How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the effortless access it provides to your backyard retreat and the abundance of natural light it lets in. These entrances are valuable elements of any Santa Fe home, but also pose security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you can do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Santa Fe

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are a few reasons why. First and foremost, they are generally constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically a cinch to bypass. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the rear of your residence. 

How do trespassers force entry through sliding doors?

During sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding patio door might be the most-used entryway at your house. You could develop a habit of leaving it unlocked so kids can readily access the backyard. Even when you fasten the door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have non-keyed locks that burglars can circumvent with a common tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not hard to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Thieves might attempt to force the door off the track and move it away from the frame using a crowbar or other devices so they are able to fit through.

Although it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. Learn how you can do so.

Better protect your Santa Fe home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of your Santa Fe property’s most susceptible entrances, here’s how to do so.

• Implement security cameras. When would-be thieves see video cameras, they’ll most likely try to find an easier target. They never want to be captured on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively scare off lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Incorporate glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor attempts to come in or break the glass. Smart home systems will even alert you with updates to your security system’s cell phone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic add-ons and straightforward to use. You might also incorporate a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a simple approach that brings an additional layer to your security. These are traditionally solid wood or metal reinforcements placed within the lower door track. Make sure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a comprehensive smart home in Santa Fe from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If a device trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be informed right away. Contact (505) 605-2552 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.