How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the easy access it offers to your backyard and the bounty of natural light it welcomes in. These entryways are valuable aspects of any Las Vegas residence, but also present security risks. Learn why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to prevent intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are common targets in Las Vegas

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also tempting to intruders. There are some straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. The majority don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are often simple to manipulate. They’re also installed at the back of your Las Vegas home, giving intruders a greater opportunity to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have bright and sunny days and nice temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-used entry at your home. You could develop a routine of leaving it unlatched so your little ones can effortlessly access the yard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that housebreakers can unlock with a common tool.
• Break the glass. Prowlers are more prone to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. Many sliding doors include thin glass that’s not hard to smash.
• Remove the door from its track. Burglars could attempt to pry the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another device so they may fit through.

Although it’s simple to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also easy to improve your security. See how you can make it happen.

Better protect your Las Vegas home’s sliding glass door

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

• Implement security cameras. When potential thieves spot cameras around your house, they’ll most likely try to locate a less protected target. They won’t want to be caught on camera. You can even choose surveillance tools that actively scare off prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will sound if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or break the window. You’ll also receive a notification through your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt manufactured for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are popular options and easy to use. You might also choose a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Install a security bar. A security bar is a time-tested approach that adds one more layer to your defense. These are often solid wood reinforcements placed within the lower door track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Las Vegas

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Las Vegas from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be alerted right away. Call (725) 444-7026 today to get more information and schedule your professional installation.