Sliding glass doors are both decorative and functional, but they have some security weaknesses that must be addressed. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to secure a sliding glass door once you know the secrets. Here is what you need to know.
Weak Latches
Hopefully you are in the habit of locking all exterior doors, including your sliding glass door. Unfortunately, the built-in locks on sliding glass doors are nothing more than weak latches. Burglars know how to defeat these latches by skillfully wiggling and manipulating the door with their hands.
For better security, add a hardened steel loop lock to the top or bottom of the door, or a keyed patio door lock to the frame. Either solution makes it nearly impossible to jimmy the door, whether barehanded or with tools. If you are reasonably good with tools, you can install one of these more secure locks yourself. Otherwise, it is a simple fix for an experienced locksmith.
Concealment
Sliding glass doors tend to be installed on the back or side of a home, where they may be concealed from view by fencing, trees, or other structures. Thieves like this concealment, as it gives them more time to enter undetected.
A vibration detector or security alarm attached to the sliding glass door provides continuous monitoring. Choose a model that responds to any attempted breach, whether from broken glass or lock manipulation. Also keep in mind that this should be a secondary measure, not a replacement for physical security solutions.
Temptation
Sliding glass doors are great for exposing your home to natural light and giving you a view of the outside world. However, they also give potential burglars a close-up look at your valuables, from big-screen TVs to pricey works of art.
To fix this, you can simply install blinds or draperies, and close them tight when you are not at home. However, you then run the risk of someone casing your house while you are in it, and knowing exactly what is worth stealing when you leave. Instead, consider installing privacy film. It allows light in, but obscures the view through the glass.
Easy Dislocation
Even if you have upgraded the lock on your sliding glass door, the door itself can be easily dislocated from the track if the lock is broken or picked. Make sure the door stays in place by wedging something into the track. A simple wooden dowel, cut down to size, is an inexpensive option, but many people don’t like the look. Another option is an adjustable home security window bar. Inexpensive and easy to install, these bars are designed to stand up to even multiple impacts.
Breakage
Of course, many burglars never bother to try to pick or dismantle the lock. Instead, they simply break the glass to gain entry. Clear glass protection film is an easy solution. It is designed to make the glass extremely break-resistant, meaning that a burglar would have to dedicate significant time and energy to gaining entry. Since most would-be thieves look for crimes of opportunity, they are likely to move on rather than continuing to fight with your door.
Don’t let the inherent security weaknesses convince you to give up the aesthetic beauty of a sliding glass door. Instead, focus on overcoming those weaknesses. Some fixes are easy to DIY, while others are best left to a professional locksmith. Either way, with a bit of effort, you can have a well-secured sliding glass door.
Texas Premier Locksmith is known as one of the premier locksmith companies across the state of Texas. If you are ready to form a relationship with a reliable, trustworthy locksmith, please give us a call today at (866) 948-8188.