Gaining Entry Without Doing Damage: How To Break Into A Sliding Glass Window (2023)

Sliding glass windows are used in many homes and businesses as an aesthetically pleasing and relatively secure entry point, but they can still be vulnerable to forced entry. Whether you are a homeowner trying to get back into your house or a business owner trying to gain entry to your premises, knowing how to break into a sliding glass window can be an invaluable skill. In this article, we will discuss the various methods you can use to break into a sliding glass window, as well as the safety precautions and tools you will need. We will also provide you with some tips on how to avoid doing any damage to the window in the process. By the end of this article, you will be well informed about the different ways to break into a sliding glass window and the necessary safety measures to take.

tempered glass requires a force between 20,000 and 24,000PSI (pounds per square inch) to break.

How Do You Break Into A Sliding Glass Door From The Outside?

Gaining Entry Without Doing Damage: How To Break Into A Sliding Glass Window (1)

To pry open the sliding door, insert a pry bar or screwdriver about 6 inches from the bottom corner of the slider and about 18 inches from the bottom of the latch. Then, pry it open with a pry bar. The door should then be tilted until the latch is lowered. To do so, press and hold the lock until the door is free.

Although the front doors of sliding glass doors are not intended to be installed, they can still work well together. Security is enhanced by installing this type of door to the exterior of a home. You’ll be certain of your safety if you use a key and a lock to secure your sliding glass door. It is the most practical method of sliding glass door security to use a compatible lock. A sliding door lock is an excellent addition to any lock. In addition to being open to grownups and tall enough children, it is the only place to see it. People will not be able to open the door with a jimmy from the inside or from the outside.

(Video) how to open sliding glass door

Security bars installed with your sliding glass patio door ensure that it is secure, especially when they are equipped with an anti-lift lock. Installing double-bolt locks on sliding glass doors can improve their overall security. Add one-way film to the end. Have you ever considered applying one-way film sheets? This sheet allows you to observe things out of sight and keep outsiders from looking in. Many homeowners have keypad locks mounted on their sliding glass doors for use outside. If you mount the lock with a hook bolt, you do not need to attach a stick between the doors. After a successful lock program, it locks your sliding glass door automatically.

It is a serious safety hazard when you break a glass door, especially if you have severe lacerations or cuts. Even if the glass is tempered, the force of impact can cause it to crack and break. To protect yourself and others from a broken glass door, it is critical to take preventive measures. Before purchasing the glass, ensure that it is made of a strong and durable material, such as tempered or laminated glass. In the second step, inspect the glass for any cracks or flaws. Finally, if possible, install a shatter-resistant or shatter-proof cover over the door. These measures can help to reduce the risk of injury or damage to a home caused by a broken glass door.

Can You Lock And Unlock A Sliding Door From Outside?

Before you can lock a sliding glass door from the outside, a key must be installed in the lock. It is possible to lock your sliding glass door from the outside with a lock and a key, giving you absolute peace of mind.

Unlocking Doors And Windows From The Outside

If there is no hole in the door or window, it is extremely difficult to open it from outside. If you want to open a door from the outside without a hole, you must use a rigid plastic card. To begin, slide the card between the door and the door jamb and position it until it is level with the strike plate. To open the door, press the latch and push the card inside until the card is pressed against it. Pry bars may be required to access the outside of a vertical sliding window. Then, insert the pry bar into the gap between the window ledge and the window panel. You don’t want to make the window crack by shaking the pry bar too much; it could break if you press too hard. The window should now be unlocked and open if you put in some effort.

Can Sliding Doors Be Broken Into?

Despite the fact that sliding glass doors provide spectacular views, they are also notoriously vulnerable to breaking and entering, posing a significant security risk.

(Video) How to Open a UPVC Window When the Handle Mechanism Has Failed

Secure Property From Burglars With Tempered Safety Glass And Additional Security Measures

Because tempered safety glass is designed to be shatter resistant, it can be broken by thieves. The glass can be broken with a hammer, crowbar, or other heavy object, but it may take more effort. As a result, you should employ additional security measures such as window and door locks to protect your property from intruders and other security threats. A security pin can be used to secure sliding glass doors in the event of a break-in. Because the pin is used to secure the two doors, it prevents thieves from easily sliding open the door. To put it another way, it does not protect you from forced entry, so you should take additional precautions to keep your home safe.

