Are Front Doors with Glass Safe? Advice From the Experts

Many homeowners ask if front doors with glass are safe during consultations. This is an important question, particularly for families who appreciate the elegance of glass but are worried about security. The reality is that safety depends on more than just the glass; it relies on the door’s structure, the locking system, and how well it’s installed.  

At Safe Harbor Exteriors, we’ve installed secure and stylish glass front doors for homes throughout Kansas City. With the right materials and security features, you can have safety and great curb appeal. Let’s explore what truly makes glass front doors safe.

Why Safety Concerns Exist Around Glass Doors

Homeowners often worry about the safety of front doors with glass, fearing that someone could break the glass and unlock the door from the inside. While this concern is common, it’s generally overstated, especially if the proper hardware and design are used. Properly installed glass doors can be both stylish and secure.

Non-reinforced glass near a lock can be vulnerable, but today’s door systems provide enhanced security—the secret lies in selecting the right features of a secure front door that tackle these concerns. By doing so, homeowners can enjoy stylish glass doors without compromising safety.

Is Security Glass Really Worth the Cost?

Many people mistakenly believe they need expensive “security glass” to protect front doors. While such glass is available, it often costs more than necessary, and there are effective alternatives for a secure entryway. You can achieve safety without overspending.

Why We Don’t Recommend Security Glass in Most Cases

Commercial settings and hurricane-prone areas primarily use security-rated glass, such as laminated or multi-layer impact glass. While these materials are heavy and costly, they often exceed what most Kansas City homes need. Although this glass can withstand impacts without shattering completely, there are more affordable and practical solutions to keep your entryway secure.

Many of our clients discover they don’t need to spend a fortune on security glass to feel secure. We emphasize that the glass’s placement and the hardware’s quality are far more critical for ensuring safety.

A Better Solution: Two-Cylinder Deadbolts

When it comes to securing front doors with glass, we recommend using a two-cylinder deadbolt. This type of lock requires a key to operate from the inside and the outside.

How a Two-Cylinder Deadbolt Increases Security

With a single-cylinder deadbolt, someone could break the glass, reach through, and unlock the door from the inside. However, a two-cylinder model ensures the intruder still requires a key to unlock the door even if the glass breaks. This procedure removes the incentive and significantly strengthens your security.

We always remind homeowners to use these locks carefully, especially when people are present. You’ll need quick access to the key in emergencies like a fire. For this reason, we recommend storing the interior key in a nearby but secure location, out of view yet within reach for adults.

Other Tips to Make Front Doors with Glass Safe

Safety goes beyond locks and glass types when securing front doors with glass. Here are some easy ways we assist our clients in enhancing the security of their glass entry doors.

1. Keep Locks Away from the Glass

Choose door designs with glass placed higher or further from the locking hardware. This method reduces the risk of anyone reaching in, even if the glass breaks.

2. Reinforce the Frame

We anchor the door frame into the wall studs using extra-long screws and a heavy-duty strike plate. This technique prevents kick-ins and reinforces the entire opening, not just the door slab.

3. Install Motion Lighting and Cameras

Exterior lighting and basic security cameras deter most break-in attempts. Intruders are far less likely to approach a well-lit door with visible recording devices.

Balancing Style and Security with Glass Entry Doors

When we discuss the safety of front doors with glass, we always come back to this: properly installed doors with quality hardware and wise design choices are more secure than most people think. You can achieve the desired level of security without compromising on style or natural light.

We’ve helped countless homeowners in Kansas City upgrade to stylish glass entry doors that prioritize security. You can enjoy a beautiful entrance without compromising your home’s safety by choosing the proper deadbolt, reinforcing the frame, and correctly placing the glass.

Install a Stylish and Secure Glass Door Today

You don’t have to choose between design and security. If you’ve been putting off a door upgrade because of concerns about glass, we can help you make the right call. At Safe Harbor Exteriors, we help Kansas City homeowners install secure front doors with glass that balance beauty and protection. Our team will walk you through design options, hardware upgrades, and expert installation for long-term peace of mind.

Don’t let safety concerns hold you back; explore secure and stylish front door options. Contact Safe Harbor Exteriors today to discover how glass front doors can be beautiful and secure.