How can I make my French door more secure?

How can I make my French door more secure?

While not foolproof, there are several ways to strengthen your French doors.

1. Get impact-resistant glass. If you are buying new doors, get them with impact-resistant glass.
2. Use a three-point locking system.
3. Use a high-quality mortise lock.
4. Install a double-cylinder deadbolt.
5. Install security hinges.

What is an Astragal bolt?

Astragal bolts are used to lock the inactive double door panel, or the door that is not typically used for entry and exit in your french door system. A crucial part within the astragal, the bolt is used to protect your home from outside intruders, unwanted air flow, pests, and moisture.

How do you burglar proof French doors?

High Security French Door Locks

1. Install a commercial grade double sided deadbolt into the active side of the door, or alternatively.
2. Install a double side, high security deadbolt into the active side of the french door.
3. Add one-side half deadbolts to the top and bottom of each door.

How do you fix a gap in the middle of a French door?

Close the gap between the two doors with insulated molding. Nail it to one of the doors using small wood nails so that it overlaps the other door by about one-half inch, covering the gap. Place nails about every 5 inches. Cover the nail heads with wood putty and sand them smooth.

What is a French door astragal?

Some may say an astragal is one of the most important parts of a French door system. The astragal is a vertical component between door panels that allows your French door system to lock out unwanted guests, seal out water and air, and keep insects outside your home.

How do you fix the gap between French doors?

What is an espagnolette bolt?

An espagnolette is a locking device, normally mounted on the frame of a French door or casement window, with a handle or knob at about three of four feet above the floor which rotates a round bar with hooks at the ends into sockets at the head and sill of the opening.

How does French door latch work?

French doors make use of two doors that open opposite each other to create a spacious walkway. The doors latch together, instead of to a door frame, by virtue of their respective handles. The active handle moves the latch when turned, while the opposite handle acts as a dummy handle.

How do you fix a French door that won’t latch?

Check the Door Hinges The reason your external French door won’t close could be the door hinges. An easy fix will be to tighten the hinges. If the screws won’t tighten, you may want to replace them with larger screws or use some form of packing or wall plug when tightening the screw.