Criminals seeking an easy way into a house frequently target the weakest link, often sliding glass doors. They are usually unlocked and have an extremely simple locking mechanism.
A few simple things can be done to safeguard a home when you’re using glass doors, and we will go through them after we cover the basics below.
Quick Summary Chart
| No. | Method | Pros | Cons | Effectiveness Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Place Security Bar on the Track | – Simple and easy to install | – Only useful when you’re at home | 3 |
| 2 | Install Impact-Resistant Sliding Doors | – Can withstand strong impacts | – Expensive | 4 |
| 3 | Use One-Way Window Film | – Can act as a deterrent | – Only effective during the day | 2 |
| 4 | Configure Glass-Break Detectors or Door Sensors | – Raises an alarm when a break-in is attempted | – False alarms can be triggered | 4 |
| 5 | Maintain The Track | – Ensures that the door functions smoothly | – Doesn’t add any physical security to the door | 2 |
| 6 | Install a Better Lock | – Offers more security than a basic lock | – Some locks can be picked or bypassed | 3 |
How to Keep Sliding Glass Doors Safe
Planning how to keep intruders out of sliding glass doors is simple. There are several simple things you can take to discourage potential robbers.
1. Place Security Bar on the Track
Installing a security bar in the door track is one of the simplest ways to protect a standard sliding glass door. To fit inside the track, cut a piece of wood or rod to fit. Place the bar on the track and close the door. That way, a thief won’t be able to open the door by pulling on it from the outside.
While they may appear simple, security bars are among the most popular do-it-yourself additions to a sliding door. To keep your sliding door from opening, cut a thin block of wood that fits in the track next to it. Metal options with screw-in attachments and adjustable arms are also available.
2. Install Impact-Resistant Sliding Doors
Impact-resistant doors, often known as hurricane sliding glass doors, are built to withstand the impact of large items. As a result, breaking the glass is more difficult. In the most extreme cases, a hurricane glass door may be required.
High-impact-proof glass doors are built to withstand storms and are difficult, if not impossible, to shatter. “Hurricane-proof” sliding doors will significantly increase your investment, and they will be difficult to break through a robber. (1)
3. Use One-Way Window Film
This is more of a deterrent and should be used with the other methods and not alone. Installing a one-way mirrored film on the doors is a terrific technique to keep prying eyes from looking into the house and can act as a deterrent since some robbers may not know if you are inside and avoid breaking in.
A one-way mirrored film keeps burglars from breaking your door’s glass and breaking in quickly. Security film can be tinted or transparent, depending on your preferences. It will even repel flying debris, which will aid in protecting your home during hurricanes.
Outsiders will be able to see out the door, but they will not be able to see in. However, window film is only effective during the day. Consider putting up curtains or other privacy devices at night.
4. Configure Glass-Break Detectors or Door Sensors
Glass break sensors are an excellent security system option for homes with sliding glass doors. Most burglars would prefer to take their chances on an unprotected home. If the sound of breaking glass is detected, glass break detectors raise the alarm.
A door sensor would raise an alert if an attacker tried to pry the door open. Both techniques are effective deterrents to potential intruders.
5. Maintain The Track
Set a reminder on your calendar to clean the track at least once a season. As dust, dirt, and leaves accumulate beneath the door, knocking it off its track becomes much easier. A sliding glass door expert can also assist you in replacing the track if it has become worn or warped over time.
Inspect the door track regularly to verify it is clear of debris and that the door opens and closes smoothly. Anything that inhibits the door from working properly can constitute a flaw, exposing it to more prospective invaders.
6. Install a Better Lock
On the market, you’ll find a variety of inventive sliding door locks, many of which are designed specifically to deter intruders. The right one for you is frequently determined by the material of your patio door and how it latches.
Consider removing the door’s basic latching mechanism and replacing it with a keyed lock. Installing a sliding door lock, which is meant to fasten the door to the frame, is another alternative. Consider replacing a standard slider with one that is developed with more security features.
