Any tips for securing PVC french doors? Need some advice

Home Defense
1

Hi everyone,

I’m trying to figure out the best way to secure my PVC french doors at the back of my house. I’ve read they’re not the most secure, and I’m really looking to up my home security right now.

I came across a product called Patlock. It looks like it’s a set of bars that go over the handles with a new spindle. It has a lot of positive reviews on Amazon, but it’s hard to tell if they’re legit these days.

Do you think this would work better than using something like U-locks or a padlock? Or does anyone have other suggestions?

2

I’d go with long throw bolts—one into the floor and another up into the door header. It adds strong reinforcement.

3

Kaitlyn said:
I’d go with long throw bolts—one into the floor and another up into the door header. It adds strong reinforcement.

Thanks! I’ll check those out. Do you think it’s possible to install those on a PVC frame? The top area looks like plasterboard, so I’m not sure if that would hold, but maybe it would still help somewhat.

4

@Jefferson
You’d avoid the door frame entirely and aim to secure the bolts to the actual house structure.

5

Have you thought about adding a security film over the glass? It won’t stop someone determined, but it would make it harder for them to break through.

6

Rowen said:
Have you thought about adding a security film over the glass? It won’t stop someone determined, but it would make it harder for them to break through.

I thought he said they were french doors? Do you think a door block handle would help in case someone tried to throw something through the glass?

7

@Maurice
A block handle might slow them down, but if they’re really trying to break in, it won’t completely stop them from getting through.

8

Rowen said:
@Maurice
A block handle might slow them down, but if they’re really trying to break in, it won’t completely stop them from getting through.

Yeah, unfortunately, a determined intruder won’t be put off by a few extra seconds dealing with broken glass.

9

Rowen said:
Have you thought about adding a security film over the glass? It won’t stop someone determined, but it would make it harder for them to break through.

I’ll definitely look into adding a security bar or similar… just need to see if there’s any solid brickwork around the door area. I think it’s mostly plasterboard, though.

10

@Jefferson
Plasterboard won’t hold if someone kicks hard enough. You’ll need something that can attach to a stud or similar so the bolt has something solid to latch onto.

11

Depending on how much you’re willing to modify, you could either upgrade to more secure doors or maybe add a wrought iron gate outside the french doors. If you don’t mind the cost, you could even get a gate that matches the doors so it’s more subtle from the inside. Then you’d have the look of french doors with the added security of metal.

12

@Samuel
You can find glass doors with metal designs worked into them, like swirls or patterns. They’re not cheap, though!