French Doors Advice
Are French Doors Secure? What You Need to Know Before Buying
French doors are known for their timeless elegance and letting sunshine brighten homes, but there is a negative perception about their security. Well, the experts at Green Doors are here to debunk that myth and answer the question, ‘Are French doors secure?’.
Like any external door, safety often comes down to having them professionally installed and purchasing doors with an accompanying frame. In this blog post, we’ll explore French doors, what makes them unique, and how to enhance their security.
What Are French Doors?
French doors are stylish entry points, often used as both interior and exterior doors. They typically feature glass panels, two handles, and modern frames. The wide entry provides easy accessibility, improved airflow, and a way to connect your home to the outdoors.
Are French Doors Safe?
Common Security Concerns with French Doors
When people think of French doors, they often envision large glass panels and believe they’re not as durable as other doors. Many wonder, ‘Are French doors easy to break into?’, but just like any door, security will come down to the following factors:
- How well it’s been installed
- What security features it has to offer
- Whether it’s locked or not
Factors Affecting French Door Security
Security of French doors can be affected by locking systems, hinges, glass panels, faulty installation and blinds. Effectively addressing these elements can significantly improve the security of your doors.
5 Simple Ways to Make French Doors More Secure
1. Upgrade the Locks
This is true for enhancing the security of any door, but if you’re concerned about the safety of French doors, then upgrading your locks is a straightforward and effective safety measure. Investing in high-quality deadbolts or multipoint locking systems can help fortify your home.
The most important thing to consider here is upgrading the lock barrel from standard (if applicable) to a 3-star barrel.
2. Install Security Hinges
You can further improve your French doors by installing security hinges. This fortifies your property by preventing tampering and removal by burglars. Security hinges also improve the durability of your door, as they last longer than standard hinges.
3. Reinforce Glass Panels
One of the most common concerns when people ask, ‘Are French doors safe?’ are its large glass panels. There’s a false perception that large glass panels make a home susceptible to unauthorised entry. However, with reinforced glass, it becomes significantly more difficult to shatter the glass panels. Reinforced glass panels can protect your home from burglars and potential accidents.
4. Add Security Film or Laminated Glass
A security film and laminated glass can make French doors extremely difficult to shatter and help keep them in place. This increased resistance is excellent for deterring intruders and enhancing safety by holding glass shards together if broken.
5. Utilise Door Alarms and Sensors
A functional and practical security measure, door alarms and sensors are proven to protect any property. They help deter unwelcome visitors and can notify you in the case of unauthorised entry.
Pros and Cons of French Doors Regarding Security
Pros of French Doors for Security
There are many benefits to having French doors professionally installed. They’re stylish and accessible and provide a seamless connection between your home and garden. The modern layout enhances the aesthetic appearance of your property, and the wide entry makes for a convenient entrance.
French doors also make it easy to enjoy a year-round uninterrupted view of your garden and brighten up your living space.
Cons of French Doors for Security
The drawbacks to French doors are few and far between, but we recommend having them professionally installed. To ensure their functionality, they need to be purchased with their accompanying frame.
They require regular maintenance, but this is relatively hassle-free. Cleaning glass panels is as simple as using washing-up liquid and a damp cloth.
Final Thoughts: Are French Doors Worth the Investment?
Those concerned or wondering, ‘Are French doors secure?’ can rest assured that with a multipoint locking system, proper installation and basic safety measures, French doors make for a secure and worthwhile investment for nearly any property. There’s always the option of opting for French doors without external handles, too.
We recommend considering French doors for your home if you value style, accessibility, and natural light.
Explore French Doors at Green Doors
Discover the ideal blend of stylish functionality with French doors for your home. Contact our expert team and we can assist you with any enquiries. Whether you’re considering French doors, bi-folds, sliding doors, windows, back doors or front doors, the expert team at Green Doors is here to help.
Send us an email at sales@greendoors.co.uk or give us a call on 01582343534. Still uncertain about French doors? Check out our blog post ‘sliding patio doors vs French doors’ and familiarise yourself with other options.
Are French Doors Secure? FAQs
Are French doors easy to break into?
There are some misconceptions about French doors, but they are not easy to break into. Like any door, French doors must be locked and professionally installed. Multipoint locking systems, sensors, and reinforced or triple-glazed glass can enhance the security of French doors. These safety features make French doors very difficult to tamper with.
What’s the best lock type for French doors?
The best lock type to consider for French Doors is a 3-star lock, which effectively enhances security. A great example of a 3-star lock is one from Ultion.
Are double or single French doors more secure?
Single French doors are widely considered more secure due to their fewer points of entry and simple locking system. However, security features can be added to any style of French door to enhance safety.
Should French doors open inward or outward for security?
When deciding on the preferred opening of French doors, a few considerations must be made, such as space constraints and weather exposure. In general, outward-opening French doors are considered more secure, as they offer greater structural resistance to forced entry.