French doors, also known as patio doors, are one of the most popular for several reasons; they allow you to bring an abundance of natural light into your living space and increase property value and thermal efficiency.
However, despite their numerous advantages, the glass area on the French door is a major security risk. Therefore, if you want to avoid a break-in, go through some potential ways of securing the French door from intruders.
The most common option includes securing locks, latches, screens, indoor hinges, impact-resisting glass, and security bars.
How to Secure French Doors From Burglars?
Why Do I Need to Secure French Doors?
Whether it is an interior or exterior French door, they are tough to secure and easy to break into. One of the other common problems is the seam in the middle of the two doors, which is a weak spot because it can easily be dislodged with a kick or a shove.
The secondary issue with the French door is the large glass area which gives your space a natural light but also an opportunity for burglars to break it and put their hand through to open the locks and access your house.
The French door’s beauty and appeal are in the vast expanse of uninterrupted glass, which poses a significant security risk. Due to the amount of glass, the intruders can also get a nice view of your living space and belongings.
So, before we delve further into the topic, do you currently have any security measures in place? Is your door lock old or new? You must assess your current situation with the French door before you make any changes.
How Can I Secure the Glass Area in French Doors?
As mentioned, one of the most problematic issues with the French door is the large glass area which can be easily broken. Therefore, the kind of glass placed in French doors makes a big difference, and you should not cheap out on it.
1. Hurricane-Rated Glass
You can place hurricane-rated glass to withstand extreme wind speeds and protect the structure from dirt and debris. Adding a steel frame to hurricane-rated glass or laminated glass will give your French door more security.
Remember that even though hurricane glass is highly resistant to winds and different damage, it is not effective against projectiles or bullets, as some people believe.
This glass is impact-resistant glass, not impact-proof.
2. Security Window Film
You can also add security window film to your existing glass to reinforce it. Security window film is a thin sheet that protects the glass from different types of damage and impact.
You can also install colored or frosted panes of glass in your French door so the inside of your home is not visible. If you do not feel like changing the glass in your French door, you can use blinds or curtains to obstruct the view.
What Are The Best Ways To Secure French Doors?
1. Deadbolt
One of the best locks that you can find on the market is a deadbolt which looks on a solid, wood, steel, or fiberglass door. Although most deadbolts are very similar, you can purchase a type of deadlock that has long screws, which makes it more difficult to separate.
The optimal length is about an inch for the bolt.
2. Mortise Lock
Furthermore, there are other types of locks that you can use, such as Mortise locks, which are known as one of the most secure forms of residential hardware.
These types of locks require a pocket called the mortise, which is embedded in the door. Therefore, there must be enough space in the door to install this device properly.
If you wonder what the difference is between Mortise locks and a deadlock, don’t worry! With deadlocks, when you turn the key, the deadlock is thrown and cannot be opened without using a key.
On the other hand, with Mortise locks, the key can stay in the locks on the inside, so you can easily lock it. Furthermore, deadlocks are usually higher, above the door knob or handle.
A deadlock is usually installed 6 to 12 inches above the door knob or door handle, and if you have any knowledge about installing a lock, you can try it yourself. Talking of the deadbolt, you can choose the normal one of a double-cylinder.
The double-cylinder deadbolt offers better security than the normal one, but with these locks, you will need a key for both sides to enter the house.
3. Three-Point Locking Mechanism
You can also buy a three-point locking mechanism, which involves one locking mechanism but dual-action deadbolts. With this locking mechanism, you also lock the top and bottom of the doors simultaneously by locking the actual door.
4. Add Strike Plate
Adding a strike plate is a great idea; it is not only decorative but also protects the doorjamb and adds security to the door. In addition, many deadbolts need the strike plate to lock correctly.
5. Security Bars
Besides the deadbolts, you can also install security bars on your French door. These devices will provide additional reinforcement to door locks, which is why they are commonly installed with sliding doors.
Security bars are installed above the door knobs and locks, opening like a garage gate, making it harder for intruders to get inside. Today, you can pick from security bars, such as burglar bars, transparent bars, and steel bars.
6. Slide Bolts
Slide bolts are not technically a type of security bar, but they can provide additional security. Those are metal fittings that fasten the door or doors with sidelights.
People generally install side bolts to secure the stationary door on the top and bottom, usually used on double doors. You can place them at the top, bottom, or center of your door.
7. Replace Hinges
Even though there are ways to install the hinges outside of your house, it will be better if the hinges are not accessible from the outside. Therefore the hinges should be in your home.
The most common hinges are setscrew, studded, and non-removable.
- Set Screw Hinges
Set screw hinges are a type of hinge with a screw in the middle of the hinge. When you close the doors with set screw hinges, they are really hard to access. The set screw can only be removed when the doors are open, which is excellent.
- Studded hinges
These hinges are designed for outward opening doors, keeping the door secured even if the pins are removed. In addition, the studs can be put on the side of the hinge, so when you close them, the studs will meet, making it harder to penetrate the doors.
- Non-removable hinges
Non-removable hinges are used on exterior doors, where the hinges are visible from the outside, designed to prevent anyone from tapping out the pin. In addition, the set screw prevents anyone from removing the hinge pin.
The most important takeaway regarding the best hinges is that your hinges should be installed inside, so intruders will not have access to them.
8. Install Home Security System
Since French doors are usually installed on the back side of a house, they are a better choice for a break-in than the front entrance.
Therefore, it is always good to have additional ‘eyes’ in those areas of your property that might provide some cover for potential burglars. In addition, installing a home security system will discourage many intruders from even breaking into your property.
Security cameras and motion-sensor lighting will be an immediate no for any burglar (unless they are desperate).
In addition, the home security company will immediately notify the police department of a break-in, giving your enough time to secure yourself and your family and rethink potential options. You can also purchase sensors for French doors, such as those that alert you if the door has been opened or broken.
The home security system coupled with these sensors offers the best layer of security, guaranteeing you peace of mind.
9. Secure the Inactive Doors
Yes! One common mistake is securing the active door, which makes sense, but we often need to remember to lock the inactive door, which is likely to be used as an access point to the house.
Always secure the inactive door using a slide bolt, flush bolts, or strike plates.
Conclusion
There are many ways to secure your French Doors; you can install a new French door that will fit perfectly, add a security window film or stained or colored glass, and replace the hinges, locks, and frames.
The most important part of the French door is the glass area, so buy high-quality and impact-resistant glass such as hurricane glass.
Besides these, we suggest you equip the door with an alarm system to ensure the point is completely secured.
How do you secure your French Door? What type of headlock works best for you? Please share your experience and opinion with us. As always, feel free to ask if you have any doubts or questions.