The thought of having large glass panels installed in your home may seem like a security concern, but modern patio doors are engineered to be incredibly robust and secure. Far from being a weak point, high-quality bifold, sliding, or French doors incorporate a range of advanced features designed to keep you and your property secure.
This expert guide will walk you through the security measures built into IDSystems’ patio doors and explore the additional steps you can take for complete peace of mind to ensure your home remains safe and looking stylish.
While different types of patio doors will have their own security features, ultimately, the best security for patio doors comes from the overall quality of the components and construction.
A well-made system from any category will outperform a lower-quality alternative on security.
When considering bifold or sliding doors, it’s the combination of these elements that creates a truly secure entrance.
A primary security advantage of bifold door security lies in their multi-point locking systems. Because the doors fold and slide along a track, they are secured at multiple points along the frame, making them particularly resistant to being forced open.
All of IDSystems’ aluminium bifold doors meet PAS 24 security testing standards. This is an independent lab test that ensures the doors comply with Building Regulations Document Q.
Classic and elegant, modern French doors have come a long way from their traditional counterparts. High-quality systems, like our Heritage French doors, feature multi-point locking on both the main door and the secondary leaf, making them significantly more secure than those without these modern features.
Our hugely popular theVISION French Doors include a multi-point locking system, a dead bolt and two anti push back hooks for maximum security and peace of mind.
Modern sliding doors contain a range of features for security and ease of use that make them significantly more secure than older models. Sophisticated multi-point locks and integral anti-lift mechanisms lock the panels securely into the frame and track, preventing them from being lifted out from the outside, a common method used to bypass older, less secure doors.
Ultra-slim sliding doors like theEDGE2.0 Include a large list of features including a continuous locking bar, six-point mushroom bolt and claw lock, an anti-lifting device and a full aluminium interlock between each of the panels so they cannot be levered apart.
Every door system we supply is designed with security as a priority. These features and our high-quality materials work together to create a formidable barrier against intruders.
The strength of the frame is the foundation of your door’s security.
Aluminium is an exceptionally strong and durable material that is resistant to twisting or warping, meaning it can’t be easily bent or forced out of shape. Its inherent rigidity makes it the ideal choice for durable and secure bifold doors.
Engineered timber provides a solid and robust frame, but it requires consistent maintenance to prevent rot or warping, which could compromise its strength over time.
While a popular and cost-effective option, standard uPVC frames are less rigid than aluminium. For security, they often need to be reinforced with steel, as an unreinforced frame can be more susceptible to being forced.
Toughened glass is treated with heat and then cooled rapidly, making it up to five times stronger than standard glass. If it does break, it shatters into small pieces rather than dangerous shards.
For enhanced patio door security, laminated glass is an excellent option. It consists of two panes of glass bonded to a tough plastic inter-layer. If the glass is struck, it may crack, but the inter-layer will hold the glass in place, preventing an intruder from gaining entry.
For those building a new home, or changing the use of their property to residential (i.e barn conversion), laminated glass is a requirement of Building Regulations Part Q for security.
Found on all our door systems, a multi-point lock secures the door to the frame in several places simultaneously with the turn of a single key. This distribution of force makes the door far more resistant to being prised open.
A key feature for sliding door security, anti-lift blocks are integrated into the system to stop the door panels from being physically lifted off their tracks. This simple but effective mechanism removes a major vulnerability found in older sliding door designs.
Integrating your patio doors with your home alarm system is another highly effective way to increase your home’s security.
These small devices can be placed near your patio doors and are designed to detect the specific acoustic frequency of breaking glass, triggering an alarm immediately.
A simple two-part sensor is placed on the door and the frame. If the door is opened, the contact is broken, and the alarm is activated. This is an excellent way to know instantly if a door has been breached.
IDSystems’ doors are rigorously tested to meet and often exceed the latest security standards, including PAS 24. From the inherent strength of our aluminium frames to the multi-point locking systems and toughened or laminated glass, every component is chosen to ensure your home is protected.
Ready to learn more about our secure and stylish patio doors? Visit our virtual showroom to explore the options, or contact our expert team today to request a quote.