Why choose high security patio doors?

Patio doors are adored for several reasons.

They are an effortless way to open up your home to the world beyond your four walls, letting in plenty of natural light and fresh air, as well as saving space through not needing any swing space.

However, they are less known for security, which is an area they actually excel at. You may think that because they have a higher percentage of glass than a typical external door that they will be more susceptible to break-ins, but it’s quite the opposite.

We install patio doors with a number of vital security features, including multi-point locking systems, reinforced uPVC frames, and toughened glazing, which is good for both performance and overall peace of mind. You’re then free to enjoy everything else these doors have to offer, from leading thermal efficiency and easy operation to stunning, uninterrupted views.

Introducing patio doors

Patio doors are large glass doors designed to connect your indoor living space to your garden. Unlike traditional exterior doors, they’re made up of oversized glass panels set within slim frames, giving you an almost uninterrupted view outside.

The most common type is the sliding door, where panels glide along a track to open. This makes them different from French doors (which swing open on hinges) or bifold doors (which fold back in concertina sections).

All of the door styles above feature very similar security features, so they’re all equally as structurally sound, but we’ll focus on the sliding patio style in this blog.

High security patio doors: What to look out for

Patio doors are incredibly secure by design. That said, not all patio doors are built to the same standard, and when it comes to your home’s security, the details really do matter. Here’s what to look out for.

Multi-point locking

Single-point locks, where the door is secured at just one central locking point, are really not ideal, as experienced burglars recognise them and know that they’re easier to open.

Multi-point locking systems work differently. They engage at several locking points along the door frame simultaneously, with hooks or bolts gripping the frame at the top, middle and bottom at once. This makes it significantly harder for potential intruders to pry the door open, and it’s considered a gold standard in door security.

High-security cylinders

The cylinder is the part of the lock you insert your key into, and it’s often the first thing a would-be intruder targets. Look for cylinders that protect against all four common attack methods:

• Anti-snap: Prevents the cylinder being snapped in half to bypass the lock
• Anti-bump: Resists manipulation using a specially cut key
• Anti-pick: Makes it far harder to manipulate the internal pins without a key
• Anti-drill: Hardened steel components that resist drilling through the cylinder

Hidden internal locking mechanisms

In a standard sliding patio door, the point where the two glass panels meet in the middle, known as the interlock, can be a weak spot. The most advanced patio door systems address this with a hidden internal locking mechanism at the interlock, locking the two panels together from the inside so they act as one solid barrier. You won’t see it from the outside, which is exactly the point.

Accreditations

Accreditations are independent proof that a product meets recognised safety standards. Look out for:

• PAS 24: A British Standard for elite security, tested for resistance to forced entry
• FENSA approval: Confirms installations meet building regulation standards

We’re proud to be a FENSA-approved installer at Amazing Glazing, meaning every installation we carry out meets the highest professional standards.

Reinforced frames and toughened glazing

A door is only as strong as its frame. Reinforced uPVC frames, strengthened internally with steel, add structural rigidity and resist the kind of leverage attacks that forced entry often involves.

For the glazing itself, toughened glass is treated to be significantly stronger than standard glass. For maximum security, laminated glass goes a step further, a tough plastic interlayer holds the panes together even if struck with force, meaning an intruder can’t simply smash through to reach the handle inside. A brilliant extra layer of security.

Are patio doors as secure as other door types?

Yes, when specified correctly, sliding patio doors are among the most secure patio door options available. With multi-point locking, reinforced frames and toughened or laminated glazing, they meet the same rigorous security standards as composite doors foe example, often perceived ta being the industry leaders in security. The key is choosing an experienced, accredited installer.

What are the other benefits of patio doors?

Now that we’ve covered security, let’s look at a few more reasons why so many homeowners across Kent are choosing them.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency, how well your home restricts heat transfer, is becoming a top priority for most homeowners. As the Energy Saving Trust regularly report, heat loss through windows and doors accounts for a significant proportion of a home’s overall energy loss.

Modern patio doors combat this with multi-chambered uPVC frames that trap pockets of air, acting as natural insulation. Paired with double glazing or triple glazing, they’re incredibly effective at preventing heat from passing through. Elite energy efficiency is often perceived as a winter benefit, but it’s handy in all seasons. When it’s cold, breezes and chilly air won’t pass through your doors and infiltrate your cosy internal temperature. Likewise in the summer, glare and heatwaves won’t turn your home into a sauna.

Natural light and views

The slim, minimalistic frames of sliding patio doors maximise the glazed area, flooding your living space with natural light throughout the day. You also get generous, uninterrupted views of your garden, even when the doors are closed.

Regular exposure to natural light is proven to come with several mental and physical health benefits, including a better mood, increased productivity and even improved sleep quality. Therefore, your entire family can benefit from this living improvement.

Smooth, easy operation

High-quality stainless steel tracks and precision roller sets mean even large, heavy panels glide open effortlessly. Our doors also feature a soft-close mechanism, so they close quietly rather than with a bang, a small detail that makes a real difference in a busy home.

Customisable to your home

Modern patio doors are far from one-size-fits-all. You can choose the number of panels, frame colour, glass specification and hardware finish, meaning you get a door that genuinely suits your home rather than a compromise.

Why is uPVC a great material for patio doors?

uPVC, unplasticised polyvinyl chloride, is the most widely used material for windows and doors across the UK, and for very good reason:

• Durable: Holds its shape for years, even in harsh weather conditions
• Low maintenance: Unlike wooden doors, it just needs a wipe-down to stay looking great
• Thermally efficient: Multi-chambered profiles reduce heat loss
• Secure: Can be internally reinforced with steel for excellent impact resistance
• Versatile: Available in a wide range of colours and finishes
• Cost-effective: Outstanding performance at an accessible price point

Patio doors from Amazing Glazing

Our range of patio doors have multi-point locks, reinforced frames and toughened safety glass as standard, made with thermally efficient uPVC.

Key features include:

• Multi-point locking with heavy-duty bi-directional hooks gripping the frame at multiple points
• High-security cylinders with anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-pick and anti-drill protection
• Hidden interlock locking on the PremiLine Pro, achieving PAS 24 and Secured by Design accreditation
• Toughened glazing as standard, with laminated security glass upgrades available
• Stainless steel tracks tested to 50,000 open-and-close cycles for lasting smooth operation
• Multi-chambered frames with double or triple glazing for excellent thermal performance
• Up to four panels covering openings up to 3.5 metres wide

Frame colours available include white grain, black, anthracite grey, blue, green, red, golden oak, oak, light oak, mahogany, rosewood and clotted cream.

Who are Amazing Glazing?

We’ve been a leading provider of windows and doors across Kent and the surrounding areas for over 15 years. Based in Whitstable, we’re specialists in home improvement installations, from sliding patio doors and composite doors to conservatory roof solutions, windows and roofline products.

As a FENSA-approved installer, every job we complete comes with an insurance-backed HomePro 10-year guarantee and full compliance with building regulations.

We offer a free, no-obligation quote so you can explore your options with zero pressure. Our team are friendly, knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about getting the right result for your home.

Get in touch today:

• Call us: 0800 062 2103
• Email: info@amazingglazingkent.co.uk
• Visit: Unit 107/108, Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, Whitstable, Kent CT5 3SN
• Hours: Mon–Thurs 9am-3pm | Fri 9am-2pm