Sliding glass doors are often used for commercial spaces because of their sleek appearance and ability to allow natural light into the interior. However, these doors are also a possible security risk since they may present an easy window for thieves, with large glass surfaces and easy access. This blog post discusses practical ways to prevent break-ins through sliding glass doors in commercial spaces and ensure your business remains safe and secure.
1. Invest in High-Quality Sliding Glass Doors
Use the best-possible sliding glass doors. Some sliding glass doors are much safer than others and can be installed to prevent this type of attack. Reinforced Glass, wider frames, and advanced locking mechanisms- are key features of improved sliding glass door models. Better manufacturers may create doors with security in mind that can be specially designed to fend off break-in attempts, with some laminated glass or tempered-glass features making breaking open more problematic.
2. Install a Strong Locking System
The locking system is one of the most critical factors in securing a sliding glass door. Most sliding glass doors have an essential latch or lock that can easily be bypassed with the right tools. To enhance security, consider upgrading the locking mechanism to a multi-point lock system, which engages multiple points along the door’s length when secured.
You should put an additional security bar or a sliding door lock device that doesn’t allow the door to open easily. It is tamper-proof, and you may set it up as a supplemental form of protection. Never forget to lock the lock when you aren’t using the door.
3. Add Security Film to the Glass
Glass is the weakest point of a sliding door. Adding security film to your Glass will make a lot of difference in keeping burglars out. Security window films are also becoming increasingly popular because they make Glass more resistant to shattering. If burglars try breaking the window during an attempted break-in, it will keep the Glass inside and resist further entry, making it harder for burglars to enter your business. Even if the glass breaks, this film will help prevent it from shattering and give you enough time to act or wait for the police.
4. Mount Motion-Sensing Lights
An outside, well-lit area can deter criminals from trying to break in. Installing motion-activated lighting around sliding glass doors ensures that any movement near the door triggers bright lights, making it harder for a burglar to approach unnoticed. The sudden illumination serves as a clear signal that someone is nearby, making it much riskier for criminals to attempt a break-in.
Place the lights on both sides of the sliding door and around the exterior perimeter of your commercial building. Furthermore, use wide beam angle lights to cover larger areas, particularly around doorways and entrances.
5. Install Alarm Systems and Surveillance Cameras
Integrating an alarm system into your commercial space’s security setup can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Many modern alarm systems are designed to connect sliding glass doors, triggering an alarm if the door is tampered with or opened unexpectedly. These alarms can be linked to your phone or a security monitoring company, allowing you to respond quickly in an emergency.
Along with an alarm system, installing surveillance cameras around the sliding doors is very useful. Visible cameras deter criminals since they know their actions are being recorded. If a house is broken, then camera footage will be helpful as evidence when the police return the house to its owners.
6. Sliding Door Security Bar
A sliding door security bar is a simple way to secure your sliding glass doors. It could be installed in the door’s track; thus, nobody could open the door from outside, even if the lock is tampered with. Such a bar can be easily put in place, and when removed, it allows a convenient security solution for commercial areas.
Some security bars are designed to be adjustable, allowing them to fit a wide range of door sizes. These bars are typically made from strong materials like steel, ensuring they cannot be easily cut or broken.
7. Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are some of the best methods to deter burglars from using sliding glass doors to gain entry. Often, components and mechanisms wear out over time, which may allow criminals to break open the door quickly. Check the door’s track and locking system periodically for proper functionality.
Ensure that the door shows no signs of damage or wear, for example, a loose lock and a broken track. This means the sliding doors will be in good condition and more difficult for burglars to access.
8. Install security screens or grilles
Add security screens or grilles to the outer sides of your sliding glass doors for further security. Security grilles and screens are designed to filter into a building’s light and air while offering another layer of protection. Security screens and grilles are generally made of heavy-duty steel or aluminum, which burglars cannot easily hack through or bypass.
Properly install security screens so they cannot be removed or meddled with. The sum of strong screens and a solid locking system will eliminate the possibility of a break-in through sliding glass doors.
9. Use Landscaping to Your Advantage
Landscaping can also prevent break-ins. Bushes, trees, and other plants should be kept well-trimmed and away from sliding glass doors so that there is no place for burglars to hide. Thorny or prickly plants can be installed near windows and doors, which can be a deterrent.
In addition, do not position valuable items such as expensive equipment or cash registers near the door where burglars could easily see them. Keeping your space well-organized and free of apparent targets can discourage break-ins.
10. Educate Employees on Security Protocols
Employees are the key to keeping your commercial space secure. Train your employees to be alert and watchful of the security threats sliding glass doors may pose. Have them lock the doors when the business is closed and be familiar with other security measures, such as alarm systems or cameras.
It’s possible to avoid break-ins using sliding glass doors in commercial buildings through a mix of quality security measures and being vigilant. Invest in strong doors, reinforce the Glass, ensure that you install high-quality locks, fit with motion sensors and surveillance, and maintain the place properly, which will help lower the chances of a break-in. A multi-layered approach to security will protect your business and give you and your employee’s peace of mind.