French doors are stylish, full of charm, and a great way to bring more light into your home. Whether you’re installing them at the back of the house or as a side entrance, they create a beautiful connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. But here’s the question many Vaughan homeowners ask us: Are French doors secure?

It’s a fair concern. With those large glass panels and dual openings, French doors often get a reputation for being easy targets. But with the right hardware, materials, and installation, French doors can be just as secure, if not more, than standard entry doors.

Let’s explore the facts and clear up some myths, so you can decide if French doors are a smart and safe choice for your home.

Why Vaughan Homeowners Love French Doors

Before diving into the security side, let’s talk about what makes French doors so appealing, especially here in Vaughan:

• They add natural light to darker spaces

• They create a seamless flow to patios, decks, and backyards

• They improve curb appeal

• They boost home value

• They work well in both traditional and modern homes

But along with their beauty comes the common concern: are French doors easy to break into?

Are French Doors Easy to Break Into?

Short answer? They can be—if they’re outdated or poorly installed.
Older models, especially single-lock versions with large, unreinforced glass panes, are more vulnerable to break-ins. Many homes in Vaughan still have older patio French doors installed decades ago, and these models often lack the modern reinforcements that today’s units come with.

Here are common weaknesses with older or low-end French doors:

• Minimal locking systems (usually just a single latch)

• No internal bolts or deadbolts

• Thin or non-tempered glass

• Weak door frames

• No security interlocks

But modern French doors, like the ones we install at Polaris Windows & Doors, are designed with advanced locking mechanisms, reinforced glass, and sturdy materials that make forced entry a lot harder.

What Makes French Doors Secure?

Let’s break down what to look for if you’re shopping for secure French doors:

1. Multi-Point Locking Systems

These are the gold standard. They lock at the top, middle, and bottom of the door, spreading the force needed to break in and making it nearly impossible to kick open.

2. Reinforced Glass

Laminated or tempered glass holds up better against blunt force. Laminated glass even stays in place when shattered, much like a car windshield.

3. Solid Core or Composite Frames

Stay away from hollow frames or cheap wood. A solid frame—especially fiberglass or steel—helps resist break-ins and holds up better in Canadian weather.

4. Security Hinges

Look for doors with hinges on the inside, or tamper-proof hinges if they must be exposed.

5. Internal Locking Bolts

Quality French doors will have bolts or shoot bolts inside the inactive door, giving the set more resistance to prying.

6. Astragal System

This is the central bar between the two doors that can include locks or anti-lift pins. It reinforces the seam and stops forced separation.

At Polaris, all of our exterior French and patio doors include these modern safety features.

How to Secure French Doors From Inside

If you’re asking how to secure French doors from inside, here are practical add-ons you can use:

• Door security bars: Mounted at the base to block door movement

• Inside bolt locks: Installed high or low on the inactive door

• Smart locks: Controlled remotely with alerts for any activity

• Window sensors: Alerts if glass breaks or is tampered with

• Curtains or privacy film: Deters unwanted peeking inside

These internal reinforcements are perfect for homeowners who want extra security without compromising the door’s appearance.

Are French Doors as Secure as Other Exterior Doors?

With the right materials and hardware? Yes.

Let’s compare:

➡️ French doors match or exceed the security level of most patio doors and standard entry doors when properly installed.

Want to see how we secure doors in real Vaughan homes? Check our Google reviews.

Best French Door Materials for Vaughan’s Weather

Vaughan gets snow, wind, rain, and heat, and your doors need to handle it all.

We recommend:

• Fiberglass doors: Excellent thermal resistance, low maintenance

• Steel doors: High security, especially for front entries

• Composite frames: Moisture-resistant, won’t warp or rot

Avoid cheap wood doors for exterior use. They may look nice, but they need constant upkeep and lose integrity over time.

We install doors built for Canadian homes—browse our fiberglass doors and steel door options to learn more.

Upgrade Tips for French Door Security

Already have French doors and want to reinforce them? Here’s what to add:

• Install a multi-point locking system

• Replace the glass with laminated safety glass

• Add an indoor bolt lock or foot lock

• Use door security film over the glass

• Upgrade the door frame with a strike plate reinforcement

• Add smart motion-activated cameras outside the entry point

Even one or two of these upgrades can dramatically increase door security without needing a full replacement.

Final Thoughts: Are French Doors Secure for Vaughan Homes?

So, are French doors secure?
Yes, when you choose the right design and installation.

For homeowners in Vaughan, modern French doors offer excellent protection when built with multi-point locks, reinforced glass, and solid materials. They’re not just about looks—they can be a secure, energy-efficient, and elegant solution for side entrances, patios, and even front entries.

At Polaris Windows & Doors, we install energy-rated, secure French doors that meet the demands of Canadian homes, both for style and safety. We serve Vaughan and the surrounding areas with full installation and upgrades for windows and doors.

📍 Check out our Google Business Profile
📞 Book your FREE in-home quote at polariswindows.ca