You’ve probably walked past your sliding glass door a hundred times without thinking about how easy it might be to break in. Most homeowners don’t realize that sliding doors are often the weakest link in home security. Whether you’re in a suburban home or a downtown apartment, that beautiful glass door could be an open invitation to someone with bad intentions.
The good news? Protecting your home doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Doctor Lock has helped hundreds of local homeowners upgrade their sliding door security, and we’re about to share exactly how you can do the same.
Sliding Door Security: Protecting Your Home’s Weakest Entry Point
For years, we’ve assisted homeowners in Greenwood Village, CO and beyond in making their properties more secure. In that time, we’ve unearthed some key revelations about how sliding doors can be subverted that might just catch you off guard. Let’s cover the primary points you should know to ensure your domicile isn’t breached.
Why Sliding Doors Are Security Nightmares?
Vulnerable is a word few people associate with their sliding doors. Yet these entry points are among a burglar’s favorite targets and are exceptionally good at getting an intruder inside the house. Why? For one thing, sliding-door locks are among the cheapest, flimsiest locks you’ll find. Even if you do have a decent lock, sliding doors have a big design flaw that makes them a much easier target than swinging doors.
This isn’t just a theoretical problem. Weak factory-installed locks typify sliding doors. Even a person with minimal skills can defeat these locks in seconds. Sliding doors, with their large glass panels and simple locking mechanisms, are an open invitation to potential intruders.
Simple DIY Security Upgrades You Can Do Today
Here is some good news: You don’t need to spend a lot of money to boost the security of your sliding glass door. We found several low-cost, easy-to-do fixes that should cut your risk way down.
• Put in a secondary sliding door lock.
• Include a security bar in the track.
• Use window film to reinforce the glass.
• Make sure the door is aligned to require less effort to open it.
One of our favorite security tricks is the simple security bar. A bar of metal or wood placed in the track can prevent the door from being forced open, even if the main lock is compromised. It’s a cheap and effective solution that takes just minutes to implement.
You May Be Interested In: How Much Does It Cost To Install High-security Locks?
When to Call in the Pros?
Some upgrades to security demand the knowledge of professionals. If your problem is with complicated tracks, glass replacement, or next-level locking systems, a fast consultation with a pro can save you the money and the headaches you might face when trying to go it alone.
What most individuals fail to recognize is that a security audit done by professionals can pinpoint weak spots you may overlook entirely. Experts in physical security, such as locksmiths at Doctor Lock, can then recommend precisely what is needed to keep your home safe, secure, and protected. And what is said to be safe today may very well prove to be not so safe tomorrow.
Technology That Actually Works
How has technology changed sliding door security? Nowadays, we can afford integrated systems for monitoring and protection that work in real time. What does that even mean? It means that our sliding doors can be as secure as any other kind of door, thanks to smart locks and sensors.
• Door sensors that are wireless
• Smart locks that send alerts to your mobile device
• Lighting systems that are motion activated
• Coordination with your home’s security network
If you’re uncertain about the strength of your present lock against typical dangers, having a locksmith conduct a rapid security audit can prove highly beneficial.
Bonus: Top 3 Mistakes Homeowners Make
So what does that mean for you? Steer clear of these frequent security howlers:
• Failing to replace factory-standard locks
• Not securing doors properly or leaving them unlocked
• Ignoring basic upkeep that ensures tracks and locks work smoothly
Don’t forget that home security is not about achieving perfection. It’s about making your property a less appealing target for would-be intruders.
Final Thoughts
Your sliding door doesn’t have to be a weak point in your home security. With a few smart upgrades and a little maintenance, you can make it a low-risk entry point and regain the peace of mind you should enjoy in your home.
Remain safe, and do not hesitate to seek the advice of an expert if you have any doubts about any part of your domicile’s security.
Sliding door security doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a few smart strategies and the right approach, you can dramatically reduce your home’s vulnerability without feeling like you’re living in a fortress.
Not sure where to start? Doctor Lock offers free 15-minute security consultations for local homeowners. We can quickly assess your specific risks and recommend the most cost-effective solutions.
