Sliding glass doors and windows are attractive because they let in more light and frequently open onto a deck or patio. On the other hand, the security risks of sliding glass are obvious. The larger glass panes are more prone to breaking, providing an easy entry point for anyone willing to break them. Similarly, if a sliding glass door is not properly installed and secured, it can be lifted right off the track and removed. Most sliding glass door latches are also less effective than traditional deadbolts. Examine all of your sliding glass doors to determine how to best secure each one. Several methods are available to help you enjoy your sliding glass while reducing the risk of a break-in Are sliding glass doors safe?
Dowel Bars
A dowel rod is a round stick that fits into a sliding glass door or window track to keep the glass pane from sliding across the track. If a thief disengages the latch on your sliding glass door, the thief will still be unable to open the door because the dowel rod on the other side is holding it shut. The key to effectively using a dowel rod is to measure the track and ensure that the dowel rod is only a half-inch shorter than the track. It must also be thin enough to fit effectively in the track. A triangular rod works best on a sliding glass window with a narrow track because the edge of the wood fits into the track and the thin track holds it firmly in place.
Sensor of Security
A security sensor alerts you when a sliding glass door is opened without your knowledge or permission. When the glass opens, it sends a signal to an alarm panel, which either triggers an alarm sound or automatically calls your alarm company, depending on your specific security system. When the alarm is turned off, the sliding panel can be opened and closed without triggering the sensors.
Alarm for Shatter
A shatter alarm is a sensor that detects both the sound of glass breaking and the vibrations of the window when it is struck in a home security system. As a result, if your sliding glass breaks, the alarm will notify you immediately. Most security companies charge an additional fee for a shatter alarm, but it is a worthwhile investment. This is especially true if you have a lot of sliding glass or a sliding door or window in a low-traffic area of the house, such as the basement. This alerts you to a home breach that you would not have discovered otherwise for some time. Genesis sliding glass door also does french door glass replacement.
Screws or washers made of sheet metal
Inserting a metal screw or a washer into the top of the frame or the track itself aids in keeping the sliding door or window from being lifted out of the frame. The screw or washer acts as a stopper, preventing the glass from being raised above that level. Before securing a washer or screw to ensure the sliding glass isn’t obstructed, make sure it still slides back and forth smoothly on the track.
Locks that are heavier
A typical sliding glass door lock is a latch shaped like a hook that latches onto the door frame. These latches are usually untrustworthy and can be forced open with a strong shake or pull. Another reason why dowel rods are so useful. Another option is to replace the basic latches with heavier-duty security locks designed specifically for sliding doors and windows. These locks are double-bolted and more difficult to tamper with than standard sliding glass latches. Sliding glass is often perceived as a greater security risk than traditional doors and windows, but this does not have to be the case.
With the right tools and diligence, you can enjoy all of the benefits of sliding glass without the risks. Check your sliding glass doors and windows every night before going to bed to ensure that all doors and windows are locked, the dowel rods are in place, and any sensors on the glass are active. Repair any damage to your sliding glass as soon as you notice it to keep the perimeter of your home in the best possible condition.
Why Sliding Glass Doors Can Pose a Security Risk
Traditional sliding glass doors are functional, with one fixed panel and one that opens to the outside. They allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape without exposing your home to the elements. Unfortunately, they pose some security risks. As a result, determining how to secure sliding glass doors is critical for safe enjoyment. The following are some of the most common security issues with sliding glass doors.
1. THEY ARE COMMONLY UNLOCKED
It is tempting to leave sliding glass doors unlocked because they are so convenient and provide such easy access to the outdoors. Thieves are aware of this and act quickly to take advantage of the situation.
2. THE LOCKS ARE OVERLY SIMPLE AND EASY TO GET AROUND
A burglar can easily bypass the locking mechanism on most sliding glass doors. When the door is closed, the lock is often nothing more than a latch that hooks into the door frame.
