Top 5 Ways To Secure Sliding Glass Doors from Burglars

Top 5 Ways to Secure Sliding Glass Door From Burglars

Nowadays it can be said that most modern residential homes have a sliding glass door that provides either access to a patio, a backyard, or a side area. many consider sliding glass doors to be a weak point when it comes to forced entry from a burglar or home invader however in this guide we will be going over some of our top five ways to secure sliding glass doors. It's important not to neglect the security of a sliding glass door as home security is only as good as its weakest link, which in some cases, is certainly a sliding glass door.

Our top five ways to secure sliding glass doors from burglars include: applying a shatterproof film to the glass. Adding blocking bars into the track of the glass door. Adding window locks in addition to locking bars to help mitigate the door from being opened. Surrounding the door with an alarm system that is visible to a potential intruder. And finally, ensuring that the sliding glass door itself has a strong lock with a latch that is powerful enough to withstand someone pulling on it.

It's important to always keep a sliding glass door properly maintained and to regularly do checks to make sure they are working correctly. 

1. Shatterproof Film

When it comes to our customers asking us how they can improve the security of their sliding glass door from break in attacks, our go-to answer is generally applying a shatterproof film to the glass and a blocking bar if necessary. Applying shatterproof film is generally a cost-effective solution that can be either transparent or tinted to help with the Sun, and it will ensure that the glass is harder to break. applying a shatterproof film to a sliding glass door might be a good idea if living in an area with frequent hurricanes as it could also help with that. 

Besides using shatterproof film, many companies also sell impact-resistant sliding glass doors which can achieve the same result. Some companies sell hurricane proof sliding glass doors that can withstand bricks and other hard objects being hurled at them at very fast speeds. Shatterproof film is generally regarded as the more cost-effective solution out of the two. 

2. Blocking Bars

Blocking bars are generally placed in the tracks of a sliding glass door to prohibit the glass door from opening, as the blocking bar will not allow the door to be opened. Blocking bars are generally just straight pieces of metal or wood. Many companies will sell blocking bars online, however, we generally suggest that customers go to a dollar store for a cheap wooden broom and cut the handle to fit the perfect size of their sliding glass door. This may be the most cost-effective solution but metal will always be stronger than wood against a brute force attack. 

3. Window Locks or Security Pins

Window locks are sometimes able to be used on sliding glass doors and they can add extra layers of security. Window locks and other sliding patio door locks can be screwed onto the frame or track to prohibit the door from opening, similar to a blocking bar. Security pins can be added also. With a security pin, a homeowner will drill a hole through the bottom right interior corner of the sliding door and partially into the frame, big enough for a metal pin to fit into. A security pin is a hardened steel pin that can be placed into the hole and will hold the two doors together.

4. Alarm System & Glass Break Detector

 A good way to secure sliding glass doors from a break-in attempt will be to surround the outside of the door with alarm system notifications. It has been proven that burglars are less likely to invade a residence if there is a presence of an alarm system. In addition to an alarm system for the sliding glass door, it's also highly recommended to add a glass break detector on the glass. This is generally a simple and cost-effective solution that, when done correctly, will trigger a loud alarm as soon as the sliding glass door’s glass is broken.

Nowadays it's very possible to get do-it-yourself alarm kits which are pretty affordable. While an alarm system might not do anything to physically secure the door, it has been indicated by the F. B. I. that burglars are 2.7 times more likely to target homes without alarm systems. Many products are on the market that don't have subscription fees or installation costs besides purchasing of the original unit itself. An alarm system works well with a motion-triggered floodlight covering the outside of the sliding glass door. Many alarm systems today can be synced with the homeowners smartphone, allowing instant messages and alerts. Read about 8 more surprising home burglary facts on Safewise.

5. Strong Locks

It's important not to neglect the locks themselves that are placed on the sliding glass doors and ensure that the latches are secure and strong enough to withstand a forced entry attempt such as a criminal with a crowbar. Sliding glass doors are often considered so vulnerable because of how simple it would be to throw a brick through a window or to force the door open. There are many different types of sliding glass door locks that can be found online and at common home department stores, and it may be a good investment if the security of a sliding door is in question.

Summary 

We feel that it is also important to mention that protecting the perimeter of the sliding glass door is also important, as well as protecting the actual glass door itself. This means that a sliding glass door that is facing a public alley is more likely to get burglarized than a sliding glass door which is fully equipped with all of the options above, and securely located in a backyard which has strong surrounding walls and extra security attributes such as a guard dog. 

