How to secure a sliding glass door

You adore your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your outdoor living space and the plentiful natural light it lets in. These doorways are desirable elements of any Tulsa property, but also present safety risks. See why they’re targeted by theives and what you might do to stop break-ins.

Why sliding glass doors are frequent targets in Tulsa

As sought-after as sliding glass doors are to residents, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a couple of straightforward explanations. First and foremost, they are typically constructed more for function than security. Many don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking mechanisms are often simple to circumvent. Prowlers also have a better chance of approaching unseen as the doors are typically at the back of your residence. 

How do intruders force entry through sliding doors?

During nice temperatures and sun-splashed days, your sliding glass door might be the most-utilized entryway in your home. You could develop a routine of keeping it open so your children can readily enter and exit to the yard. Even when you lock your door, determined prowlers can get around it. Here’s how:

• Manipulate the lock. A lot of sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
• Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to smash glass when they’re concealed from view. Some sliding doors include thin glass that’s easy to break.
• Pry the door from its track. Thieves might try to force the door off of its track and yank it away from the frame with a crowbar or another implement so they can slip through.

Despite the fact that it’s easy to circumvent sliding glass doors, it’s also not hard to step up your security. See what your options are.

Better protect your Tulsa home’s sliding glass door

If you’re ready to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable entrances in your Tulsa residence, here’s how you can do it.

• Install video cameras. When would-be intruders spot cameras around your house, they’ll probably try to find an easier target. They never want to be recorded on camera. You can even get surveillance tools that actively discourage prowlers with audible and visual warnings.
• Use entrypoint sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will go off if an unwanted visitor starts to enter or break the glass. Modern systems will also notify you with alerts to your home security mobile app.
• Install a more secure lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific add-ons and straightforward to secure. You can also choose a heavier-duty, keyed deadbolt.
• Add a door brace. A security bar is a time-tested solution that brings one more layer to your defense. These are traditionally solid wood or metal supports positioned along the door’s lower track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a tight fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Tulsa

Better safeguard your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a fully connected smart home in Tulsa from Vivint. We provide all the tools you need, from door and window sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If anything trips, you and your 24-hour monitoring experts will be alerted instantly. Contact (918) 731-3376 today to learn more and arrange your professional installation.