How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the plentiful daylight it brings in and the easy access it provides to your outdoor living space. These entrances are valuable elements of any Tampa home, but also present security risks. Discover why they’re a target for burglars and what you can do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Tampa

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a couple of explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for aesthetics than security. Most don’t use deadbolts, and their locking systems are typically simple to circumvent. They’re also placed at the rear of your Tampa house, giving burglars a better opportunity to approach unseen. 

How do trespassers bypass sliding doors?

When you have warm temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door may be the most-used doorway in your home. You may a routine of leaving it unlatched so your children can access the yard on their own. Even when you fasten the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

• Jimmy the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that intruders can force open with a common tool.
• Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re out of sight. The thin glass of many sliding doors is not difficult to shatter.
• Pry the door from its track. Burglars might try to pry the door off of its track and move it away from the frame with a crowbar or other equipment so they may fit through.

Even though it’s simple to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. Learn what your options are.

Better protect your Tampa home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most susceptible entrances in your Tampa home, here’s how to do so.

• Incorporate surveillance cameras. When potential thieves spot video cameras at your property, they’ll probably find a less protected target. They never want to take the chance of being caught on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively deter lurkers with audible and visual warnings.
• Integrate entrypoint sensors. Connect glass break and contact sensors within your integrated security system. The alarm will trigger if an unwanted visitor starts to intrude or shatter the window. Smart home systems will also alert you with communications to your home security cell phone app.
• Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a sliding glass door deadbolt. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and simple to operate. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar or brace is a time-tested solution that brings an additional layer to your defense. These are often solid wood supports positioned inside the bottom door track. Make certain it’s measured properly for a secure fit.

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

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all the entrances in your home with a comprehensive smart home in Tampa from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to video cameras. If anything triggers, you and your round-the-clock monitoring agents will be alerted immediately. Reach out to (813) 590-1845 today to learn more and schedule your professional installation.