It may also be a good idea to consider keeping blinds closed and/or curtains covering sliding glass doors when necessary, like around night time. Maybe consider placing a motion sensor outside on the porch or around the sliding glass door, additionally, motion-detecting floodlights are good preventives for scaring off Intruders. Those who are on a budget might consider installing dummy security cameras around the sliding glass door as it can also help scare off potential intruders.

Additional Resources:

• https://www.cpss.net/about/blog/2016/10/4-tips-to-protect-sliding-doors-from-burglars/

• https://securitynerd.com/securing-sliding-glass-doors/

• https://www.reviews.org/home-security/protect-sliding-door/

• https://www.gvlock.com/blog/6-ways-protect-secure-sliding-glass-door/

• https://securityamp.com/sliding-glass-door-security/

• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/sliding-door-security/

• https://www.angieslist.com/articles/5-tips-make-your-sliding-door-more-secure.htm

About Us: Locksmith Services Longmont is a locksmith company that is local to the Northern Colorado area. We provide lock and key solutions to a wide area around Longmont CO, and we can assist with automotive locksmith services, residential locksmith services, commercial locksmith services, and much more. We have technicians that are available to assist anytime 24/7, they’re expertly equipped, professionally trained, and highly skilled at what they do. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with things such as lockout services, lock rekeying, lock installations, lock replacements, and more.

10 Tips For Staying Safe At Home

In this guide we go over 10 different ways that a homeowner or individual can keep themselves safe at home, as well as some useful tips and tricks that might be of interest. We believe it’s always important to remain vigilant in any situation. Check out these 10 steps that can be followed for maximum home safety and preparedness.

10. Keep your emergency numbers ready

It's always a good rule to have the numbers of your local emergency responders, like the police station, fire department, local locksmiths, and nearby hospitals written somewhere on-hand for emergency situations. Other good emergency contacts to have are poison control centers, trusted neighbors, and nearby relatives or family friends. Make sure that any emergency contact list is legible and always in a safe, memorable spot; this can save valuable time in an emergency situation. If you are staying in a foreign country, make sure you know their emergency telephone numbers.

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9. Be aware of your emergency plans

Although many people don't like to think about the worst case scenario, it's usually a good idea to have at least a basic emergency plan for the most common situations such as: fires, natural disasters, and home invasions. Make sure you always have multiple escape routes in the event of a fire, and if you aren't alone, make sure others know where to go in an emergency. It might be a good idea to prepare for natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and even hurricanes, depending on your location. If you are making emergency plans for a home invasion, make sure to think out all the possible escape routes, where you could hide inside the house, plans for your family, etc. Don't be caught in an emergency situation whilst being unprepared.

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8. Keep your emergency supplies safe and accessible

Time is your enemy in an emergency. Keep all emergency supplies readily available and always in the same location so they can be easily found in a crisis situation. No one wants to spend time looking for their supplies in the middle of an emergency. Keep your first aid kit and other medical supplies in a bathroom drawer or designate a closet shelf for holding emergency supplies. Keep one or more fire extinguishers throughout your home so you can ensure that it doesn't burn down if there’s a fire, perhaps in the kitchen while cooking dinner. If you live with others, make sure everyone knows how to operate the fire extinguisher. Keep one of your fire extinguishers in your kitchen under the sink, and, if you have more than one fire extinguisher, keep one on the other side of your home. Keep a flashlight or two in obvious places around the house in case your lights go out due to a power outage.

Check out these Important Safety Tips For Your Home Garage

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7. Don't leave spare keys in obvious places for intruders to find

It's very common for home owners to leave a spare key hidden in their front or backyard in the event of being locked out. Some burglars go door to door checking in common spots for spare keys lying around, like under door mats, potted plants, garden rocks, etc. The best place to leave your spare key would be with a trusted neighbor or in a locked hiding place. A good example of a locked hiding place would be hiding the house key in a backyard shed, locking the shed, and hiding the shed key very well, thus adding an extra layer of security to your home.

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6. Never mention that you are staying home alone

While this is especially true for kids, it also applies to adults. If you are ever alone and someone comes to your door, always be skeptical, and never tell them that you're home alone as you might seem like an easier target. If you happen to be living in an apartment building or gated community, don't let just anyone that buzzes you in. It's also a good idea to not post on social media, like Twitter or Facebook, that you're home by yourself.

