How to Secure Patio Doors

As the temperatures warm up and grilling season begins, you’ll likely start spending more time on your patio. But what happens to your patio after you put away your chip bags and call it a night? 

If your sliding doors aren’t secured properly, you could be providing an open invitation to intruders. Learn some of the best ways for safeguarding your patio doors so you can take your outdoor kickback vibes from your barbeque inside.

Why Securing Your Patio Is Important

Securing your patio doors is an important precaution to keep your home safe. As one of the largest entry points into your home, it’s a common target for thieves looking to steal expensive items. Sliding glass door security is extra important since these types of doors tend to be easier to pick than traditional entryway doors. Securing your patio door can also keep your door from sliding open when high winds occur and prevent outside elements like rain and pollen from coming inside.

Ways to Secure Your Patio Door

Here are some ways to secure a sliding glass door from the inside and outside of your house.

Use Multi-point Locking Systems

One of the most common ways to protect glass doors from burglars is by installing heavy-duty locks. Consider upgrading to a multi-point lock, which includes at least three deadbolts, as opposed to a standard one-bolt lock system which burglars often find easy to pick. Multi-point locks also help your door last longer since they put less pressure on a single location and prevent them from warping.

Invest in Home Security Devices

With advancements in technology, there are a variety of devices you can use to monitor potential threats near your patio door. To keep tabs on your home while you’re away, install a camera system that you can access from an app on your smartphone. This is helpful in both preventing break-ins as well as documenting any incidents that occur. 

Motion-sensor lights are another great way to catch intruders before they make it inside your home. These bright LED lights and noise alerts can stop unwanted guests in their tracks and prevent them from making a nighttime break in.

Insert a Security Bar

Install a security bar at the bottom of your sliding glass door to block the door on its track. This stops burglars from entering even after a lock is compromised, adding an extra level of protection. Security bars are a great option for renters since they provide a temporary solution that doesn’t require any anchoring screws.

Conceal the Interior with Curtains

A simple way to secure a sliding glass door from the inside is by hanging curtains. This prevents those on the outside from looking in and can keep thieves away since they won’t know if there’s anything worth stealing inside. Curtains also keep outsiders from knowing whether you’re home.

Replace with Impact-Resistant Glass Doors

If your patio door’s been around for a few decades, it may be time to get a replacement. Upgrade to a more secure modern model with impact-resistant glass. These put up a better fight when objects are thrown at them and are less likely to shatter than older patio doors.

Keep Your Family Safe with Window World Patio Doors 

Window World of Cedar Rapids takes pride in the durability and security of our patio doors. Like our windows, all our patio doors come with double-strength glass to add another layer of protection between you and outside threats. Contact us today to find the right patio door to keep your home safe.