French doors are two long panes of glass fitted as a pair. They are an excellent way to increase light flow and make your home feel more spacious. However, many worry that French Doors may not be as secure as other external doors due to their all-glass construction.

Halewood Windows is here to debunk some myths! We’ll answer the question on everyone’s minds: ‘are French Doors secure?’ Then, we’ll explain what you can do to improve their security further. 

Are French Doors secure?

Yes! When installed by trained professionals, French Doors improve the aesthetics of your home without compromising on security. Their simplistic elegance, ability to ventilate and large portions of glazing makes them highly sought after by customers. 

French Doors can improve your home’s energy efficiency with their draft-resistant seals and argon-filled glazed units. By retaining heat, they can reduce the cost of your energy bills. They also open outwards, meaning you can fill your home with air and natural daylight without compromising space. Bring the outside into your home during the summer: French Doors can provide a seamless transition between your garden and house when you need it most. 

French Doors are typically more expensive than alternative doors, such as patio doors. They can be made from timber, uPVC or aluminium and have several excellent security features. Their locking cylinders are resistant to picking, and they are set within a frame secured with numerous pivots and hinges. So, are French Doors secure? Yes, because they are difficult for intruders to break into.

How can I make French Doors more secure? 

But if you want to enhance your security and take things one step further, Halewood Windows is here with five handy tips. 

  • Choose Professional Installers!

Your new French Doors can’t be at their most secure without professional installers on the case! Here at Halewood Windows, we have many years of experience installing UPVC double-glazed doors in Liverpool. 

Poor installation will undoubtedly decrease the security of your French Doors and make them more susceptible to burglary or break-ins. If you’re a veteran DIY-er, you can install French Doors yourself. However, there are some measures you should take once finished. Ensure that you can open and close your French Doors securely and with ease. There should also be minimal space between the bottom of your doors and the threshold.

  • Multi-point Lock System

Lock snapping is a technique used by intruders that involves breaking the cylinder before the lock fully opens. If your French Doors don’t have a sufficient anti-snap cylinder lock, burglars may find it easier to enter your property. 

French Doors that are fitted with a multi-point lock system are much less likely to be damaged. A multi-point locking system works just as you might expect: with the turn of a key, your French Doors are locked at multiple points. When protecting your home, pay more for a high-security locking system. If you’re installing French Doors yourself, use three-inch screws to secure the door to the doorframe. 

  • Install French Door Alarm

The most commonly used method of preventing burglaries is installing a security system. Whether you choose one that covers the whole of your home or concentrates specifically on your French Doors is down to personal preference and budget.  Vibration-sensitive alarms are an ingenious way of preventing intruders from gaining entry before they attempt to. These alarms will send you an alert if someone is tampering with your locks and should be fitted on the glass panes of your French Doors. 

  • Purchase Security Screen

Security screens may not be the most aesthetically pleasing, but they are the most cost-effective option. They are easy to install and remove whenever you need them and can be pulled back when they are not in use. 

  • Choose Toughened Glass

The main reason people ask: ‘are French Doors secure?’ is their all-glass design. Does this make them more susceptible to break-ins? Will intruders find it easier to shatter the glass? When you work with a reputable supplier and installer, your French Doors will be fitted with toughened, reinforced or laminated glass.  While a large surface area made from traditional glass would be a huge security risk, laminated glass is unlikely to shatter when hit with an object. You can reap the benefits of your new French Doors without having to worry about security.