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5. Use an alarm system or security cameras

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Having an alarm system or a security camera system can give you the early alert you might need to escape or prepare for the home invader. Security cameras allow you to see any problems that might arise around the house or surrounding property. There are multiple different types of alarm systems, so make sure you get one that works best for your needs. Some alarm systems are built for detecting intruders, while others are geared towards the homeowner's health by reading for smoke from fires, carbon monoxide, and other harmful emissions.

Check out these Tips For Installing Outdoor home Security Cameras

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4. Keep all your doors and windows locked

Never take a chance with your safety when it comes to leaving doors and windows open or unlocked. Countless home invaders and serial killers have preyed upon homeowners that have inadvertently left their home open to unwelcome guests. Don't make the same fatal mistake and always keep your doors and windows locked when you can't keep an eye on them. This can be particularly important for ground floor windows and doors where intruders are most likely to gain entry. It might even be wise to install additional security hardware such as security bars on your windows, depending on where you live.

Check out these Top 10 Ways To Secure Your Home Windows

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3. Don't go in your home if it appears broken into

This is a pretty solid piece of advice for staying safe. If you come home and you see a broken window or a door wide open that you remember closing, don't go in for a closer look. Call the police from a neighbor's house and wait for them to arrive and check the home for you. If you remember leaving with all the lights off, but you come home and there are lights on, then something is out of place. Try calling the house phone if you have one to see if a family member is home. Checking on the situation by yourself could be dangerous, especially if there are thieves in your home still trying to ransack the place. Don't put yourself in harm's way!

Check out these Tips For Increasing your Home Security

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2. Be aware of your surroundings

This might seem like pretty common knowledge, but always be aware of your surroundings, even at home. If you are staying home alone, make sure you aren't listening to music or have your TV too loud so you can still hear your surroundings. If you are on your computer playing loud video games and you can't hear someone breaking a window in the other room, it might end badly for you, as you probably wouldn't hear them sneaking up on you either.

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1. Look at your home as a home invader would

Don't become a burglar by any means, but take a good look at your home from all sides. How would a burglar approach your home? Are there large windows that could be easily broken? Is the backdoor lock the same security rating as the front door? Do you have security deterrents like an alarm system, cameras, or a dog? Ask yourself all these questions and more to prepare in an appropriate manner. The more you prepare for a home invader the less of a target you become. Home invaders are lazy and they typically strike hard and fast. Most burglaries happen in under 10 minutes and more than half of them are from forced entry, like smashing a window. If you have some large windows with a bad view you could plant some large bushes in front of them to both hide your windows and act as security barriers.

Check out these Top 11 Tips For Backyard Security

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Stay Safe At Home

In 2015, an estimated 2.7 million people, or nearly one percent of all persons age 12 or older in the United States, experienced one or more violent victimization’s. An estimated 10.0 million households, 7.6 percent of all households, experienced one or more property victimization’s. - Bureau of Justice Statistics

Hopefully you have found some of these tips to be useful. Remember to always be careful no matter where you are and always do your own research in advance.

About us:

Locksmith Services Longmont is a local Longmont locksmith company. We provide lock and key services to residents and businesses throughout Northern Colorado. Our mobile locksmiths are available 24/7 for same day services in 30 minutes or less. We offer locksmith services in Longmont and the surrounding communities within a 30 mile radius, including large cities like Denver, Greeley, Loveland, and Boulder. Call or contact us anytime for assistance with lockouts, rekeying, installations, and other lock or key requirements in the Longmont, CO area.

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Important Safety Tips For Your Home Garage

Garages can often be used for many different purposes besides just storing a car. Below are some helpful tips that can be used to make a residential garage safer.

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Be Careful Storing Dangerous Chemicals

An important safety tip for keeping a garage safe is to store all the dangerous chemicals away from children and animals. Remember to hide or elevate any potentially hazardous liquids and materials such as gasoline, pesticides, fertilizers, paint thinners, bleaches, oils, etc.

Keep any propane tanks locked up and disconnected when not in use and make sure to store any flammable liquids away from open flames and hot spots.

Consider investing in some garage organizer bins to prevent tripping hazards and utilize garage ceiling space to keep things off the floor.

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Keep Storage Areas Organized To Avoid Accidents

A great way to passively keep yourself and others safe in the garage is to install shelving and other adequate storage containers. By keeping the garage and the surrounding storage areas neat and organized it will help to reduce clutter, therefore lowering the possibility of tripping on something. Consider investing in a storage solution that will utilize the garage ceiling for storage space and keep the floor clear of anything that could be a tripping hazard.

