Many homeowners take extra precautions when securing their front doors and windows, but what about patio doors? When you are ensuring all access points to your home are secure, don’t overlook these entrances. Burglars tend to bypass the front door and enter your home through a side entrance instead, so it is crucial to secure them to keep your home safe. Learn the basics of patio door security in our blog below.
Ways Patio Doors Get Exposed
While patio doors look beautiful, add natural light to your home, and provide a quick entrance and exit from your home for your pets, they also have some security risks. This entrance is often concealed on the side or back of a house, where neighbors are not likely to notice a burglar entering. The factory-installed latches, tracks, and glass of patio doors also expose your home to break-ins.
Factory-Installed Latches
The standard latches that come with your patio door are not known for their security. Even inexperienced burglars are capable of outsmarting most factory-installed latches. They lack quality, are easy to bypass, and are not nearly as precise and secure as a lock.
Tracks
Another reason patio doors are exposed is because they operate on tracks rather than hinges. Patio doors can easily slide off their tracks while you open and close them. Burglars can use this to their advantage by lifting the door off its track without needing to break through the latch.
Glass
A third way an intruder can access your home through a patio door is by breaking it with a heavy object. Patio doors are often made entirely of glass, unlike front doors, which are usually constructed of more solid materials like wood, fiberglass, or steel and feature just a small portion of glass. Their construction makes this entrance the ideal access point for burglars.
How to Improve Patio Door Security
Despite the qualities of patio doors that make them easy targets for a home invasion, there are many simple ways to increase the security of this entrance. Installing a blocking bar or security pin are simple upgrades, while investing in security screens is a sure way to deter any burglar.
Blocking Bars
One way to secure a patio door is by installing a blocking bar. A blocking bar is an object that you set in the bottom track of the door to prevent it from opening. Even if your lock is compromised during an attempted break-in, the security bar will make it impossible to push the door to the side.
Security Pins
Security pins are another way to add extra security. A security pin is made of hardened steel that locks into a retaining ring attached to the door frame. When engaged, this device locks the sliding glass door from the inside, preventing it from sliding or lifting off the track.
Security Screens
For the ultimate security upgrade, consider installing a security screen on your patio door. This stainless-steel mesh system prevents forced entry, including jimmying, knife-shearing, and kicking. They are also resistant to harsh weather and pests.
High-Quality Security Screens for Patio Doors
You can secure your home without breaking the bank. At Diamondback Security Solutions, we offer high-quality security screens for windows and patio doors. Our security solutions make it virtually impossible for burglars to break into your home. They can also be used for commercial locations, giving you and your employees peace of mind.
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