French patio doors are an aesthetic choice for your home. These big double doors with window panes look great and allow natural light and air to enter. There is a trade off though. These doors are notoriously insecure and allow easy access into your home by burglars. For example, they are especially vulnerable to kick-ins, which according to the FBI, is the most common means of entry. In this article we’ll provide practical, effective measures for enhancing the security of your French patio doors. We’ll focus on actionable steps, products you can buy, and professional tips that you can implement.
Understanding Vulnerabilities of French Patio Doors
Structural Weaknesses
French patio double doors inherently have security issues as their design lacks a central frame. This means that the point where the doors meet can be easily forced open. In addition, the glass panels can also be shattered leaving your home vulnerable to intruders.
Locking Mechanism Flaws
Cylinder Locks
French patio double doors often have standard locks, such as euro cylinder locks. These are cylindrical locks which feature pins inside the cylinder. Euro cylinder locks are a common choice in homes because they can be easily changed by homeowners or landlords.The downside is that they are susceptible to “bumping” or “snapping.” which are common techniques used by burglars. With bumping, the thief uses a “bump key” to open the lock, which is basically a standardized key that can fit into common locks. With lock snapping, thieves break the lock cylinder in two.
Flush Bolts
Each door also has a flush bolt, which are the bolts at the top of each door which are used to hold the door in place.On the surface, it may seem like they add a level of protection yet these can be easily opened or jimmied.
Hinge Exposure
Exterior doors usually open inwards. This means that the hinges are on the inside and this makes them more secure. With French patio doors it’s different. These doors open outwards. This means their hinges are on the outside and this exposes them to tampering.
Ways to Upgrade the Security of your French Patio Doors
Reinforce Glass and Frame
The two biggest weaknesses in French patio doors are the frame and the glass windows panes. Here are some ways you can upgrade these elements of your french patio doors for more protection.
Upgrade Glass
One of French patio door’s biggest weaknesses is the glass panes. A thin pane of glass is all that separates burglars from your home. You can counter this vulnerability by installing laminated or toughened glass which is resistant to breaking. What you can also do is add a security window film to the existing glass which provides the existing glass with shatter resistance. Giving the ability of strangers to look into your home is a great way to tempt a burglar. Prevent this by replacing clear glass with frosted or patterned glass. You can also hang curtains or blinds to block interior views.
Secure Frames
These doors can have either wooden or UPVC frames. If you have a UPVC (this is a type of plastic) door frame, then get yourself a sash jammer kit. This is a simple device that helps to secure entry points i.e the place where the door opens. It attaches to the door frame and this prevents the door from opening.You can also upgrade your door frame to a reinforced steel or composite frame. These are more durable and a lot more secure.
Install Enhanced Locking System
Upgrade Lock Cylinders
Burglars use a wide variety of techniques for getting into your home. One of these is lock snapping where burglars break the door lock in half. You can prevent these locks from being snapped by replacing standard locks with anti-snap, anti-drill options like TS 007 3-star-rated cylinders. In addition to your standard deadbolt, you can also install a thumb-turn lock (a mechanism which locks the handle with a small knob on the handle itself) on the handle for added convenience and safety You may even want to go one step further and use a key-less or smart lock.
Patlock Devices
It’s also possible to buy specialized patlocks for French patio doors. These are devices which fit over the inside door handles and prevent the handles from separating, thus preventing the doors from being opened. If visible through the glass, these patlocks also act as a visual deterrent. French patio door patlocks come in several varieties, including for single or double handled French patio doors.
Multi-point Locking Systems
Locking your door from several places is always better than one. Installing a multi-point locking system on your french patio doors significantly increases its safety. Common points of additional locks include at the top and bottom of the doors.
Strengthen Door Hinges
Install Tamper-Proof Hinges
Exposed hinges are a major weak point in French patio doors. You can counter this by reinforcing the door with 3-inch corrosion-resistant screws for reinforcement. These screws are longer than your standard screws and are therefore harder to pull out. You can also add hinge bolts. These are devices that you can install in outward-opening doors. They prevent intruders from lifting the door off its hinges.
Add Physical Barriers
Door Security Bars
Installing security bars across the door will block forced entry. This can be done on either the interior or exterior of the doors. You can also install a door jammer bar beneath your door handles. This is a pole which fits between the floor and the door handle and prevents the door from being pushed open.
Install Security Screens
Your best possible option is a security screen or decorative metal doors. These greatly enhance security and allow ventilation at the same time. Yes, these doors might look “ugly” but the security benefits make them worth it. For example, these screens are extremely strong and cannot be broken like glass panes. They also use multi-point locking systems and act as a visual deterrent.
Integrate a Home Security System
Install Alarms and Sensors
Security technology can also be used to secure French patio doors. You can install vibration-sensitive arms on your glass panes. You can also add door sensors to detect unauthorized openings.
Surveillance Cameras
These cameras add another layer of security. Place them near the doors to act as a deterrent. They can also capture evidence if your home is broken into.
Motion-Activated Lights
These illuminate the area which discourages intruders. They also increase visibility which acts as another deterrent.
Final thoughts
French patio doors are a great addition to your home but they can be easily breached. That being said, it’s easy to secure them with modern solutions. Implement the outlined steps for both safety and peace of mind If you are looking to upgrade the security of your home's french patio doors, call AnyHour Locksmith today at 212-828-1904.