Which Type of Patio Door is Most Secure?

Which Type of Patio Door is Most Secure?

November 29, 2021
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door
are patio doors secure

Is your home protected? Are your windows and doors reliable for home safety? Do you feel that your home offers a sense of refuge for you, your family, your pets, your possessions, and your valuables?

Home security is a top priority in this day and age. Compared to even 20 years ago, advancements in technology have allowed for vast improvements in residential safeguarding. 

Structural materials, design styles, glass, alarms, locking mechanisms, and other preventative tools afford a number of methods for enhanced protection.

In the past, windows and doors were an open invitation to problems. From bad weather and intruders to insects and other unwanted critters, access to the exterior posed a danger. 

Today, this is not the case. With heightened awareness, precautions, and state-of-the-art manufacturing based on the strict selling points of efficiency and safety, you can be at the top of the game when it comes to reassurance and peace of mind.

Things to Consider in the Security of Patio Doors

Patio doors are no longer a lure for potential safety issues. Instead, they offer a wealth of protection and security. By working solely with quality Milgard products, US Window & Door recognizes your need for home safety.

u want to step up the value and aesthetics of your home, all while providing an improved secure environment, replacing or installing a patio door is a great option. Considering a dependable addition will give you peace of mind. But first, you have to know the specifics. Understand what you're getting into and how you can get the help you need.

A patio door is an investment that you shouldn't take lightly. US Window & Door is here to lay the groundwork for the information you need when taking this next step in home improvement. Learn what's out there, what would work best for you, and how you can upgrade your lifestyle!

Placement

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After tossing around the notion of a new patio door, you need to figure out where it's going to go. Do you need a door replacement for a certain area? Are you looking at a renovation that entails creating a space for one?

Once you decide where your patio door is going, you have to analyze the surroundings. Do you require a compact design that won't take up any additional room? Is there a wide swing range for opening doors? What about the natural elements?

Paying careful attention to your patio door placement is the first step in securing your structure. Some areas are more conducive to weather and unwanted visitors than others. Knowing the variables in location will help you determine what type of door will work best for you.

Type of Door

In the world of patio doors, there are three main styles. Each features a number of aesthetic as well as security qualities. It's wise to examine what they all have to offer and how they'll specifically suit your home.

Bifold Patio Doors

Exterior bifold patio doors are in the same family as movable glass walls. They offer a wide perspective of outdoor scenery, even when closed. Usually made with unobstructed panes that boast a clean and clear, unimpeded view, they're an ideal link to your outside environment. Plus, they have a water barrier for inclement weather situations, and thermal glass paneling.

French Patio Doors

Tending to be more opulent and showy, French patio doors are an iconic design. They carry all the prestige and elegance you'd expect from a classic style. Still, they can suit a more modern structure while incorporating heightened security elements such as multi-layered locks. Choose from an in-swing or out-swing style, depending on the available area. Or, go with the newer sliding feature to save on space.

Sliding Patio Doors

Utilitarian and stylish, sliding patio doors are probably the most budget-friendly options when it comes to exterior access coupled with security. Adaptable, they can fit pretty much anywhere. You won't need a lot of space to install them, and they'll instantly enhance any home.

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Door Frame Material

Patio door frames come in a variety of superior and dependable materials. Made to fit specific purposes, these compositions are properly designed to promote, enhance, and resolve safety issues distinct to the type of style you ultimately choose. US Window & Door has an unparalleled working knowledge of what performs best and is here to help you every step of the way when it comes to selecting the suitable material for your Milgard door frame.

Aluminum

If you're looking into bi-fold or sliding patio doors, aluminum is a great choice! Offering a less-costly alternative to other materials, it's resistant to corrosion and provides high-quality staying power. For a contemporary look at a budget-friendly price, an aluminum door is the way to go. It's a simple solution to creating a sleek and unassuming barrier of protection.

uPVC

Vinyl (or uPVC) is a standard material for new or replacement patio doors. It's ideal for the best sliding patio doors, as it offers strong and secure channels for movement. Though vinyl used to have a bad reputation, it has come a long way in the past few decades. It is now a sought-after material that exudes a professional, sturdy, protective, and appealing appearance that's built to last.

Wood

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A wooden frame is a classic look. Especially when it comes to French doors, this is what many people expect for a fashionable and stylish flair. Yet wood rots, warps, and cracks. Its lifespan is less than ideal when it comes to durability and security.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass offers the best of both worlds. Tailored to suit your needs, it provides all the aesthetics of wood but with long-lasting endurance. Customize it to suit your needs. It works perfectly for traditional or sliding French patio doors.

Glass

Glass used to be a weak link in home defense. At one time, it was a simple way to gain entry to a structure, in addition to a feeble attempt at protection from the elements. Today, glass comes with a number of protection measures made for safety, security, and energy efficiency.

