Sliding glass doors require just as much security focus as front doors, back doors, and windows. In this blog entry, the Raleigh residential locksmith service team here at DKNY Locksmith Raleigh will detail the vital security concerns relating to sliding glass doors.
Sliding Glass Doors and Security Risks
An unlocked door or window seems like the most extreme risk to home security. However, sliding glass doors should not be overlooked. Sliding glass doors are some of the most common access points for burglars. A study conducted by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimated that only about 34% of burglars enter homes through the front door. When you consider that 81% of burglars enter homes through the first floor, it can be assumed many of these entries occur in other areas besides the front entrance. Sliding glass doors are incredibly vulnerable since they can be smashed, their locks can easily be opened, and they can even be totally lifted off their tracks using sheer body force. With tools like screwdrivers – or professional security tools – this is even easier.
Improving the Security of Sliding Glass Doors
A great DIY way to strengthen the security of your sliding glass door is to jam the track from pening from the outside by inserting a wooden dowel inside the track in front of our property’s interior. You could also install a door lock or sliding bolt – which might be cheaper, but is strangely, less effective than a solid wooden or metal block (known as a dowel.)
The best approach, however, is to contact a professional locksmith team, like the expert Raleigh lock installation service team here at DKNY Locksmith to assess weaknesses in your sliding doors and implement any necessary security upgrades which may include high security deadbolt locks, motion sensor alarm systems, or simple lock upgrades to solid-metal high security locks.