Making your patio doors safe
Which patio door design should i buy?
With most bi-fold conservatory doors being fitted to the rear of a property, they can sometimes present an inviting target for burglars. So it makes sense to fit as many security features as possible to prevent your home becoming the target of an opportunist burglar through a set of insecure double glazed doors.
A simple bolt can sometimes be enough to deter an intruder as they rely on speed and low noise to make their entrance – having a dead bolt or two fitted on the inside of the door frame could slow them down enough to make them give up.
More sophisticated all round multi-point locks are not really an ‘aftermarket’ option, but if you are fitting a new patio door then they are a ‘must’ as is having at least a 5 lever mortise main key lock. Choose lock barrels that are bump, snap & drill proof for the best security.
It’s tough to do anything about your existing glazed panels, but if you add filming to the inside – and there are some good tinted low-e options around – it can help, especially if you have glass that is not tempered or toughened because it will keep the glass in the frame even if the glass is shattered.
Anti-lift tracks should be fitted to all new doors, but if you have older ones without this type of track, fit a dead bolt low down on the side of frame so that when you shoot the bolt it stops the door being levered up.
‘Secured by design’ doors have a good reputation, as these are approved by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). find out more at https://www.french-patiodoors.co.uk/