French doors are loved for the light and openness they bring to a room or space. With a built-in window to the outside world, you can effortlessly incorporate nature and greenery into your home. However, that openness can seem a little too inviting to some homeowners. They ask: Is a French door really secure as a front or back door? The answer is yes!
Because they have so much glass, people (incorrectly) assume that French doors aren’t as safe to have. The fact is, French doors can be secured with the same high-quality locking mechanisms you’d find in standard wood doors.
Our Clear Insulated Glass is just as secure as traditional doors, and is even more secure than cheap, poorly manufactured wood doors. Most often, the biggest risk isn’t because of the door itself — it’s due to improper installation. For what it’s worth, burglars are more likely to focus on the lock or the space between the doors than risk making a big commotion by attempting to break a large pane of glass, anyway.
In addition to extras like door sensors, security screens and security bars, there are a few ways you can increase the security of your French door from the start.
Tip 1: Make sure it’s installed correctly.
Properly installed, a French door should have minimal space between the bottom of the door and the threshold. This is where amateurs often go wrong. Unfortunately, the smallest measurement mistake can end up giving you a gap you don’t want. If you’re new to putting in doors, consider hiring a pro to make sure it’s done correctly.
Tip 2: Get the right locks.
Exterior French doors should be installed with a quality three-point locking mechanism, just like you’d want on any other front or back door. These are much harder for thieves to pick. Additionally, using the right screws for the locks and the hinges can prevent them from being unscrewed — screws that are at least 3 inches long usually do the trick.
Tip 3: Go for high quality.
In regards to doors, you typically get what you pay for. Though the glass part is unique, French doors still have wood frames — and wood can be broken. Thicker wood is simply harder to break into, and so it’s worth investigating the materials of your door and where they land on the security scale. Put simply: Materials matter. This isn’t the place to cut every possible corner.
Luckily, with our range of French doors, you don’t have to choose between quality and price! From classic-looking doors with multiple panes to chic single-pane options, we have what you’re looking for to add a little light to your home. Shop the range now!