Another great idea is installing blocks on the slider; some devices, like door jammers, are placed over the track and keep the door from opening even when the lock is opened. And to add more to your security home, you may also want to install security cameras inside and outside your home.
The first line of defense is a lock. Keep your sliding door shut and locked at all times. While the ordinary sliding door lock isn’t very powerful or secure, it’s preferable to nothing. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce the threat, such as hanging blackout curtains or replacing the door entirely. Choose the security measures best for you and your budget to protect your home in the long run. (2)
Why Sliding Glass Doors Can Cause a Security Risk
Traditional sliding glass doors are practical, with one fixed panel and one panel that opens to the outside. They let you enjoy the countryside’s natural beauty without exposing your home to the weather. Regrettably, they pose some security concerns.
A normal sliding glass door without any added safety features puts your property at risk of a break-in in four ways:
- With a little jiggling, you can easily unlatch sliding glass doors.
- Sliding glass doors are typically found on the sides or back of a house, away from high-traffic areas.
- Sliding glass doors allow a broad view inside your home, giving burglars a clear view of anything of worth within.
- If not strengthened, sliding glass doors can easily be shattered, rattled, or pulled off their rails.
Deciding how to secure sliding glass doors is critical for enjoying them safely. The following are some typical security issues with sliding glass doors. Here’s an article detailing adding more security to your sliding door.
1. They are Very Commonly Unlocked
Sliding glass doors use latches rather than locks. Inexperienced burglars easily overcome most factory-installed latches. Alternatively, they may lift the door off its track and out of the way, which usually does not require using any tools. A regular old brick is a burglar’s preferred sliding door break-in tool. With one strong throw, they’re inside your house.
Leaving sliding glass doors unlocked is tempting because they are so convenient and provide easy outdoor access. Thieves know this and act quickly to take advantage of the situation.
2. The Locks are too Easy to Bypass
Most glass doors have a latching lock that can only be accessed from the inside. The lock is made up of a metal hook that fits into the door frame. When the latch attachment becomes loose and begins to slip, it may no longer hook properly.
A burglar can easily overcome the locking mechanism on most sliding glass doors. When the door is shut, the lock is often little more than a latch that hooks into the frame.
3. They are Out of Sight
Because most sliding glass doors are located at the back or side of the house, they are frequently hidden from view. Unwanted visitors may find it easier to access the door without proper lighting or a sensory alarm. Because of the solitude, criminals have complete cover and plenty of time to break in undetected.
How Do Burglars Bypass Sliding Glass Doors
When it comes to knowing how to safeguard sliding glass doors, it’s crucial to know how criminals take advantage of these flaws. The standard factory locks with sliding glass doors aren’t always of the highest quality.
A locksmith can assist in determining whether it provides an adequate level of security. The lock may require reinforcement or replacement.
The following are some of the most typical methods robbers get around sliding glass doors:
1. Lockpicking/Breaking the Door lock
Most sliding doors have only one door lock, which can be easily opened with a screwdriver or forced open by a skilled burglar. As previously indicated, they have a simple latch that latches onto the door frame. These locks are notoriously faulty. A thief can grab the door and jiggle it open, breaking the lock and forcing it open.
2. Glass Breaching
Most sliding glass doors are tempered glass, which can break easily. When tempered glass is cracked, it shatters into tiny pieces with no sharp edges. As a result, criminals can enter through broken glass without harming themselves.
3. Removing the Door From the Frame
Instead of hinges, most sliding glass doors use exposed door tracks. As a result, a burglar has simple access to pry the door off the track and into the house. A burglar can lift a sliding door with a screwdriver, move it off the tracks, and out of the way with a crowbar. The intruder is simply reversing the installation process.
References
(1) increase your investment – https://www.forbes.com/sites/ryanguina/2019/08/30/simple-ways-to-increase-your-investment-returns/
(2) budget – https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1109/6-reasons-why-you-need-a-budget.aspx