How Do You Unlock A Sliding Patio Door?

Interior doors with sliding patio doors usually have a lever or key lock near the handle. In order to unlock the door, you must move the lever up or down. In most cases, key cylinders are locked clockwise while unlocked counterclockwise.

Unlocking A Door With A Bobby Pin: Easy As 1-2-3

How simple is it to open a door with a piece of jewelry like a pin? You don’t have to use pliers to put the bobby pin in the lock; simply grab it and place it on the top. Push the pin into the lock about 1 centimeter (0.39 in) after bending it to a 90-degree angle. As a result, the pin’s tip will bend at an angle, allowing you to free the pins in the lock with it. When you put in some effort and patience, you can soon unlock the door with a bobby pin. It may take some trial and error to unlock most door locks with a bobby pin, but it can be done.

How Do You Unlock A Vertical Sliding Window From The Outside?

Gaining Entry Without Doing Damage: How To Break Into A Sliding Glass Window (2)

Unlocking a vertical sliding window from the outside can be a difficult task, but it can be done. The first step is to locate the locking mechanism, which is usually located at the bottom of the window. Once you have located the locking mechanism, you will need to use a flathead screwdriver or other flat tool to unlock the window. After unlocking the window, you can then slide it open. Depending on the type of window, you may need to lift the window up slightly to get it to open, or you may be able to just slide it open. Make sure to lock the window again once you are finished to ensure it is secure.

(Video) Sliding glass doors easy access for burglaries

A sliding window can be difficult to open from the outside. However, with a few simple steps, you can easily complete this task. Before you can begin, you must first determine whether or not the window is open. If the window is open, simply push it with your hands to open it. Pry bars must be used if the door is closed. Pry the pry bar into place between the window ledge and the window panel. It is critical to shake the pry bar gently and not apply too much pressure to prevent it from breaking the window. To open the window, you must first slide the panel upwards (horizontal sliding window) or backwards ( vertical sliding window). When you press the appropriate amount of pressure, the window opens, allowing you to view inside.

How To Open Locked Sliding Window From Outside

Gaining Entry Without Doing Damage: How To Break Into A Sliding Glass Window (3)

If you find yourself needing to open a locked sliding window from the outside, there are several possible solutions. First, you can try to locate the key that was used to lock the window. If you cannot find the key, you may be able to pick the lock with a paper clip or other thin tool. You can also try to use a cord or wire to break the latch from the outside. Finally, if all else fails, you can use a hammer and chisel to break the window. Make sure to use caution when using a hammer and chisel, as you do not want to cause any additional damage.

If you’re prone to forgetting your house keys or opening a window out of boredom, learning how to do so could save you money. These are the three most common types of window locks. Sash windows are made of a glass panel called a sash that slides to open into a frame. Side-hinged casement windows are frequently divided into two sections, each of which has a casement attached to it. Remove the metal or rubber strip from the window. A sliding glass door opens to reveal the window’s door. While many are locked in place and resting on a track, there are other places where you can go by jumping the door.

If you have a deep cut, do everything you can to avoid further infection and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you cut or shatter the glass, you can access the window’s lever, latch, or crank. There are times when the crank handle of some casement windows can be removed for security reasons. You should use caution when coming into contact with flying glass, particularly if you have hands, face, or torso. You can climb into the window by cutting the entire pane of glass. If you have the right tools and skills, you can open a locked door with the correct equipment. To accomplish this, you must first become familiar with the locking mechanisms of each type of window. The simplest method to open a stuck or locked window is to use the expertise and skill required.

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How To Open A Locked Sliding Glass Door From The Inside

Gaining Entry Without Doing Damage: How To Break Into A Sliding Glass Window (4)

If you find yourself locked inside a sliding glass door and are unable to open it, there are a few simple steps you can take to unlock the door from the inside. First, check to see if there is a lock on the door handle. If so, turn the lock to the unlock position. Next, lift the handle up and pull the door towards you. If the door is still locked, look for a small hole near the handle, usually located on the frame of the door. Insert a small, flat object like a butter knife or credit card into the hole and push in. This should release the lock and you should be able to open the door.

