Are French Doors Secure

French doors are an excellent door system for homeowners that want to make their homes feel a little bigger and let some extra natural light in. They are elegant and stylish.

But does that come at a price? Unfortunately, it does seem so, especially when it comes to security.

So are French doors secure? French doors are not as secure as other door systems because of their design. Both single and double-sided French doors are not very sturdy and will not withstand violent impact because they do not lock into a secure and solid frame. This makes them less secure and more prone to break-ins.

Continue reading below. You will find more information on all your questions about French doors and why they may be a security concern, plus helpful tips and ideas on how to make them more secure.

The Flush Bolts

Double-sided French doors usually have two door leaves, one active and one inactive. The inactive door leaf is usually locked in place, hence why it is considered inactive. This is achieved by two flush bolts that go into the frame.

The problem with these flush bolts is that they may be accessible from the outside while the French door is completely closed and locked. This can be done with a screwdriver, a knife, and other tools. Once the flush bolts have been opened, both doors will simply open at the push of a hand.

The best way to secure the flush bolts of double-sided French doors is to put a screw on each flush bolt to prevent it from being completely opened. When you need to open both doors, which is usually not very often for many homeowners, all you need to do is remove the screws.

The Glass

The more open nature of French doors is one of their weaknesses.

Thieves will usually aim for areas of your home, which are not particularly secure. This is why thieves will always go for areas where there’s glass.

French doors come in a variety of different designs and styles. Many may have a single full-view glass panel while others have multiple glass panels or even be surrounded by glass panels.

It doesn’t take much to break a glass window or a glass door and gain entry. Even the most sophisticated security lock will do no good if the intruder can simply walk past it.

And the amount of glass does affect how secure your French door is—the more the glass, the less secure your French door is.

The Frame

You know how normal doors are designed to work. The door leaf opens and closes, and it is surrounded by static and solid frames that are attached to the wall.

Everything around a standard door is solid, which allows the door when locked to connect and use that sturdiness and solidity of the wall to its advantage.

Well now consider for a moment how French doors are (Especially the double-sided French doors.) Oftentimes they will be surrounded by glass panels or will lock to the other door leaf, which is not exactly as strong as a concrete or brick wall.

Lock your French doors and give them a little push, the chances are, you will feel the doors giving in ever so slightly. (Something that does not happen with a regular door.)

Here’s why I am telling you all this.

A burglar can walk to your French door and kick it in. Both doors, including the frame and any composite materials, will simply shatter and break at the locking system.