3. THEY ARE OUT OF SIGHT
The majority of sliding glass doors are hidden in the back of the house. The seclusion provides criminals with complete cover and ample time to break in undetected.
How Burglars Get Around Sliding Glass Doors
It is critical to understand how criminals exploit the weaknesses of sliding glass doors when learning how to secure them. Having this information is critical for developing an effective security plan. The following are some common ways burglars avoid sliding glass doors:
1. BREACH OF THE LOCK
Most traditional sliding glass doors, as previously stated, use a simple latch that hooks onto the door frame. These locks are extremely unreliable. A criminal can simply grab and jiggle the door in order to break the lock and force the door open.
2. BREACH OF THE GLASS
Most sliding glass doors are made of tempered glass that is easily shattered. To break the door, an intruder could simply throw a large object through it or strike it with a hard object. When shattered, tempered glass is designed to shatter into tiny pieces with no sharp edges. As a result, burglars can gain access through broken glass without being injured.
3. REMOVING THE DOOR FROM ITS FRAME
Exposed door tracks rather than hinges operate the majority of sliding glass doors. As a result, a burglar has easy access to pry the door out of the track and gain entry to the house.
How to Keep Burglars Out of Sliding Glass Doors
It is simple to plan how to protect sliding glass doors from burglars. There are numerous simple steps you can take to deter potential burglars.
1. ADD A SECURITY BAR TO THE TRACK
Installing a security bar in the door track is one of the simplest ways to protect a traditional sliding glass door. To fit inside the track, cut a piece of wood or rod. Place the bar in the track after closing the door. A criminal will be unable to open the door from the outside by simply pulling on it.
2. IMPLEMENT IMPACT-RESISTANT SLIDING DOORS
Impact-resistant doors, also known as hurricane sliding glass doors, are built to withstand the impact of heavy objects. As a result, it would be more difficult for a criminal to break the glass.
3. APPLYING ONE-WAY WINDOW FILM TO PROTECT SLIDING GLASS DOORS
Installing a one-way mirrored film on the doors is an excellent way to keep prying eyes out of the house. The film allows people to see outside the door but not inside. However, window film is only effective during the day. Consider installing curtains or other privacy mechanisms at night.
4. CONFIGURE GLASS-BREAK DETECTORS OR DOOR SENSORS
If the sound of breaking glass is detected, glass break detectors sound an alarm. Similarly, if an intruder tries to pry open the door, a door sensor will sound an alarm. Both mechanisms are effective deterrents to would-be intruders.
5. KEEP THE TRACK
Inspect the door track on a regular basis to ensure it is clear of debris and that the door opens and closes smoothly. Anything that prevents the door from functioning properly can become a weakness, exposing it to more potential intruders.
6. GET A BETTER LOCK
Consider removing the basic latching mechanism and replacing it with a keyed lock. Installing a sliding door lock designed to secure the door to the door jamb is another option. Consider replacing a traditional slider with one that is built with more security features.
1. HOW TO USE MULTIPOINT LOCKING TO PROTECT SLIDING GLASS DOORS FROM BURGLARS
Many of our products swing doors have a multi-point lock mechanism that includes a latch, a deadbolt, and top/bottom locking rods. The multi-point lock option includes lever handles on both the outside and inside of the door. The latch is withdrawn by pressing down on the handle, and the rods are engaged by lifting it. The deadbolt and lock are activated by turning the key or thumb knob.
2. LOCKING WITH TWO POINTS
Each pair of bi-fold panels includes a two-point locking mechanism. A 180-degree turn of the handle raises or lowers the locking rod. It has a hidden locking rod and fits into both the head track and the sill. The locking hardware has been tested for forced entry.
3. DEADBOLT LOCKS
Pull handles are provided on both sides of the deadbolt mechanism. It is possible to have key operations on both sides. Read why are my sliding glass doors hard to slide. Genesis Sliding doors are the best ones in their service and sliding patio door glass replacement. You can contact us anytime or call us at 847-851-4065.
