How to secure a sliding glass door

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it offers to your backyard retreat and the plentiful daylight it brings in. These entryways are desirable elements of any New Orleans property, but also come with security concerns. Learn why they’re preferred by intruders and what you should do to avoid break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in New Orleans

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also tempting to thieves. There are some explanations. First and foremost, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are usually easy to circumvent. They’re also positioned at the rear of your New Orleans home, giving intruders a better chance to approach unseen. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

During clear days and pleasant temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-frequented doorway at your house. You could develop a habit of keeping it unlocked so your children can effortlessly enter and exit to the backyard. Even if you lock your door, determined prowlers can bypass it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can force open with a simple tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to break glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors use thin glass that’s easy to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves could try to pry the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another tool so they are able to fit through.

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

Better defend your New Orleans home’s sliding glass door

If you want to boost the security of one of your New Orleans property’s most at-risk entry points, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate video cameras. When prospective thieves spot cameras at your property, they’ll likely find an easier target. They won’t want to risk being recorded on camera. You can even get video cameras that actively deter lurkers with sound and lights.
• Connect security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted guest tries to enter or break the window. You’ll also be sent an update through your security system’s smartphone app.
• Upgrade the lock. Complement your basic flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific solutions and straightforward to use. You might also get a more robust, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a security bar. A security bar or brace is a simple approach that adds another layer to your defense. These are traditionally metal or solid wood reinforcements placed within the door’s lower track. Make sure it’s measured properly for a snug fit.

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

Better protect your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in New Orleans from Vivint. We offer all the equipment you need, from video cameras to door and window sensors. If something activates, you and your 24-hour monitoring specialists will be notified instantly. Reach out to (504) 285-9448 today to find out more and schedule your professional installation.