Doors and Windows - Front Door Security ?

Anybody here know about security issues with the style of door pictured in this post? Is it easy to smash through the glass&metal work and reach into the lock area or does the thin metal framework provide a formidable barrier?

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What is the width of glass. what is the glass made of. Glass security depends on material used in making of glass like Polycarbonate, Acrylic and Glass Clad Polycarbonate etc.

Since door glass is tempered, it is *very* hard to break, and it cannot be cut. Someone with a sledgehammer or a gun could break it, but that is why security companies offer "glass break" security sensors.

Windows on a house are much easier to break, and you can cut the glass with a glass cutter. If a burglar wants in, they will have no problem finding a way. Security systems are your only real defense.

Since door glass is tempered, it is *very* hard to break, and it cannot be cut. Someone with a sledgehammer or a gun could break it, but that is why security companies offer "glass break" security sensors.

Windows on a house are much easier to break, and you can cut the glass with a glass cutter. If a burglar wants in, they will have no problem finding a way. Security systems are your only real defense.


When you say 'security systems' are you suggesting alarm systems?

Alarm systems provide no defense at all and never have or could. Alarm systems do exactly what the name implies. they ALARM. Alarms inform that a condition exists.....that's all....they are not designed to protect or defend.

If you want to protect or defend from surreptitious or covert entry or from breakage, you are required to use some sort of mechanical product (including electro-mechanical products) to provide the protection.

Quality locks and frame strengtheners are required to defend.

Alarms and CCTV's are designed to inform only. Be aware of the distinction.

Ask any alarm system salesperson if their product can or does physically prevent burglary or attempted burglary. If they say YES....they are lying!

Alarms are physically unable to prevent entry!

When you say 'security systems' are you suggesting alarm systems?

Maybe "only defense" was the wrong word to use... I seem to have hit a nerve. ;) Any house with glass is susceptible to break ins. No amount of locks on doors or windows can change that. I was assuming the op's question was regarding the glass, not the locks. Since the door pictured doesn't even have knobs. LOL As you know, glass breaks that can either set off an alarm (burglars don't like noise or attention drawn to them) or security services like ADT that can actually phone the home or the homeowner to alert them to the "alarm" being triggered. Obviously it won't stop someone from breaking into the home, but it can be a deterrent.

Does it prevent attempted burglaries? Yes and no. Yes it may deter someone if they see the well known security company's sign in the yard and decide to try the next house with no security signs... and no it won't stop a persistent burglar from trying anyway.

Does it prevent attempted burglaries? Yes and no. Yes it may deter someone if they see the well known security company's sign in the yard and decide to try the next house with no security signs... and no it won't stop a persistent burglar from trying anyway.


Alarms do not prevent burglaries, they only inform that a condition exists if activated. They have never prevented burglaries. They may be a deterrent, true and I agree they wont stop a persistent burglar.

Signs are a double edged sword, in my opinion. Displaying them could indicate you have something to protect, indirectly making your property more attractive to a potential burglar. By the same token, they could dissuade a burglar from an attempt.

With glass, 3M, the largest manufacturer of window films, manufacture products designed to withstand guns and sledgehammers, but the product can be expensive.

As to leadlighting, and the OP's question, I once owned a shop next door to a leadlighter, who told me that in all reallity, leadlighting actually weakens the glass, while strengthening the actual framework.

Opinions vary.

Alarms do not prevent burglaries, they only inform that a condition exists if activated. They have never prevented burglaries. They may be a deterrent, true and I agree they wont stop a persistent burglar.


This doesn't make sense. Alarms DO prevent most burglaries. If a criminal see's alarm signs, stickers, or whatever, he most likely will want to find a home without one, thus PREVENTING him from entering said home.

Prevent/Deter are almost the same thing.

Well, alarms will help prevent/deter surreptitious break-ins but not a home invasion type thing. Reinforced latches, hinges, and strikes will help with kick-in's, but not necessarily burglary. A 6ft pry bar and a sledge will get through just about anything.

Even multiple deadbolts and such won't prevent everything. Not when they can rip off some siding and kick in the drywall in a wall.

A friend lived in Italy and lemme tell you, the door was STOUT, multiple throw bolts (like a safe) on the front door, tiny windows with bars, and they just busted through the stucco on the back and crawled in. Guess that's what he got for having $10,000 in classic guitars and showing them off.

