Let’s play a quick game of Jeopardy!, shall we? Here’s the answer: The most vulnerable entry point in your home. Is it the chimney? No, many houses don’t even have chimneys. Is it the garage door? Good guess, but still not right. The front door? Still no. The answer to this question may surprise you.
“What is a sliding glass door, Alex?” Ding ding!
You might think sliding glass doors are just as secure as any other entry point in your home, but they’re actually one of the most vulnerable. We discuss why this is the case and the steps you can take to address it.
Why Sliding Glass Doors Are Vulnerable
Of course, when you leave a door or window unlocked, that’s when your home is most vulnerable. But otherwise, sliding glass doors are one of the main culprits. According to a survey from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), only 34% of burglars enter a home through the front door. You would think that number would be higher since it’s the main point of entry, right? Well, 81% of burglars still enter a home through the first floor; they just choose the most vulnerable spot instead.
Sliding glass doors are vulnerable because of a variety of reasons. For one, they’re smashable. But their locks can also easily be opened. These types of doors can also be lifted off their tracks — even without tools. If the thief does have a tool (like a screwdriver), it makes the job even easier.
How To Improve the Security of Your Home
So, what can you do about the vulnerabilities of sliding glass doors? You basically have two options: do it yourself or call a residential locksmith. Here’s a little more about each of these options:
- DIY: One MacGuyver-like way you can improve the security of these doors is to jam the track from opening by putting something like a wood dowel on it. Or, you could purchase a door lock or sliding bolt and install it. The former will likely only slow the criminal down, while the latter may not work if you don’t do it right. This might be the cheaper option, but is it worth it?
- Residential locksmith: A professional locksmith, on the other hand, can identify the door’s weaknesses, give you an expert’s opinion on solutions and install any needed security upgrades. For example, the locksmith might suggest putting in some type of alarm system. Or, they could replace the standard factory locks in the door with premium, high-security locks. This option may be a little more expensive, but it will go a long way toward keeping your home safe.
If you’d like help improving the security of your home, give the A-1 Locksmith team a call today at 972-284-7500.
