How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the abundance of light it welcomes in and the convenient access it provides to your backyard. These doorways are beneficial features for any Portland residence, but also present safety risks. Learn why they’re a target for burglars and what you might do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Portland

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for utility than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are typically simple to bypass. They’re also positioned at the rear of your Portland home, giving intruders a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do trespassers circumvent sliding doors?

When experiencing bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding patio door may be the most-used entry at your home. You may develop a routine of leaving it open so your children can access your outdoor space on their own. Even when you fasten the door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that housebreakers can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more likely to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to break.
• Remove the door from its track. Thieves might try to pry the door out of its track and pull it away from the frame using a crowbar or other equipment so they may slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s not difficult to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Discover what you can do.

Better defend your Portland home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to enhance the security of one of your Portland home’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how you can do it.

• Implement video cameras. When potential thieves notice cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even find surveillance systems that actively scare off thieves with lights and sound.
• Connect door sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your comprehensive security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted guest tries to enter or break the glass. Advanced systems will even notify you with alerts to your home security cell phone app.
• Install a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and easy to operate. You could also incorporate a sturdy, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a security bar. A door brace is a simple method that provides one more layer to your defense. These are typically metal or solid wood supports fitted inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s designed properly for a tight fit.

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

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with an integrated smart home in Portland from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If a device triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Reach out to (503) 213-9485 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.