Vivint Authorized Retailer Salinas
Smart Security Specialists -- Your Vivint Authorized Dealer Covering Salinas, Santa Cruz, & Surrounding Areas

How to secure a sliding glass door

August 18, 2025

You cherish your sliding glass door for the convenient access it provides to your backyard retreat and the plentiful natural light it brings in. These doorways are valuable aspects of any Salinas residence, but also come with security risks. Learn why they’re a target for intruders and what you should do to avoid unauthorized entry.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Salinas

As appealing as sliding glass doors are to homeowners, they’re also enticing to intruders. There are some straightforward reasons why. Primarily, they are commonly designed more for aesthetics than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locks are often simple to bypass. Burglars also have a better chance of approaching undetected as the doors are found at the rear of your home. 

How do intruders circumvent sliding doors?

During bright and sunny days and warm temperatures, your sliding door might be the most-utilized entryway at your house. You might a routine of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can readily enter and exit to the outdoor area. Even if you fasten the door, burglars can bypass it. Here’s how:

  • Pick the lock. Numerous sliding glass doors have standard locks that burglars can circumvent with a simple tool.
  • Smash the glass. Home invaders are more inclined to break glass when they’re hidden from sight. The thin glass of numerous sliding doors is not difficult to break.
  • Force the door from its track. Thieves may try to pry the door off the track and yank it away from the frame using a crowbar or another implement so they are able to fit through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to boost your security. Learn what you might do.

Better defend your Salinas home’s sliding glass door

If you’re eager to improve the security of one of the most at-risk entrances in your Salinas residence, here’s how you can.

  • Install surveillance cameras. When would-be intruders spot video cameras, they’ll probably try to find a less secure target. They won’t want to risk being captured on camera. You can even get surveillance systems that actively deter thieves with lights and sound.
  • Integrate entrypoint sensors. Incorporate contact and glass break sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will trigger if a burglar tries to enter or smash the window. Advanced systems will also inform you with updates to your security system’s smartphone app.
  • Add a more secure lock. Complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are fantastic options and easy to secure. You might also incorporate a more robust, key-turned deadbolt.
  • Incorporate a reinforcement bar. A security bar is a simple method that brings one more layer to your security. These are often solid wood or metal reinforcements fitted along the lower door track. Ensure it’s sized properly for a secure fit.

Unlock the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Salinas

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entryways with an integrated smart home in Salinas from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from window and door sensors to indoor and outdoor cameras. If something triggers, you and your 24-hour monitoring agents will be notified instantly. Reach out to (831) 400-5196 today to get more information and book your professional installation.