Multipoint Locks and Impact Resistant Glass Options for French Doors

One of the most popular choices of exterior doors are French and sliding patio doors. Besides opening your home to expansive views, these choices let in light making them beautiful and desirable additions to your home.

The major feature of French or sliding patio doors is the glass pane or panes, which can pose a security risk. Burglars may look through the glass to see if anyone is inside the home, they may try to break the glass, or push in a double French door configuration.

If these beautiful glass doors would be perfect for your home, the good news is that there are multiple options with today’s quality modern glass doors that can reduce the risk of intrusion.

Doors from quality manufacturers like Marvin and Andersen all come standard with multipoint locking mechanisms for French doors. In a nutshell, you get enhanced security by having the door lock into the jamb at multiple points, reducing the ability to push in the door. Mutipoint locks are available in a variety of designs that vary but generally speaking they include a centrally located deadbolt and a live bolt (latch) and at least two hook bolts and possibly compression bolts. Most locking systems are operated by lifting the door handle from either side of the door and are locked in place by turning the key or interior thumb turn. Some designs have additional bolting into the top and bottom frames for added stability and security. Systems can be automatic or semi-automatic. Automatic locking mechanisms engage the perimeter bolts when the door is closed, without the lever being lifted, whereas semi-automatic mechanisms engage the bolts when the lever is lifted. Entry door manufacturers are increasingly recognizing the value of multi-point locking systems, adding these options.

You may want to use a different kind of glass in the doors such as hurricane-rated glass or laminated glass to ward of thieves. Hurricane –rated glass is comprised of two sheets of glass bonded together with a protective interlayer of plastic that is designed to resist impact from missiles (projectiles) impacts during a hurricane. This glass is stronger than a car windshield, the glass might shatter if a heavy object is thrown into it, but it won’t break to bits. That makes it less likely that an intruder can shatter the glass and unlock the door or walk through the open pane. This impact resistant glass costs more but it is such a refined design you can hardly tell a hurricane-rated window from a regular window. They’re becoming mainstream and most contractors will install the durable glass if their customers ask for it.

If your French or sliding patio doors are already installed you still have the option to add an impact resistant solution, a security film to your existing doors. It is a clear, flexible and impact resistant polyester sheet that is affixed to the inside of the glass. Like laminated glass, an intruder would have a very tough time trying to break through it. The film is usually sold by the foot and is available in several widths and thickness.

French and sliding glass patio doors have been one of the most popular choices of exterior doors for as long as we can remember. The French door was first designed in the 17 ^th century and is likely to be around for several more centuries. Thanks to the continuous safety innovations in the glass industry, our love for these doors can continue.