Patio Door Security: Keeping Your Home Safe

Large glass patio doors can be security vulnerabilities. According to FGIA, understanding the risks and solutions helps you enjoy the benefits of patio doors without compromising safety.

Common Security Concerns

According to FGIA and security research:

Sliding Doors

Primary vulnerabilities:

• Can be lifted off track
• Basic locks easily defeated
• Glass is breakable
• Single-point locking leaves gaps

French Doors

Primary vulnerabilities:

• Standard hinges can be compromised
• Multiple points of attack
• Glass panels accessible
• Inactive panel often poorly secured

Built-In Security Features

According to FGIA, look for doors with:

Multi-Point Locking

• Locks engage at multiple points along frame
• Much harder to force than single-point
• Often standard on quality doors

Anti-Lift Blocks

• Prevent sliding door from being lifted off track
• Simple but effective against common attack
• Should be standard or easily added

Reinforced Frames

• Steel reinforcement in vinyl frames
• Stronger hinges on French doors
• Proper anchoring to structure

Impact-Resistant Glass

• Laminated glass options available
• Holds together when broken
• Significantly delays entry

Aftermarket Security Additions

According to FGIA recommendations:

For Sliding Doors

Security bar: Blocks track at floor level

• Cost: $20-50
• Effectiveness: High for track-based attack

Pin locks: Pin through frame into fixed panel

• Cost: $10-20
• Effectiveness: Moderate

Track locks: Secures sliding panel in track

• Cost: $15-30
• Effectiveness: Moderate to high

For French Doors

Deadbolts: Surface-mounted or mortise

• Cost: $50-150
• Effectiveness: High (proper installation required)

Security hinges: Non-removable pins, reinforced

• Cost: $30-60 per hinge
• Effectiveness: High

Door reinforcement kit: Strengthens strike area

• Cost: $50-100
• Effectiveness: High

Glass Security Options

According to CPSC and FGIA:

| Option | Protection Level | Cost Impact |
|--------|-----------------|-------------|
| Standard tempered | Low (breaks easily) | Baseline |
| Laminated | Moderate-high | +$200-400 |
| Security film | Moderate | +$100-300 |
| Polycarbonate overlay | High | +$300-500 |

Laminated glass is the best balance of security, cost, and appearance.

Security Without Sacrificing Style

According to FGIA guidance:

Modern security features can be nearly invisible:

• Multi-point locks look like standard hardware
• Anti-lift blocks hidden in frame
• Security film is invisible
• Laminated glass indistinguishable from standard

Smart Home Integration

According to FGIA, modern options include:

• Contact sensors (door open/closed)
• Glass break sensors
• Motion-activated lights
• Smart locks with remote monitoring

The Bottom Line

Patio doors don't have to be security weak points. According to FGIA, quality doors with multi-point locking and anti-lift features, combined with appropriate glass selection, provide good security while maintaining the benefits of large glass openings.

*For complete patio door guidance, see: [Patio Door Types](/guides/patio-door-types)*