How To Protect French Doors From Theft

If the window is located within arm s reach of your lock it may be easier to break in.

How to protect french doors from theft.

Although they are more frequently targeted they end up being no more difficult to secure than any other door to your home. French doors may seem to be an easy entrance for robberies but properly securing them will keep them from being a risk and will allow you to enjoy their elegance worry free. A sturdy screwdriver or small pry bar can quickly bow the doorjamb enough to release the latch. Sliding doors should have vertical bolts and a metal or wooden rod in the track to prevent being forced open or doors being lifted off the track.

Make sure exterior doors have deadbolt locks. 1 and 3 4 inch doors are better than 1 and 3 8 inch doors. Typically the thicker the door the better. Long throw bolt see buying a deadbolt.

Or you can retrofit an existing hinge by removing the center screws on both sides inserting a finish screw through one side and allowing it to protrude about 1 4. French door locks and the security of your french doors. All a thief has to do is pop out the pins and remove the door to stop this buy a security hinge with tamper proof pins and a locking tab at a home center. If you have a door with a window consider adding a glass break sensor to instantly be alerted if your door s glass is broken.

You can secure an outward opening door by using a security bar or a broom stick or by tying a rope power cord or a belt on the door handle and a heavy piece of furniture. Never leave your home without locking the front door no matter how brief your trip. Rosie shows us a quick and super easy solution to b. Protect your sliding doors.

The type and quality of lock that you have on your french doors plays a big part in making the doors as secure as possible. You won t believe how easy it is to break into locked double french doors without breaking the glass. Fitting a patlock removes the risk of lock snapping as your doors are held secure even without any locks in the. Door windows allow light to filter into your home and pose a home security risk.

Check your existing deadbolt. Shed doors usually swing out so the hinge pins are accessible from outside. A secure entry starts with a solid door and a grade 1 or grade 2 deadbolt with a solid 1 in. Most forced entry burglaries are committed through the weakest point at the rear of the property usually the patio or french doors.

Any exterior door that only has a lock in the doorknob isn t secure. French doors are typically made from wood. Thieves know how to spot weak locks that would be easily forced open.