French Doors to Garden -Security?
We are doing a kitchen renovation now, and will be replacing a window in the kitchen with french doors. Because of space and aesthetics, we think that out-swinging french doors will work the best (as opposed to inswinging, or sliding.) However, we are concerned with security – and it was suggested to us that we…
We are doing a kitchen renovation now, and will be replacing a window in the kitchen with french doors. Because of space and aesthetics, we think that out-swinging french doors will work the best (as opposed to inswinging, or sliding.)
However, we are concerned with security – and it was suggested to us that we have an ironworking shop fashion some decorative grille/bars for the doors.
Any other thougts?
Also, what kind/brand of doors? The budget is tight for this, but but we do want the doors to look good. Fiberglass doors aren’t grabbing us, we like wood – but it’s pricey, and also might warp in the future. All advice appreciated!
OP here – thanks again, southslopewoodworks.
Any other shops you’d recommend besides Window palace?
Unfortunatley, they’re closed until next wednesday.
How is Bay Ridge Window and Doors?
Generally a door is fabricated to accommodate a multi-point lock by the maker. Few locksmiths know how to install a multi-point lock or cremone bolts.
Window Palace on Macdonald Avenue has a large showroom featuring dozens of the major manufacturers doors on display (not just photos in catalogs).
Thanks for the detailed info., southslopewoodworks.
is there a brand of door you recommend for this?
Ballpark price for the kind of door you’re describing?
Do I buy stock doors and have a good locksmith install this multi-point lock (suggested brand?) and cremone bolt?
Or are there doors which come with this hardware?
Sorry for the questions – I’m a novice and want to get the right thing!
On an exterior out swing door one or two of the hinges need to have a non-rising pin (NRP). It looks no different than any other hinge when closed. When open a set screw is visible that releases the pin.
You need to use laminated or tempered glass in a door. Laminated or safety glass is two pieces of 1/8″ glass laminated onto a plastic sheet- just like your cars windshield. I would use an insulated glass unit made of two laminated pieces of glass. It would take a very long time to break through that unit and is quieter!
Multi-point locks (which engage at the sill, head and strike)provide the best security. Cremone bolts are also very good for security because no hardware is installed on the exterior of the door.
If wood is laminated properly it will not warp.
OP here. Thanks for your reply. I hadn’t thought about the hinge pin. How much was the metal work? I’d ove to see a photo of the “sumilated” look you got. Thanks!
(you can email me at flyingelephant at gmail dot com.)
We put in Pella wooden French doors 10 years ago and have had no trouble. They are clad in metal on the outside. We had a metal guy put bars on the window which matches the “sumilated” divided light grid, so from the inside you can hardly see the bars. Anyone who has a good crowbar and some patience can pry the bars off the door, but we are unlikely to keep those people out anyway. We just want some thief to think our house is too much trouble and move on. Our doors swing in, so the hinge is inside the house. If your’s swing out, you need to think about how to protect the hinge pin from being taken out. You might be able to spot weld the pin, but that might cause more problems than it is worth. Think about doors that swing in….