Which is safer? Sliding glass door or French doors?
Question:Our sliding glass door needs to be replaced and I'm considering French doors. Which are safer in regards to break-ins? French doors seem like they would be very easy to kick in. Is that true?
Answers:
French doors are indeed very easy to kick in. They are also very easy to push open, and attack in any other number of ways. If you get french doors, be sure to get ones with a stationary center post, and secure both doors, top and bottom,with sliding cane bolts in addition to locks going into the center post.
As far as break ins, the only thing french doors have going for them is that it's a lot easier to get security screen doors to attach outside of them than it is to find sliding security screens for sliding doors. Well, that and they can be made out of sturdier materials than glass.
Usually, sliding glass doors can be made much safer against break ins than french doors. A broom stick in the tracks, or a nail between the doors and you're pretty much set.
Three things to remember with sliding glass doors though:
1: Be sure that the sliding door is installed on the inside of the house, where it will be harder to attack the moving parts.
2: Be sure to fill in the top of the track so the door cannot be lifted out.
3: Remember to get a real lock, instead of depending on those silly latches that jiggle open in a stiff wind.
i guess sliding doors, but then there is always the possibilty that it gets shut on s omeone's fingers...still i think they're more safe.
I have had both and if your french door are one solid sheet of glass (not individual panels), there is no difference.
Neither. If someone wants in badly enough, trust me, they'll get in. We're talking mostly glass either way you slice it. Invest in an alarm if at all possible. The other solution is to have a security door installed over the patio/French door, but this will sufficiently "ugly it up" and obscure the view.
Probably french doors are easier. The glass on sliding doors are super thick so i dont think some one could easily break it.
i have installed both styles of doors many times. i would have to say that i dont think that security is really a concern when trying to choose between these two door styles. both are made of substantial material, and both will do thier job of keeping the good in and the bad out. french door systems generally have bolts at the top and bottom of the "fixed panel" so that it provides a secure latching place for the "operating panel".
i hope this was helpful to you.
Ever considered what they call a centerhinge unit?
One side is active the other is fixed.
Same look as a double door with half the security problems.
http://www.atriumpatiodoors.com/series_c...
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