Home Security for French Doors

Most home invaders enter a house through a  door. Because of this, it’s a good idea to invest in securing your doors on your home, including the front, garage, and patio doors.

Here are things you should consider that can improve your home security for French doors.

Deadbolts

A door’s strength is dependent on its lock. A burglar can easily neutralize a steel door if your lock doesn’t reach the doorframe. Therefore, when selecting a deadbolt, consider its quality instead of the price. Moreover, you can install a single-sided deadbolt. You can’t have keyed access to such devices from the outside. Therefore, you can only use them when you are at home to trigger the lock.

Use windowless doors

Door windows facilitate light beaming into a house. However, they can also pose a security threat. If a window is within an arm’s reach of the door’s lock, one can break in and unlock the door. If you are contemplating getting a new door, we recommend choosing a windowless one for strengthened home security.

Moreover, if your current door has a window, there are security precautions you can take. One option would be to select reinforced glass and add a metal reinforcement. Another option is to install a secondary lock at the floor level, if it’s within your local fire regulations.

Doorjamb and frame

The doorjamb and frame are vital for optimum door security. Consider installing a deep box strike, which is a steel pocket that covers your deadbolt’s bolt. You can also fix three-inch screws that reach your wall studs. Reinforcing the doorjamb with steel also helps to withstand any brutal force.

Sliding doors

Many burglars assume it’s easy to break into  sliding doors. However, you can modify such entries to secure them. First, ensure they are made of reinforced glass. Place the metal or wooden dowel inside the track, while ensuring the rod is not less than a quarter inch shorter than your track’s length. It helps in preventing the door from giving in to sudden force. Moreover, ensure that your alarm provider installs motion and vibration sensors to alert you in case an intruder breaks the glass. Additionally, you can install internal curtains to limit your home’s view from the outside.

Door locks and latches

Typical French doors have two types of locks, the classic bottom and top key-operated 5-lever lock. Its operation resembles that of ordinary front doors. However, such entries are rarely burglar-proof. Therefore, you should supplement it with mortise rack bolts. Fitting them at ninety degrees prevents the wood from splitting when hit.

Most French doors open outwards, making it crucial to add hinge bolts. If a mortise lock is insufficient for your home, you can replace it with a multi-point locking door system. It is a different door lock whose operation is similar to that of a mortise lock. However, it locks a door in several places, which unlock simultaneously upon turning a key. The bolts are either push-to-lock tools or locks which activate a deadbolt to secure your French door.

Door alarms

Installing an alarm system is vital for any homeowner. If you aren’t going to install a complete home security system, consider adding a vibration sensitive alarm to your doors. It prevents forced entry into your house.

Installing sensors on your French door’s glass panes can alert you in the event of a break in. Another option is to procure wedge alarms. You can fix them under your doors, and they instantly set off when your doors move abruptly.

Are you interested in home security for French doors? Get a free quote from Brinks  Home Security™. We are committed to offering affordable and reliable home security to our clientele. Our technicians are passionate about satisfying our clients’ needs. Choosing us is opting for the following:

• Customizable smart home security packages

• Customer satisfaction guarantee

• Experienced technicians

Krista Bruton is a DFW-based writer who covers smart home security and consumer protection.