This doesn't make sense. Alarms DO prevent most burglaries. If a criminal see's alarm signs, stickers, or whatever, he most likely will want to find a home without one, thus PREVENTING him from entering said home.

Prevent/Deter are almost the same thing.

It is impossible to know whether an alarm prevents burglaries or even attempted burglaries.

If an alarm has been activated, it is probably because the conditions have occurred to set the alarm - that being a burglary attempt.

With no attempt at entry - the alarm cannot sound - therefore it is logical to presume that alarms cannot protect or defend - only INFORM!

Anybody here know about security issues with the style of door pictured in this post?

At a glance I would guess that almost anyone could knock out a piece of glass, reach in, and open the door. They could easily manage that no matter how drunk, stoned, or stupid. If the area in front of the door is easy to view from the street they will first try to find a more hidden area out back, behind a bush or something.

Is it easy to smash through the glass&metal work and reach into the lock area or does the thin metal framework provide a formidable barrier?

I am going to guess that that it is a decorative section sandwiched between two flat sheets of high E tempered safety glass. The purpose of that metal is to hold the small pieces of glass in position and it is no stronger than it needs to be to do that job.

One simple and effective way to correct this is to install a piece of Lexan over each opening and secure it solidly to the frame. You can stand there and beat Lexan with a hammer, it doesn't care. It does scratch easily so you have to be careful when you clean it.

... If a criminal see's alarm signs, stickers, or whatever, he most likely will want to find a home without one, thus PREVENTING him from entering said home.


Alarm signs or stickers are not an alarm system, are they?

They might give the perception of electronic security and therefore a deterrence to an English speaking/educated burglar.

This statement suggests that alarms are unnecessary and all that someone might need is signs and stickers. :wall:

If I was thinking of installing an entry system like this, and couldn't get past the thought that somebody might just smash the glass and unlock it from the inside, I would install a dead bolt that requires a key to lock and unlock both sides. I've seen them at the home improvement centers.
But step one would be to find out what the sheeting is. It could be solid pane polycarbonate with appliques in which case, nobody's going to get their hand through it too easily to begin with.
P.s. it looks beautiful.:thumbup:

If I was thinking of installing an entry system like this, and couldn't get past the thought that somebody might just smash the glass and unlock it from the inside, I would install a dead bolt that requires a key to lock and unlock both sides. I've seen them at the home improvement centers.
But step one would be to find out what the sheeting is. It could be solid pane polycarbonate with appliques in which case, nobody's going to get their hand through it too easily to begin with.
P.s. it looks beautiful.:thumbup:

I completely agree, however one also needs to take into consideration life safety and building codes set down by the AHJ and fire marshal for your locality.

The common law that most municipalities require adherence to is from the international building code relating to ingress/egress.

The primary entrances of dwellings require single cylinder locking devices in case of emergency egress.

An entrance that is not considered an emergency exit, might be a patio door or a additional side door and therefore a double cylinder lock might be allowed. But it all depends on the local elected fire marshal and the AHJ.

If I was thinking of installing an entry system like this, and couldn't get past the thought that somebody might just smash the glass and unlock it from the inside, I would install a dead bolt that requires a key to lock and unlock both sides. I've seen them at the home improvement centers.

That would work, but if it was my house, I wouldn't want it to be possible to have people stuck inside and unable to get out.

But step one would be to find out what the sheeting is. It could be solid pane polycarbonate with appliques in which case, nobody's going to get their hand through it too easily to begin with.

Agreed.

I silently laugh at the ADT commercials. Poor girls, home alone, burglars break in, the alarm goes off, ADT instantly calls, distracting the girls from reaching for their .357 magnum and taking care of business. Yeah, right, talk to the guy on the line while the intruders ignore the alarm. It only takes a few seconds to kidnap someone standing there talking on the phone. Game over.

The most impressive thing I have ever seen comes from Llumar. It is a film that bonds to the glass. While the glass can be cracked, it is unlikely anyone would go through the trouble of continuing to smash and pound the glass long enough to punch a hole through it or to make it break away from the seals of the door.

There is no full-proof solution to burglary. If someone really wants in, they will get in. The only thing you can do is make it a time-consuming and noisy business for them.