Double doors? Without a CENTER mullion? -Easy to defeat

Double doors, while architecturally appealing and functional for managing large flows of people or moving big items, can pose specific security challenges. Here's why they might be considered less secure from a security perspective:

Latch and Bolt Vulnerabilities: Double doors often rely on complex locking mechanisms that secure the doors where they meet in the middle. If not properly designed and maintained, these latches and bolts can be weak points that are easier to tamper with or force open compared to single-door designs.

Increased Entry Points: Double doors essentially double the potential entry points for unauthorized access. If both doors are not equally secured, it might provide an easier opportunity for breach.

Gap and Alignment Issues: Over time, double doors may suffer from alignment issues due to settling of the building or wear and tear. These misalignments can lead to gaps or spaces that could be exploited to gain unauthorized entry, for instance, by manipulating the locking mechanism through the gap.

Difficulty in Securing Both Doors Equally: Ensuring that both doors are equally secure can be challenging, especially if one door is used more frequently than the other. The less-used door may be overlooked in regular security checks, leading to vulnerabilities.

Emergency Egress Concerns: In an emergency, double doors must be able to open quickly and efficiently to allow for rapid evacuation. If the locking mechanisms or panic hardware are not correctly installed or maintained, it can hinder evacuation efforts. Conversely, if too easy to open, they might also be easily compromised from the outside.

Hardware Complexity: Double doors often require more complex hardware for proper functioning and security, including top and bottom bolts on the passive door (the door that usually remains closed) and active door hardware. This complexity can introduce more points of failure or tampering.

Reinforcement Challenges: Providing adequate reinforcement for double doors, especially in retrofit situations, can be more difficult than for single doors. The center meeting point of double doors is a natural weak spot that requires specific reinforcement strategies to enhance security.

Despite these challenges, many of the security vulnerabilities associated with double doors can be mitigated with proper design, hardware, and maintenance. High-security locking systems, continuous hinge designs, and appropriate use of access control technologies can greatly enhance the security of double doors. Additionally, regular inspections and adjustments to ensure proper alignment and functionality are key to maintaining security integrity.