French Door Security
French doors, or French windows, look really great, but are inherently much less secure than single leaf doors. For this reason they tend to be less popular these days. However, French doors can be perfectly secure too, provided that the following security measures are taken.
Correct Lock installation
To firmly secure both doors, mortice rack bolts should be fitted. The bolts are fixed into the door, and are opened from inside using a threaded key. It is important that the bolts are fitted at a 90 degree angle so that they are less likely to yield to force from outside. Another option is to install surface-mounted locking bolts. One push and they are locked, and a key is used to open them. On some doors mortice shash locks can also be installed, adding an additional level of security. A good London locksmith will know how to correctly install mortice rack bolts, surface-mounted locking bolts, and mortice sash locks.
Hinge bolts are also an excellent addition to outward opening French doors. Once again, correct fitting is very important, and should be left to a qualified London locksmith.
Laminated Glass
Typically, French doors come fitted with ordinary glass panels. It's a good idea to replace ordinary panels with laminated glass. Constructed of two pieces of glass held together with a sheet of laminate, laminated glass is much stronger than ordinary of even toughened glass.
uPVC & PVCu French Doors
Generally, it is inadvisable to add new security devices to uPVC or PVCu French doors. The construction is not strong enough to support locking mechanisms secured with steel screws, and any changes might invalidate an existing warranty, and even damage the original locking mechanism. Many modern uPVC and PVCu doors already come with deadlock shoot bolts or a multi-point locking system, in which case additional devices will not be needed. If you are uncertain about what type of door you have, ask a qualified London locksmith.
For further information about securing French doors, and for a free quote, contact us.
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