How to secure a sliding glass door

You love your sliding glass door for the convenient access it creates to your outdoor living space and the abundance of natural light it welcomes in. These entryways are beneficial elements of any Fargo residence, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re targeted by theives and what you might do to prevent break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are often targeted in Fargo

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are some reasons why. To begin with, they are typically constructed more for utility than security. Most don’t have deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to bypass. They’re also placed at the back of your Fargo house, giving intruders an improved chance to approach without being seen. 

How do burglars force entry through sliding doors?

When you have pleasant temperatures and sunny days, your sliding door might be the most-frequented doorway in your home. You could a routine of leaving it open so your little ones can easily go back and forth to the outdoor area. Even when you fasten the door, determined intruders can get around it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Break the glass. Home invaders are more prone to shatter glass when they’re out of sight. Many sliding doors have thin glass that’s not difficult to break.
• Force the door from its track. Criminals might attempt to force the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they can slip through.

Although it’s easy to bypass sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. See how you can do so.

Better protect your Fargo home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of the most at-risk entryways in your Fargo house, here’s how you can do it.

• Incorporate security cameras. When prospective intruders notice surveillance around your house, they’ll likely try to locate a less protected target. They don’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even choose surveillance systems that actively discourage thieves with sound and lights.
• Use door sensors. Connect contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar attempts to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also be sent an alert through your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Reinforce your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to operate. You might also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
• Install a door brace. A security bar or brace is a traditional solution that adds another layer to your security. These are often metal or solid wood reinforcements placed inside the door’s bottom track. Make certain it’s sized properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with a comprehensive smart home in Fargo from Vivint. We have all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Contact (701) 699-4489 today to get more information and book your professional installation.