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How to secure a sliding glass door

August 18, 2025

You adore your sliding glass door for the effortless access it creates to your backyard retreat and the bounty of daylight it lets in. These doorways are desirable elements of any Mesa property, but also present security risks. Discover why they’re targeted by burglars and what you might do to avoid intrusions.

Why sliding glass doors are commonly targeted in Mesa

As attractive as sliding glass doors are to families, they’re also attractive to burglars. There are a few simple reasons why. First and foremost, they are typically made more for function than security. The majority don’t utilize deadbolts, and their locking systems are usually a cinch to bypass. They’re also placed at the back of your Mesa house, giving intruders a greater chance to approach undetected. 

How do burglars circumvent sliding doors?

When you have nice temperatures and sunny days, your sliding patio door could be the most-frequented doorway at your home. You may get in a pattern of keeping it unlocked so your little ones can effortlessly enter and exit to the yard. Even if you secure the door, burglars can circumvent it. Here’s how:

  • Pick the lock. Many sliding glass doors have basic locks that burglars can force open with a simple tool.
  • Shatter the glass. Home invaders are more likely to break glass when they’re concealed from view. The thin glass of countless sliding doors is easy to smash.
  • Remove the door from its track. Burglars might attempt to pry the door off of its track and pull it away from the frame with a crowbar or another tool so they are able to squeeze through.

Despite the fact that it’s simple to get around sliding glass doors, it’s also not difficult to improve your security. See how you can do so.

Better defend your Mesa home’s sliding glass door

If you want to improve the security of one of the most vulnerable doors in your Mesa residence, here’s how to do so.

  • Implement video cameras. When potential thieves spot surveillance around your house, they’ll most likely find an easier target. They don’t want to be caught on camera. You can even choose video cameras that actively scare off thieves with audible and visual warnings.
  • Connect security sensors. Install glass break and contact sensors within your whole-home security system. The alarm will sound if a burglar attempts to come in or shatter the window. You’ll also receive an alert through your home security mobile app.
  • Upgrade the lock. Replace or complement your standard flip lock with a deadbolt designed for sliding doors. Foot bolt locks are terrific options and easy to secure. You could also incorporate a heavier-duty, key-turned deadbolt.
  • Install a door brace. A security bar is a simple solution that adds an additional layer to your security. These are typically metal or solid wood supports fitted within the lower door track. Ensure it’s designed properly for a secure fit.

Open the door to a new level of security with a Vivint smart home in Mesa

Better defend your sliding glass door and all your home’s entry points with a comprehensive smart home in Mesa from Vivint. We offer all the tools you need, from surveillance cameras to window and door sensors. If anything activates, you and your round-the-clock monitoring specialists will be informed right away. Contact (480) 568-6350 today to find out more and book your professional installation.