s sliding glass door

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

• Implement security cameras. When potential intruders see cameras, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to be captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively deter prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to enter or break the glass. Advanced systems will also alert you with communications to your home security smartphone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic solutions and easy to operate. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A door brace is a simple solution that brings an additional layer to your protection. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted inside the door’s lower track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Manhattan from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-7 monitoring agents will be informed immediately. Reach out to (332) 208-9869 today to get more information and book your professional installation.