Each sliding glass door is available with either a slider on the outside or a slider inside the fixed panel. The inside slider is extremely difficult to pry open, if not impossible. The latch and bracket can be removed by vacwling the door if it refuses to open. Jammed doors can be repaired with pry marks or by breaking them open. Stationary panels, like slider panels, are usually found sliding on the track. To gain entry, grasp the panel with both hands and slide it around. If it refuses to loosen, a pry bar or a lift may be required.

If the rollers are damaged or not working properly, replace them or clean them. You can prevent tampering issues by inserting a stick between the track and the stationary panel’s top. Installing anti-theft films on the glass of your car will deter thieves. If a criminal is determined to break into a vehicle, he or she will almost always break the glass.

Aluminium Sliding Glass Doors Aluminium

Aluminium sliding glass doors are a great addition to any home, offering a sleek, modern look and a great way to let in lots of natural light. They are a relatively low-maintenance option, and are durable and long-lasting. Aluminium is a lightweight and strong material, making it great for sliding glass doors as it can easily be opened and closed. This also makes these doors perfect for larger openings, allowing for an unobstructed view of your outdoor space. Aluminium sliding glass doors are available in a variety of styles and finishes, so you can choose a look that best fits your home’s aesthetic.

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In a clean design, the system’s rail profile is 2 3/4 inches wide, making it easier to access glass and light. With panels that can be 8′ wide and 12′ tall, either standard sizes or made to measure can be used in any configuration. LaCantina offers a large choice of colors and in-stock wood doors. Dirt and debris are not allowed to scratch or damage window frames, so cardinal windows keep this from happening. Our glass provides a higher level of energy efficiency. Most commercially available glazed materials are tinted, obscure, laminated, or single-glazed. Security or impact protection can be provided by installing laminated glass with an SGP interlayer. In addition to our clean glass, we carry Cardinal’s latest product, Neat Glass, which is designed to stay cleaner for longer periods of time and reduce water spots.

Exploring Sliding Door Costs

The cost of installing a sliding door varies depending on the type of door and how it is installed. A standard-size sliding patio door will typically cost around R3 500, according to a R3 500 online price list. Various types of doors, such as french, sliding, swing, and multi-slide, can range in price from $300 to $6,000, depending on the design and installation. When comparing vinyl and aluminum sliding doors, vinyl patio doors are more energy-efficient due to their thicker frames and wider tracks, whereas aluminum is the more common and standard material used in older homes. If you want a more cost-effective solution, you can find a uPVC sliding door that is very reasonably priced. Before choosing the right door for you, you should first consider what you require and want.

FAQs

How do burglars break into sliding glass doors? ›

Pulling the Door Out of its Frame

Most sliding glass doors operate on exposed door tracks rather than hinges. Thus, a burglar has easy access to pry the door out of the track to gain access to the home.

Can you break into a sliding glass door? ›

While they provide beautiful views, sliding glass doors are also notoriously susceptible to break-ins, presenting a substantial home security risk.

How do you open a locked sliding glass window? ›

The door latch fits into the bracket to keep the door locked. Typically, the latch features a pivot that faces downward. You can pry it open by inserting a pry bar or screwdriver between the exterior door and the frame, about 6” from the bottom corner of the slider and diagonal to the latch. Then pry it up.

How do you open a horizontal sliding window from the outside? ›

Open Vertical and Horizontal Sliding Windows from Outside

If it still doesn't happen, you will have to take the help of a pry bar. Slip the pry bar between the window ledge or windowsill and the window panel. Shake the pry bar but not with too much pressure as the window can break by applying too much pressure.

Are sliding windows easy to break into? ›

Not as secure – Since sliding windows are easy to open and often come with weak locks, they are one of the easier types for burglars to access.

What do criminals use to break windows? ›

– Police said car burglars use many tools including bats, rocks, crowbars - to smash a windows but the most popular is a tool called a punch. Many auto parts stores sell punch-type tools.

