Do glass front doors increase the chance of burglary because the amount of glass makes the home vulnerable? Is a door with expansive glass more attractive to thieves? 

It’s hard to beat the look of a front entry door that has a full panel of glass. With their sleek, eye-catching designs and upscale finishes, a glass front door can create a dramatic entrance for your guests, and impactful curb appeal for future buyers.

To address the question of burglary, we turned to crime statistics and compiled some of the often-misunderstood features of full-panel glass front doors. Exploring these details demystify common misperceptions.

Let’s start with the problem: burglaries.

Most Burglaries are Crimes of Opportunity

Unlike the movies, most burglars aren’t casing your home for weeks on end, taking detailed notes and plotting their break-ins. 

They’re crimes of opportunity.

According to home security company, ADT, “most burglars don’t want to go to crazy lengths to get into your home. They target easy points of entry, where they are most likely to go unnoticed.” Usually, that’s finding a pet door or going around the side of your house to the patio door.

Smashing a front door or the window facing your street is simply too overt for most everyday burglars, so a glass front door will not increase your chance of burglary. They don’t choose a home because of a specific type of front door.

And the statistics support that.

SafeNow.org, a website run by expert locksmith, points to the following statistics for how most burglars really gain entry into your home:

• Front door: 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and walk right in.

• First-floor windows: 23% use a first-floor open window to break into your home.

• Back door: 22% come in through the back door.

• Garage doors: 9% gain entrance through the garage.

• Basement: 4% choose the basement as a point of entry.

• Unlocked areas, sheds, and storage: Another 6% will simply try for any opening that isn’t locked.

• Second-floor window: A daring 2% will go for the second-story window.

That’s right: most break-ins happen through your UNLOCKED front door. They don’t break glass on a front door.

Your first line of defense is to always lock your door.

Are Glass Front Doors Secure?

But, maybe you’re conscious about locking your front door, but you’re worried someone might break the glass if you purchase that beautiful front door with a full panel of leaded glass. Or, you’re concerned they’ll break in because they can see that you aren’t home, and see possessions they want to steal.

As you explore the options, here are a few key things to keep in mind about glass front doors.

Most Glass Front Doors are 6x Harder to Break

The glass used in a front door is thicker than the glass used in your windows. It’s called tempered glass, safety glass or double-strength glass, which is used in doors, sidelights, and certain types of first-floor windows. Because it’s 1/8th-inch thick, compared to a typical window’s 3/32-inch thickness, and often double paned, it’s extremely difficult to break… six times harder, in fact. And, if they do happen to break it, it’s one of the noisiest glasses to break.

You’re well-protected from potential thieves.

Want to take the safety up another notch? You can ask about a more expensive, more resilient safety glass or laminated glass.

Consider Privacy Glass Options that Conceal

If you decide to shop for a glass front door, there are ways to make safer choices for you and your family to avoid becoming a target of would-be thieves. 

First, you can avoid giving anyone a peek at the valuables in your home or your whereabouts by choosing a privacy glass option that conceals the view into your home. Beautiful choices include rain glass, which looks like ripples of rain water cascading down the glass, or frosted glass, which has a modern aesthetic. 

All privacy glass options allow more light into your home while keeping prying eyes from seeing in, especially at night when the interior lights are on. 

It can be a welcomed compromise if you love the look of glass in a front door, but are concerned about safety. If that doesn’t soothe your concerns, though, most doors offer half- or quarter-panel glass options, instead of a full panel. It has a similar look and curb appeal, with a less expensive price tag.  

Additional Safety Measures to Deter Break-Ins

Use a Keyed Deadbolt

For any front door with glass that’s within arms-reach of the locking hardware, be sure to use a double-keyed or double cylinder deadbolt; not one with a knob. In the unlikely event someone is able to break the glass and reach in, they won’t be able to unlock the door.

Trim Back Bushes & Remove Cover Areas

It’s also smart to keep the view of your front door from the street clear, giving burglars nowhere to hide. By keeping your door and front windows in clear view of neighbors and passing cars, you’ll deter opportunistic burglars who would rather avoid being seen while they commit their crime. Cameras, video doorbells and security systems also act as strong deterrents, sending them on their way.

Glass Front Doors are Solid, Safe Options

We hope this gives you confidence that glass front doors will not increase the chance of burglary, so don’t let concerns limit your choice. They can be both beautiful and safe options when you want to upgrade the entryway of your home. Exploring the variety of glass and safety options available will help you find the right look for your front door without compromising safety. Your salesperson should have ample information available to put your mind at ease related to features by specific manufacturers. 

Then, vigilance and remaining aware of potential risks protect you long after installation. 

If you would like to learn more about glass front doors, and the options available, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (602) 456-2227, email us at info@azwindowreplacement.com, or use the live chat feature on our website. We look forward to answering all your questions and helping you find that perfect, gorgeous door for your home!