Sliding glass doors make a beautiful addition to any home. They provide ample lighting, great views, and easy outdoor access.
Sounds great, right? Except, all the benefits that make sliding glass doors great, also make it easy to enter someone’s home.
Whether you’ve accidentally left the door unlocked, the glass isn’t shatterproof, or the lock just isn’t strong enough, sliding glass doors can pose a security risk.
But here’s the good news.
If you’ve installed sliding glass doors in your home, there are plenty of simple ways to improve security. Keep reading to learn about your 7 sliding glass door security options.
Why Sliding Doors Are Easy to Break In
There are a few reasons why sliding doors make it easy for someone to break into your house.
First, many sliding glass doors shatter easily. All it takes is a well-aimed rock or brick to break the glass. Once broken, anyone can enter your home.
Many sliding door options also come with basic latch locking systems that don’t provide strength or durability. They’re very easy to break or unlock without a key.
And finally, even when locked, it’s possible to shift or lift a sliding glass door from its track. Once lifted, it’s simple to open the sliding glass door and gain access to your home.
Best Sliding Door Security Options
To keep your home safe from intruders, it’s important to look at ways to improve security.
If you have or want a sliding glass door, you have several security options to keep your home safe.
Option 1: Install a Second Lock
Sliding glass doors typically come with a lock mechanism. However, this can expose a vulnerability in your home’s security.
If you forget to lock the sliding door, an intruder can easily enter your house. A single lock is also easier for an intruder to pick.
Installing a second lock creates extra sliding glass door security. You can install a second lock on the inside of the sliding door.
It’s also possible to install a lock on the interior at the top of the frame, to prevent the door from sliding open. Should you forget to lock the sliding door, or if an intruder picks the lock, the second lock acts as a failsafe.
Option 2: Jimmy Plate
Jimmy plates look like a flat piece of metal. A jimmy plate blocks the lock mechanism on a sliding door, which makes it more difficult to open from the outside.
Should you decide to add a jimmy plate to your sliding glass door, it’s best to pair it with a deadbolt.
A regular lock with a jimmy plate is easier to open.
In this case, it’s best to consult with a professional locksmith. They will know whether a deadbolt will work on your sliding glass door.
Option 3: Advanced Security Systems
Advanced security systems are a wonderful sliding glass door security option.
For example, companies like Deep Sentinel offer advanced, sliding glass door security options. It’s possible to:
Set up security cameras to monitor your property.
Assess and determine threats using artificial intelligence technology.
Alert security guards to activity on your property via live video streaming.
Call law enforcement to alert them to an active security issue.
With 30 to 60-second response times, installing an advanced security system ensures your sliding glass door always remains secure.
Option 4: Sliding Door Sensors
Sliding door sensors sound an alert when your door is opened or left open. Some sensors even come with an app that sends you an alert on your phone or calls for security.
You can also invest in sliding door sensors that automatically close your sliding glass door if left open. This is a great security feature should you forget to lock up before you leave your house.
Option 5: Broken Glass Detector
A broken glass detector is very similar to sliding door sensors. Should the glass on your sliding doors break, a sensor will go off. This alarm deters intruders from entering your home and can stop a burglary before it happens.
It’s possible to find broken glass detectors that sense vibrations. However, this option is incredibly sensitive and can trigger false alarms. Look for an audio-based broken glass detector that will sound when a sliding door is shattered.
Option 6: Security Bar
A security bar is a great option to add additional security to your sliding glass doors. Like an additional lock, a security bar braces against the door, effectively locking it in place.
Alternatively, it’s possible to DIY a security bar for your sliding glass door. Simply cut a piece of wood or find a dowel and insert it into the track when the door is shut to prevent anyone from entering from the outside.
Option 7: Window Film
Window films come in all different shades, shapes, and sizes. They make a superb sliding glass door security option as it’s more difficult to break the glass. Also, if your sliding glass door window is shattered, the film keeps the pieces in place for easy cleanup, removal, and replacement.
As window film is tinted, it also provides a measure of privacy, making it more difficult for an intruder to see inside your home.
The best part? The tint doesn’t impact the light coming through the glass door and into your home. You’ll get plenty of light while keeping your home and valuables safe.
How to Choose the Best Option for Your House
At the end of the day, you want to make sure your home is secure. This is why it’s important to use at least one or more of these 7 sliding glass door security options.
If you need to work within a budget, installing a strong lock or blocking the sliding door track with a wedge both help to increase security.
However, investing in quality systems like broken glass or open door sensors and alarms makes a difference in home security.
When it comes to sliding glass door security options, working with advanced security systems provides the peace of mind that every homeowner deserves.