How do you unlock a sliding glass door without a key? ›

You can easily open it with a screwdriver or pry bar. Insert the pry bar between the exterior door and the frame from the bottom corner of the slider. Then pry it up and tilt the door to lower the latch. This way, you can unlock the door.

How much force should it take to open a sliding glass door? ›

The force for pushing or pulling open a door shall be 5 pounds (22.2N) maximum for sliding or folding doors.

How do you unlock a window with a bobby pin? ›

Stick the flat end of the pin into the top of the lock and bend it. Stick the pin in about 1 centimetre (0.39 in), then fold the rest the bobby pin until it's flush against the face of the doorknob. This will bend the tip at an angle. You'll use the bent end of the pin to disengage the pins in the lock.

How do you remove a sliding window restrictor? ›

To remove a window safety restrictor, either to replace it or because it's no longer needed is a quick and easy DIY job. Simply use a screwdriver to remove the two-body compartments attached to the opening window frame and the fixed sill, wall or window.

Can you break a window quietly? ›

To break glass quietly, use a rag, blanket, or pillow to cover it before hitting it with a heavy object like a hammer. If you have duct tape, you can also use that to cover the glass. Another method is to use a steel center punch, pocket knife, or spark plug.

Are sliding windows removable? ›

People often choose sliding windows because they move easily, are removable for cleaning, and look great as a contemporary window option.

What is the weakest point on a glass window? ›

“You want to go toward the edges of the glass, which is the weakest point of the glass,” Baldi said. “The hardest part of that glass is in the dead center.”

Do most burglars break windows? ›

While most burglars gain entry through doors, the second most common area susceptible to break-ins is first-floor windows.

How much force does it take to break a glass window? ›

Depending on the manufacturer, the force required to break tempered glass ranges from 20,000 to 24,000 PSI (or pounds per square inch).

What is the biggest deterrent to burglars? ›

With that in mind, let's take a look at the top ten burglar deterrents to use in 2021:
  1. Home Security Cameras. ...
  2. Outdoor Lighting. ...
  3. Smart Video Doorbell Cameras. ...
  4. Dogs. ...
  5. Security Gates. ...
  6. Keeping Open Spaces Around Your Home. ...
  7. An Alarm System. ...
  8. Get Friendly With Your Neighbors.

How do you break someones window? ›

That's right: Under the proper conditions, you could grab a rock (a specially-designed hammer is the safer choice) and smash someone's window, and you'd be doing the right thing, legally and morally, according to state lawmakers.

What objects can break a window? ›

For tempered glass, just about any blunt object will shatter the window: a hammer, a tire iron, a rock. Having a standard safety hammer with a built-in seatbelt cutter will make shattering the window and escaping the car pretty simple.

Do sliding glass doors have key locks? ›

Most auxiliary sliding glass door locks are installed on the back edge of the slider or along the top rail along the frame or track. Check with your local building code before having an extra lock installed. Some require sliding glass doors to be operable from the inside without keys.

How do you unlock a door without a key without a keyhole? ›

There is an easier way to get back inside and here's a list of some easy ways that can help you to unlock your door without a key:
  1. Use a bobby pin. The bobby pin lock pick is one of the most common tricks used to unlock doors. ...
  2. Use a screwdriver. ...
  3. Use a knife. ...
  4. Lock picking. ...
  5. Use a credit card. ...
  6. Use a Bump key. ...
  7. Remove the hinges.
Jan 3, 2022

How can a window break naturally? ›

Changes in temperature cause glass to expand and contract, and when this is done at different severities across the glass with the edges and centres changing in opposite directions, the pane is put under stress which can cause it to break.

Can you break a window with a hammer? ›

One of the tools many people keep in their vehicles for emergency situations is an emergency hammer that is used to break glass windows.

How do I force a window to stretch? ›

Press Alt + Spacebar again to open the window menu, arrow down to Size, and press Enter . Press the up or down arrow key if you want to resize the window vertically or the left or right arrow key if you want to resize horizontally.