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Watch Out For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Garages are common places for carbon monoxide buildups, which is hazardous to human health and potentially fatal if left unchecked. Carbon monoxide gas is completely odorless and invisible to the naked eye.

While in a closed garage, never leave a vehicle running or use power equipment with an internal combustion engine like portable generators or pressure washers. Carbon monoxide can also leech from a garage into a home and potentially cause other health and safety concerns. Consider installing a carbon monoxide alarm in the garage for increased peace of mind.

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Be Aware Of Flammable Materials And Liquids

While this still might fall under the category of storing dangerous chemicals, it's still important to mention the hazards of flammable materials.

Don't store any items such as gasoline, paint thinner, or anything flammable near an ignition source such as a hot water heater or air conditioning unit.

Always make sure that the garage is properly ventilated so no harmful toxins can build up. Always keep a class B or C fire extinguisher somewhere in the garage where it can be easily accessed.

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Make Sure The Garage Is Well Lit

Another safety tip for the garage is to always ensure that it is well lit— both inside and outside. Keeping the garage bright outside will help to scare off burglars, and keeping an inside light on will help prevent tripping hazards and might confuse potential intruders as to whether someone is home.

Make sure all light switches are easy to find, not covered or blocked, and in an easy to access location. Put switches for outside lights inside the garage so they can’t be used from outside. Consider investing in a utility shop light with a pull string to hang from the garage ceiling.

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Keep The Garage Door Well Maintained

Since the sliding garage door itself is such a big entrance, it's important to make sure it closes securely and is in good condition.

A good practice is to walk around the interior and exterior of the garage door and make sure all the bolts and screws are tightened. Make sure to test any electric garage door openers if possible and regularly check the trip sensor to double check the door will stop closing if an obstruction is detected.

Consider investing in a garage door sensor that can send alerts when the garage door is left open.

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Be Aware Of What’s In The Driveway

Did you know that each year more than 9000 children are treated in emergency rooms for injuries that occurred while they were unattended around motor vehicles? Safekids.org also advises parents to walk all the way around their parked car in the driveway to check for children before reversing or driving off.

Keep items like toys, bikes, chalk, and anything else that could attract children or thieves locked in the garage or a storage area instead of outside on the driveway.

Consider investing in a driveway motion alarm to receive notifications when movement is detected.

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Make Sure All Garage Entryways Are Secure

An important part of keeping every garage safe is to always ensure that the doors and windows leading into the garage are sturdy enough to keep out burglars.

Install high security locks on all entrance doors and keep every window covered as to prevent potential burglars from peering inside.

Use keyless deadbolts to keep doors locked from the inside only at night and keep all overhead garage doors locked securely when at home.

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Child And Pet Proof The Garage

According to the ASPCA there are many items commonly stored in garages that are hazardous and potentially fatal for young children and pets. Some of these garage dangers for children and pets include insecticides, veterinary products, household items, prescriptions, rodenticides, and garden products like herbicides and fungicides.

Keep garages safe by being aware of where items are stored, even for those that don't have a pet or a child. Be prepared for visitors and any worst case scenarios; always try to keep garage interiors as kid and animal friendly as possible.

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Protect Vehicles From Theft Or Burglary

Keeping personal and work vehicles securely locked in a garage is a good way to keep burglars and other criminals away from the home. Vehicles that are left parked in the driveway, on the street, or in a parking lot are much more likely to be vandalized, broken into, or even stolen than those in a garage. The safest thing that can be done for a vehicle is to keep it secure in a garage with the keys tightly locked away in a separate room.

Those with a keyless entry system might consider keeping their car keys locked away securely overnight so thieves can't exploit the radio signals in the fob to remotely gain access to the vehicle.

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Keep Garages Safe With These Important Garage Safety Tips

Every garage door is an important part of a homes perimeter, so keep it well maintained and it will function properly for a long time. Keep in mind the dangers that all items may pose to the health and safety of the occupants.

Locksmith Services Longmont is a local locksmith company in North Colorado. We provide fully mobile 24/7 locksmith services to homeowners and businesses in Denver, Longmont, Boulder, Greeley, Fort Collins, Estes Park, and more. Call us today or book online for help with lockout services, rekeying, lock changes, lock installations, and other locksmith services in Northern Colorado.

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