Are Glass Front Doors Easy To Break Into? The Truth Behind Security

Glass front doors are a popular feature in many buildings so you must have seen them around in your neighborhood. Besides giving passersby a peek into the home’s interior, they allow natural light to flood into your living spaces, create a feeling of openness, and add a touch of elegance to your entryway.

However, this stunning feature can also make your home more vulnerable to intruders and break-ins. If your glass doors get smashed, it provides an easy entry point for burglars.

But are these doors really that easy to break into? In this article, I will investigate the truth behind glass front door security and explore some effective ways to secure your doors to keep your home safe from potential burglary. So keep reading if you’d like to find out!

 

Is Your Home Safe Having Glass Front Doors?

 

I think you will agree that having a front door with glass can increase the risk of burglary, as it might be tempting for intruders to gain access into your home by breaking the glass.

Front doors serve not only aesthetic and functional purposes, they also play a vital role in the security of your home. Thus, a physical barrier to entry should be the most important security feature to keep the bad guys out of your house.

The front door should be strong enough to withstand any forced entry attempts. Sadly, many standard entry doors are not up to the task of protecting your property from a determined intruder looking to break in.

If your glass door is not reinforced or made of tempered glass, it can be vulnerable to breaking, providing intruders with an easy way to enter your home.

 

 

Are Front Doors With Glass Secure Or Easy To Break Into?

 

The intruders can be very determined and successful in gaining unauthorized entry into a house that has a glass front door.

As an example, both the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) show in their annual reports on crime statistics in the United States, that there are nearly 1.2 million reported incidents of home break-ins each year.

The DOJ report also found that of those incidents, there are more than half of these burglaries have been completed, and nearly 40% of those burglaries are committed through glass front doors.

Glass doors are typically easier to break into compared to solid wood or metal doors. No matter how strong the door’s locks, frames, and hinges are, if your door has any glass panels in it, you risk the glass being shattered. Somebody can easily smash standard door glass, or it could even get damaged by flying storm debris.

Single-glazed glass, in particular, is an accessible target for burglars, who can easily smash it and create a large enough hole to gain entry.

I suggest that you consult a professional security expert who can assess the security of your glass front door and recommend any necessary upgrades or reinforcements.

 

How Burglars Can Break Into Glass Front Doors?

 

Burglars employ various techniques to break into glass front doors. Common methods include:

 smashing the glass with a heavy object or a tool like a hammer, which will allow the burglar to reach in and unlock the door

 drilling a hole in the glass and then inserting a long, thin object to open the lock

 prying it open with tools like a crowbar

 using suction cups to lift and remove the glass out of its frame and open it from the inside

 using chemicals like acid to weaken or dissolve the glass, making it easier to break

 making a small hole in the glass with a diamond-tipped glass cutter, and then using a wire to reach in and open the lock

It’s important to understand these tactics as they can help homeowners take appropriate measures to reinforce their glass doors and prevent break-ins.

 

 

What Type Of Glass Is Burglar-Proof?

 

Burglar-proof glass, also known as safety or security glass, is designed to resist breakage and intrusion to make it difficult for criminals to gain access to a house.

There are several types of burglar-proof glass available on the market, and each of them offers unique properties and different levels of security.

Let’s discuss the two most common types:

 

Laminated Glass

This is a commonly used type of burglar-proof glass. The laminated glass is particularly effective in resisting strong impacts, and serves as an additional security measure in case someone’s attempting to break it.

While it looks similar to regular glass, its structure sets it apart. To make it tougher than standard glass, strengthened laminated glass consists of at least two sheets or panes of glass, joined together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which is a transparent film.

This PVB layer is sandwiched between each sheet of glass and it helps hold the glass together in case it’s broken, making it challenging for intruders to penetrate. When broken, laminated glass tends to remain intact, forming a spider web-like pattern.

And if you install multiple panels of laminated glass, it can provide even more protection against potential break-ins.

 

Tempered Glass

Another type of burglar-proof glass is toughened glass, also known as tempered glass.

It undergoes a rapid heating and cooling process, which results in a strong and durable material that’s highly resistant to breaking. When tempered glass is shattered, it crumbles into small granular particles rather than sharp shards, reducing the risk of injury.

Specially engineered tempered glass is commonly used in windows and sliding glass doors and partitions. It is impact resistant and very durable, and can be also combined with other materials to enhance its security properties.

 

 

How Can You Make Your Glass Front Door Safer?

 

Luckily, there are some ways you can enhance the safety of your glass front door without the need to replace it completely if it’s not secure enough.

There are various measures you can take that align with your specific security requirements and aesthetic preferences:

 

Install Bars Or Grills

A traditional approach is to place metal bars, grills, or mesh on the door. They will protect the door by creating a physical barrier over the glass. While effective in protecting the glass, they may not be visually appealing and can detract from the overall curb appeal.

 

Apply Security Window Film

By applying a transparent security window film directly onto the glass, you can reinforce it against breakage. This film is a pliable Mylar coating that holds the glass together if shattered, and makes it even more challenging for intruders to gain access. It can also provide basic security enhancements while maintaining the door’s appearance.

 

Opt For Laminated Glass

As discussed above, the laminated security glass offers a higher level of protection from impacts and intrusion attempts. It comes in different thicknesses and compositions, providing varying degrees of impact resistance.

 

Consider Polycarbonate Glazing Shields

They offer the highest level of protection without altering the appearance of the glass. These shields possess the strength of polycarbonate and combine a glass-like appearance with virtually unbreakable strength. They offer exceptional durability and can withstand significant impacts, providing enhanced security.

 

– Install A Security Door

Another option is to replace your existing front door with a security door that incorporates a metal grille or mesh over the glass. This additional layer of protection makes it more challenging for burglars to break the glass door.

 

– Install Good Quality Locks

Finally, make sure that you have good quality locks on your glass front door, and consistently use them even when you’re at home. This can help to keep criminals away and make it more difficult for them to gain entry to your home.

 

 

Are Glass Front Doors Worth The Risk In Terms Of Security?

 

Despite the benefits of glass front doors such as increased natural light, better visibility, and a modern and welcoming entrance, it is essential to evaluate the security risks they pose.

It needs to be stressed that glass front doors do pose a potential security risk due to their vulnerability to breakage. By nature, glass is less durable and secure compared to solid wood or metal doors, making it vulnerable to easy break-ins by intruders who want to gain access to your home.

To address the security risks associated with having a glass front door, you can take certain precautions. Deciding on some of the options listed above, for example by opting for tempered or laminated glass, homeowners can mitigate the risk and be sure that it is more difficult for intruders to break the glass.

In addition, installing a comprehensive security system can act as a deterrent and will discourage burglars from attempting to break into the house.

Determining whether a glass front door is worth the security risk depends on various factors, including the specific security measures used and the individual circumstances of your house.

By assessing these factors and implementing appropriate security measures, homeowners can strike a balance between the aesthetic appeal of glass front doors and the protection of their property.

 

To Sum Up,

While glass front doors can enhance the aesthetics of a house, prioritizing security is of utmost importance.

Before installing a glass front door, you should carry out thorough research. Familiarize yourself with the techniques used by burglars, educate yourself about the different types of glass doors, and choose the most secure option that suits your home and your budget.

Also, take proactive measures to prevent break-ins and safeguard your house. When you adopt a proactive approach to home security, you can ensure peace of mind, and protect yourself and your family from potential break-ins.