Why is my slider so hard to open? ›

If homeowners find it hard to open and close the door, it may simply be due to dirt on the rollers. When the rollers get dirty, use a vacuum and a crevice tool to remove large debris before scrubbing away the rest of the dirt with a wet cloth.

How can I make my slider open easier? ›

A thin film of lubrication should be applied to the top and bottom of the door track. Tips: on vinyl door tracks, use a non-stick silicone lubricant. Instead of spray lubricant, use a hard wax like candle wax or beeswax if you have wood tracks.

What makes a sliding glass door difficult to open? ›

According to This Old House, debris build-up is the main reason for a sliding door that refuses to glide. Dirt, mud, hair and fur can collect along the track and in the groove, which clogs the rollers underneath and prevents smooth motion.

How do you open a window with a screwdriver? ›

Insert your screwdriver between the glass and frame. When prying, use light force while working your tool in between the mounting and glass to lever the glass out of its mounting. The window should come out relatively easily. Remove the window pane.

Can you pick a lock with a paperclip? ›

Picking a lock with paper clips works pretty much the same way as picking a lock with a traditional tension wrench and rake. You just need to turn two paper clips into those two very same tools, and then pick the lock with them like you'd normally do.

What is the shortcut key for window lock? ›

On your keyboard, hold down the Windows Logo Icon key and the L key on the keyboard at the same time.

Are sliding glass doors a security risk? ›

Traditionally, sliding doors, or any glass patio doors, have been seen as a vulnerable point for break-ins, however, modern sliding doors are much less vulnerable and offer a number of security features to keep your home safe.

How do burglars break in patio doors? ›

The quality of your patio door glass has the potential to make or break the security of your home. Single glazed glass is an easy access point for burglars, who can smash it to create an opening large enough to get through.

How secure are sliding patio doors? ›

Despite their frame being taken up mainly by glass, a patio door has outstanding security. Your sliding door will not only give you security against any outside force or attempted entry, but also just against general day-to-day life and exposure to the elements.

How much force does it take to open a sliding door? ›

The force for pushing or pulling open a door shall be 5 pounds (22.2N) maximum for sliding or folding doors.

How do I make my sliding window safe? ›

LOCKS FOR SLIDING WINDOWS

Drive a screw into the top of the upper track to keep thieves from lifting a gliding window out of its track. To keep the window from sliding, drive a screw horizontally through the track. Several companies make locks for sliding windows. For this lock, a stop slips over the window track.

How can I add more security to my sliding glass door? ›

The strongest way to secure your sliding door is with a sliding door lock. These locks are installed at the top of your door where the stationary glass and the sliding glass door meet. These locks work in addition to the door locks and can only be opened by an adult or tall child.

What is the most common entry point for burglars? ›

These are the most common points of entry for home break-ins: Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in. First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home. Back door: 22% come in through the back door.

What do burglars avoid? ›

With that in mind, let's take a look at the top ten burglar deterrents to use in 2021:
  • Home Security Cameras. ...
  • Outdoor Lighting. ...
  • Smart Video Doorbell Cameras. ...
  • Dogs. ...
  • Security Gates. ...
  • Keeping Open Spaces Around Your Home. ...
  • An Alarm System. ...
  • Get Friendly With Your Neighbors.

What makes a house attractive to burglars? ›

Outdated window and door frames, as well as sliding glass doors or cheap wooden doors. Packages or mail stacking up on a porch or even recycling left out before collection could indicate you have recently gone out of town. Homes without a security system are three times more likely to be burglarized [3].

Can you deadbolt a sliding glass door? ›

Sliding doors are often equipped with simple latches but it's understandable for one to feel like this security measure is lacking. Luckily, you can not only install a deadbolt on your sliding door but also install other security measures as well.

How do you make a sliding patio door private? ›

5 Ways to Cover Patio Doors
  1. Woven or Natural Vertical Draperies. Designers are loving these lately. ...
  2. Vertical Sheers. These are the best substitute for the standard vertical blinds that you see on many sliding doors. ...
  3. honeycomb shades. What do we love most about these? ...
  4. shutters. ...
  5. bi-fold shutters.
  6. bypass shutters.
  7. sliding panels.
Feb 19, 2017

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