As a homeowner, you cherish your sliding glass doors for their ability to flood your home with natural light and provide seamless indoor-outdoor living. However, these beautiful features can also be a potential weak point in your home’s security. Don’t worry – you can enhance your sliding door’s security without sacrificing its aesthetic appeal.
How to protect your sliding glass doors from break-ins
Here are several effective methods to fortify your sliding glass doors against break-ins:
- Install a dowel rod: Place a wooden or metal rod in the door track as a secondary lock. This simple solution prevents the door from opening even if the main lock is compromised. Cost: $3-$10.
- Add a security sensor: These devices alert you when the door is opened, providing an extra layer of protection when you’re at home. Wireless Door Alarm Cost: Around $25.
- Use a glass shatter alarm: This detects both the sound and vibration of breaking glass, immediately alerting you to a potential break-in attempt. Something like this – Window Alarm system Cost: Under $30 for two doors.
- Secure the track: Install sheet metal screws or washers in the upper track, leaving just enough space for the door to slide. This prevents the door from being lifted out of its frame. Here’s a short video on how you can do this – Prevent Sliding Door lift up. Cost: About $2.
- Reinforce the glass: Applying security window film to your sliding door glass can significantly delay and deter break-ins. It holds shattered glass together, making it much harder for intruders to enter quickly. While more expensive, this option provides substantial protection.
- Install security screens:
- This is the most effective method to address vulnerabilities in sliding doors, transforming them from the weakest entry point to the strongest. Security door screens feature a durable stainless-steel mesh that resists cutting, kicking, and impacts. They allow for airflow and visibility while offering a formidable barrier against intruders. Custom-fitted to your sliding doors, these security screens protect your home without compromising functionality or aesthetics. Although they may be pricier than some alternatives (typically ranging from $1,800 to $2,500 per door), they deliver exceptional long-term security and peace of mind.
Maximizing Sliding Door Security: Combine Methods for Comprehensive Home Protection
Remember, the effectiveness of these security measures depends on consistent use. Make checking your sliding glass doors part of your nightly routine and always secure them when leaving home. Consider combining multiple methods for maximum protection – for instance, using a security screen along with a dowel rod and shatter alarm.
By implementing these security measures, you transform your sliding glass doors from a potential vulnerability into a strong point in your home’s overall security. This allows you to fully enjoy the beauty and convenience of your sliding doors while knowing you’ve taken smart, comprehensive steps to protect your home and loved ones from break-ins.
Starmor can help you protect your home whether it’s security screens, security window film or solar control window tinting. For more information or a free, no obligation consultation with one or our technical experts contact us
