Most people think about home security in pretty simple terms: lock the doors, close the windows, and call it a day. Those basics matter, but there are plenty of other places around a house that can be overlooked.

Someone trying to get inside isn’t necessarily going to head straight for the front door. An unlocked basement window, an old garage door, or a sliding door with a weak latch may look like an easier option.

The good thing is that these weak spots are usually easy for homeowners to check. A few minutes spent walking around your house and looking at things from a security standpoint can reveal problems you may have never noticed.

Here are 10 areas worth checking.

Windows

Ground-floor and basement windows are easy to overlook, especially if they’re rarely opened. An old latch, a window that doesn’t lock properly, or landscaping that blocks the view from the street can all make a window more vulnerable.

Check that every window closes securely and that the locks are in good condition. Security sensors or window film can provide another layer of protection.

Front and Back Doors

Your doors may have good locks, but the lock isn’t the only part that matters. A weak door frame or strike plate can make a door much easier to force open.

A solid deadbolt, reinforced strike plate, and sturdy exterior door can help. Take a look at the hinges and frame, too, especially on older doors. A strong lock doesn’t do much if the surrounding hardware is weak.

Garage Doors

The garage is easy to forget about because it isn’t usually treated like a main entrance. But for many homes, the garage leads directly into the house.

Older garage doors may have worn hardware or weak locks, while a side door into the garage can be overlooked altogether. Older garage doors and their hardware should be checked from time to time, along with any door that connects the garage to the rest of the house.

Sliding Glass Doors

Sliding glass doors are convenient, but they need a little extra attention from a security standpoint. Some can be lifted from their tracks if they aren’t properly secured.

A security bar or sturdy rod placed in the track can keep the door from sliding open. Make sure the main lock works properly, too. Security film may also help hold the glass together if it’s broken.

Pet Doors

A pet door is handy for your dog or cat, but a large opening can create a security problem.

A person may be able to reach through a larger pet door and get to a nearby lock or handle. Some openings may even be large enough for someone to squeeze through.

If you need a pet door, look for one that locks securely or uses an electronic or collar-activated system. That lets your pet come and go without leaving a permanently open passage into the house.

Basement and Attic Windows

Basement and attic windows often get very little attention. You might rarely open them, which also means you may not notice that a lock is broken or missing.

Basement windows can be especially easy to overlook if they’re hidden behind shrubs, fencing, or other parts of the yard.

Check the locks on these windows every so often and make sure they close tightly. If a window is old or damaged, replacing the hardware may be enough to fix the problem.

Chimneys and Vents

A chimney probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind during a home security check, and large exterior vents may be just as easy to forget.

Loose screens, damaged covers, or missing hardware can leave openings that shouldn’t be there. Take a walk around the outside of your home and check that vents and other openings have secure covers.

These aren’t the most common ways someone gets into a house, but they’re still worth checking if you’re already inspecting the rest of your exterior.

Mail Slots

Older doors with mail slots can create an unexpected security issue if the opening is close enough to the inside door handle or lock.

Someone could potentially reach through the slot and manipulate a nearby lock. A secure cover or interior shield can limit access through the opening.

If you’re replacing an older exterior door, a mailbox mounted away from the entry door can also remove the issue altogether.

Skylights

Skylights tend to get plenty of attention for their ability to bring natural light into a room, but security is rarely the first thing homeowners think about.

If a skylight can be opened and is accessible from a roof, check that its locking mechanism works properly. Look at the frame and hardware for signs of damage or wear, too.

For skylights that are easy to reach from the outside, stronger hardware or security glazing may be worth looking into.

Ground-Level Air Conditioning Units

Window and wall-mounted air conditioning units can create a weak spot if they aren’t secured properly.

A poorly fitted unit may be easier to move or remove than a homeowner realizes, leaving an opening into the house. Check that the unit fits tightly in the window or wall and that any brackets or supports are firmly attached.

If the unit has been installed for several years, it’s worth checking the hardware again. Screws and brackets can loosen over time, especially after repeated use.

A secure home isn’t just about having a good front-door lock. Windows, garages, sliding doors, vents, and other less obvious openings deserve a look too. Walking around your home once in a while with those areas in mind can help you find small problems before they become bigger ones.