French doors are stylish. Their full-length panes let enough light in, making it a favorite among homeowners. However, hidden behind their elegance is the real risk of burglary.
While you can minimize this risk by using a door installation expert, there is still an absolute need to institute other security measures.
This article gives unique tips on how to secure French doors from burglars. If you follow our suggestions, you will reduce the chances of burglars breaking into your house significantly.
French Doors Security – Are They Safe?
The level of French door security is lower than that of a wooden or metallic door. That is not to say that you should avoid them. If you find the key weak points of these doors, you will reinforce them with unmatched ease.
Even though these doors are not 100% secure, it is better than having nothing and relying on flimsy locks.
What Makes French Doors Insecure?
If you have a ground-level French door, burglars can easily break-in from outside your house. The fact that they can unlock the deadbolt from the outside makes them weak to intruders who intend to plunder.
You will notice this when you take a look at how people secure their homes in movies – through the front door! But if you install a secondary lock, there is no need to worry about your home being burglarized by thieves.
How To Secure Your Front Door’s Security
You need a couple of tools to make sure that door security is second to none. They include a drill, a set of screwdrivers, and a saw. As a homeowner, this is your responsibility to make sure that you secure your home from intruders.
Tools for Installing Secondary Locks
In the market, you will find several types of secondary locks for French doors. The best ones usually have deadbolts.
It makes entry through the door impossible without the key!
In addition to that, it also ensures that burglars cannot break in from outside easily because it only opens from within using a key.
You should install secondary locks on all exterior doors including French door security systems. If you already have secondary locks installed on other doors, do not worry about installing a new one for your French door security system. It will work wonders.
How To Secure French Doors With Secondary Locks
When it comes to securing doors, you need to do more than just lock them with conventional locks. This is especially so for French door security systems. You have to make sure that the secondary locks are strong enough to resist picking, drilling, or trying to break in from outside your home or office.
This does not mean that you must spend thousands of dollars on secondary locks. The ones in stores are reliable and safe to use!
All you have to do is pick a good-quality one that is designed for exterior door usage. Most of these locks can withstand up to 800 pounds of force! Along with high 5 star ratings by customers who bought these locks, you can never go wrong in using them.
Secure French Doors With These 9 Tips
Follow these tips when securing your French doors from burglars. They will help you make sure that the secondary locks are working efficiently to protect your home when not around.
- You should use a professional to install French door security systems. It is an additional step that costs you nothing but helps protect your home from burglars who want to break in. The last thing you need is a burglar breaking into your house through poorly secured or faulty door security systems!
- Change deadbolts every 5 years even if they still look good and work perfectly. They might get damaged over time and could become weak points indoor security systems.
- Do not forget to change locksets too if they are causing problems because of dry or worn-out conditions. The last thing you need is burglars entering your home through faulty door security systems!
- After installing the secondary locks, test them with force by pushing hard on the doors with all your weight. If that doesn’t budge it, feel free to pat yourself on the back. You have just made your French door security system stronger than ever!
- Regularly check for cracks around door frames, doorknobs, and locksets. Make sure that there is no sign of tampering using a magnifying glass. If you find damage, call a professional to make sure that your French door security system is intact!
- Never keep the keys under the doormats or flower pots outside of your home. This might seem like common sense, but many people still tend to leave their doors unlocked especially when carrying groceries inside. Make sure that you always lock up after use even if it’s for 30 seconds – burglars can enter your home during this period.
- Use remote controls on secondary locks only if necessary. It will help reduce the chances of intruders finding out about them since no visible signs are pointing to their existence. Make sure that you also change these every 2-3 years as well just in case they get damaged by heat or other elements.
- Consider using a doorknob that has been approved as safe against lock picking. It is very helpful in ensuring that burglars can’t easily break in through your door security systems – even if they have the tools to do so!
- Ensure that you also install locks on all French doors. This will help improve your home’s overall security system!
How to Secure French Doors that Open Out
Place a doorstop along the base of the doorjamb. Most burglars kick doors open with brute force, and this will prevent them from entering your home through poorly secured French doors.
As an added security measure, you can also use a dowel – no more than two inches wide – that is cut to fit into both halves of the interior jamb. Drill holes at one end, and secure it with screws so that it fits snugly between the jambs.
How to Secure French Doors That Open Inward
To prevent intruders from forcing open these types of French doors, put a secondary lock on one half of the double-hung sash window’s lower guide rail or bottom track. It must be fixed tightly in place so that adding additional pressure won’t cause the lock to work itself loose.
The next step is to install an auxiliary deadbolt on the backside of the door, near the frame’s edge, at least five inches away from the primary deadbolt. This will discourage most burglars who are looking for easy entry points through inadequate house security systems.
Remember to use a secondary key entrance – preferably one located on the side or upper panel of your French doors – in case you lose your keys while out shopping or for some other reason can’t get into your home during an emergency. Secure exterior doors with these 9 tips!
Security Lock for French Door With One Handle
If the locking mechanism on the door strikes you as insufficient, bolt a vertical security lock (also known as a bar lock) to the doorframe using heavy-duty screws.
This will deter criminals who are bent on breaking in through your home’s French door security systems.
Remember to use exterior locks that have been approved by most insurance companies so that you can increase your chances of receiving full compensation after a break-in!
Securing Your French Doors with Firm Locks
1. Night Lock for French Doors
NIGHTLOCK makes some of the most secure night latches for French doors that open inward. Some locks even come with a dead-locking function to prevent forced entry from burglars.
In case you have a door security system installed, don’t forget to regularly check for cracks and other signs of damage! This will help reduce the chances of your house being a target for would-be thieves.
2. French Door Security Lock Screwfix
Screwfix is one of the most popular French door security lock brands. They feature many different types depending on your home’s security needs.
They work by screwing them directly into the doorframe, making it extremely difficult for an intruder to remove them with tools or brute force.
Make sure that you also install locks on all French doors for maximum security!
3. Kwikset Lock for Sliding Glass Door
This particular lock can be fixed securely around most types of sliding glass doors, whether they are made from aluminum alloy, fiberglass, or wood.
However, make sure that you check its specifications first before buying – this will ensure that it fits properly onto your doorjamb/jambs!
It helps if you have a peephole installed near the main entrance so that you can easily glance at whoever is outside before you open your door. Burglars typically prefer to avoid breaking the glass in peepholes, which is why having one installed can act as a deterrent!
How to Secure French Doors from Burglars – Bottom Line
Securing French doors with common household items is easy, and it will help you sleep at night knowing that your home’s exterior has taken some preventative measures to keep both burglars and vandals out!
However, even if burglar bars or any other security system can’t prevent break-ins from happening, you still have the option of filing an insurance claim after a burglary occurs. This way, you can receive compensation for your stolen belongings so that they may be replaced.
Now that you know how to secure French doors against intruders, don’t wait until it’s too late to improve home security! Your family deserves the peace of mind that comes with having adequate protection.