Tempered glass is toughened glass usually created by extensive heat. It's designed to break into smaller chunks versus shards if broken, which is due to altered stressors caused by its treatment. Obscured glass is another treated type of pane, styled to offer privacy by disallowing an interior view while still permitting natural light to enter.

Other glass options include insulation factors, which are geared toward temperature regulation while bolstering protection. Suncoat Low-E incorporates UV resistance, for example. Buffered multi-paned glass maximizes nature, retaining heat in the winter while being a line of defense against it in the summer.


Locking Mechanism

A good lock is critical to home safety. It's your first line of defense against something nefarious. Locks are the catalyst in keeping you, your loved ones, your personal items, and your residence protected.

When looking into locks, you want to observe the details. Materials, lifetime, and code adherence are just a few of the aspects you should examine. Mechanics, too, are an important part of the selection process.

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Multi-point locking mechanisms, which exceed forced-entry codes, come standard in some doors, including Milgard's Tuscany series. Meeting the criteria for the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, these French patio doors offer the premium Smart Touch bolt, which is an extra effort in security all contained in the easy flip of a switch. Plus, in the event of an emergency requiring a quick exit, they're effortless to unlock.

Additional Safety Measures

US Window & Door promises to set you on the right path when it comes to home security. With a number of safety features available, you can't go wrong with selecting one of these Milgard patio doors.

But if you want a little extra, US Window & Door can help you with that, too! Utilizing an expanse of means inspired by both technology and cost-effectiveness, you can increase your residence's fortifications with a few different ideas. Even for the budget-minded, there are some simple tricks and options that will allow you to rest easy, knowing that you've provided a safe place for yourself and others. You'll be in good hands with these helpful suggestions.

Install a Blocking Bar

If you don't want to invest any additional money into patio door protection, a blocking bar is a great tool to beef up your security. In all likelihood, you won't have to spend a single cent on this method, as you probably have something around the house that will do the trick.

Blocking bars work well on sliding doors and windows. They're as simple as a broomstick, sturdy piece of wood, or a leftover cut of rebar. Just place it in the slide track to prevent the window or door from opening. It's a tried and tested, cut-and-dry means of securing your residence.

Set up a Window Film

Window film is a wonderful advancement in home safety. It may not seem like much, but it extends protection in a few different ways.

Film can be used decoratively, which offers a coating of privacy for your house's interior. It helps by limiting UV exposure as well. But more often than not, it's implemented as a security measure.

Micro-layered plastic, resistant to tearing, works wonders on glass panes. If it's shattered, the film holds the glass in place instead of allowing it to fall everywhere. An attachment system adheres the film to the frame, which allows the broken glass to stay in place without peeling off.


Add Clasp Locks or Foot Bolts

Clasp and hasp locks are a simple way to protect your home. A solid and trustworthy method of safeguarding, they truly stand the test of time. Strategic placement adds reinforcement to the door for an easy and effective way to fortify your residence.

Foot bolts are another effective way of reinforcing your doors. They come in a range of affordable prices and are great for added strength. Head bolts work in a similar way and toughen up your security at a minimal cost.

installing an alarm for your patio door

Install an Alarm

There are numerous companies out there devoted to home safety. You can go with any high-tech solutions or do it yourself. In today's age, you have access to a number of computer-based programs that work in conjunction with your phone. Anything from video cameras to motion sensors will alert you if something is amiss.


If you don't want to invest the time, equipment, and finances into a home security system, there are plenty of low-tech or DIY options out there. Light fixture sensors, simple doorstop or handle alarms, doorbell cameras, and glass vibration monitors all add to your protection and peace of mind.

Ensure the Security of Your Home With Only the Best Patio Doors

US Window & Door offers the epitome of design, construction, customization, and security with Milgard patio doors. They're an investment that will pay off in the near future, several times over. And with a lifetime limited warranty, what do you have to lose? US Window & Door will take care of most quality and damage issues that may arise. Plus, if you sell your home within ten years of the installation, the warranty extends to the new owners for the remainder of that period.

The #1 rated Milgard supplier in In the greater San Diego Area and Southern Orange County, US Window & Door is confident that you'll get the best product money can buy. With a team of seasoned experts, from start to finish, you'll find unparalleled quality and value. Go with a reliable team that provides skilled and knowledgeable services decade after decade.

Boasting a number of diverse and attractive options, there are Milgard patio doors to suit your every need. Our staff is available for any questions you may have or to provide you with a free in-home estimate*.

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If you've been considering replacing or installing new patio doors, don't wait any longer. Add value, charm, openness, nature, security, and a renewed sense of beauty to your home. Contact US Window & Door today to begin your journey toward a new lifestyle!