How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the effortless access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful daylight it lets in. These entryways are valuable elements of any Chico property, but also pose safety risks. Discover why they’re preferred by burglars and what you can do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Chico

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are a few simple explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly made more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are usually a cinch to bypass. They’re also installed at the back of your Chico residence, giving prowlers a better chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have clear days and warm temperatures, your sliding door could be the most-utilized entry at your house. You might a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your children can readily enter and exit to the backyard. Even when you secure the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Thieves are more prone to break glass when they’re out of sight. Countless sliding doors use thin glass that’s not difficult to smash.
• Force the door from its track. Burglars may try to force the door out of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other devices so they are able to squeeze through.

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

Better protect your Chico home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to boost the security of one of your Chico home’s most susceptible doors, here’s how you can do it.

• Install security cameras. When prospective invaders see video cameras around your house, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They never want to take the chance of being captured on camera. You can even find video cameras that actively discourage lurkers with lights and sound.
• Connect security sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if a burglar tries to enter or shatter the glass. Smart home systems will even alert you with updates to your home security smartphone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Replace or complement your basic flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are popular add-ons and easy to secure. You can also choose a more robust, key-operated deadbolt.
• Add a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a traditional method that adds an additional layer to your defense. These are typically solid wood supports fitted along the door’s bottom track. Ensure it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to better security with a Vivint smart home in Chico

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entrances with a fully connected smart home in Chico from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from surveillance cameras to door and window sensors. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Contact (530) 460-6338 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.