From increasing natural light in your home to expanding your visual space and enhancing air circulation, installing patio doors can have numerous benefits for any home. However, patio doors are also a common target by intruders, making them a potential threat to home security.
Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to ensure your home is secure after installing patio doors.
Read on to learn five easy ways to do so.
Table of Contents
1. Invest in a Reliable Alarm System
Having a reliable alarm system installed can be the difference between safety and your patio doors being vulnerable. For example, it could alert you if an intruder is trying to enter and give you enough time to call the police.
A good quality security system may also come with door and window sensors that trigger a siren when someone tries to enter through your back or side doors.
Plus, some have remote monitoring capabilities, so you can keep an eye on what is happening from anywhere in the world. Investing in a good alarm system can go a long way in saving you from possible damage and criminal activity.
2. Make Sure Your Patio Doors Have a High-Quality Lock
For maximum protection, the number-one rule of thumb should be to ensure the newly installed doors are installed with good-quality locks, perhaps combining this with film on the glass. Especially for sliding patio doors, this helps to deter intruders while also giving you peace of mind.
Look for high-grade materials when the time comes to choose sliding door locks, as these typically last longer and are harder for potential thieves to manipulate. While at it, bear in mind that you can purchase a sliding security door lock in a wide range of styles, from key-operated designs to loop locks, Chubb Locks, deadbolts, and more.
Additionally, installing door reinforcement plates can add strength to weak frames, further helping to protect against forced entry attempts.
3. Ensure New Doors Have Quality Hardware and Components
As patio doors are installed, it is paramount to choose quality components so the door is sturdy enough to prevent break-ins from intruders. If you’re replacing existing doors, make sure to check for signs of wear or damage that could weaken their structure and pose a security risk.
Also, look out for any gaps between the frame and wall after installation, which could create an entry point for criminals. Take the time to ensure the doors are strong enough to withstand potential attempts to gain access into your home.
4. Keep Your Garden Well Maintained
If your home has low or no fencing around it, intruders can easily see if you have patio doors and could access them quickly if they’re not properly secured. Overgrown hedges and bushes can also create hiding spots for potential burglars and thieves.
To help make the area less attractive to criminals, it’s wise to keep your garden tidy and well-maintained. Keep bushes and trees cut to a reasonable height so that burglars won’t be able to hide behind them as an easy way in.
And if you don’t like trimming back foliage too often, then you can invest in some good quality trellis to act as a privacy screen for your patio and provide added security. This gives criminals a little opportunity to even see your house from the street.
5. Install Motion Detector Lights around the Doorframe
Having motion detector lights in and around your patio door can help to keep burglars away. The sudden light may cause a potential intruder to panic, forcing them to retreat from the scene.
These lights also increase visibility at night, ensuring that anyone approaching your doors is visible without you having to get out of bed. Plus, their deterrence effect means criminals are more likely to take notice and consider another house as a possible target instead.
By following these five tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy your beautiful patio doors while also keeping intruders at bay. With proper security measures in place, you’ll be able to make full use of their benefits without worrying about anyone invidiously entering your home.
