Did you know that almost one-third of would-be intruders enter a home through an open window or door? Windows are prone to being weak points in many homes since they are frequently left unlocked or improperly reinforced.
Securing your windows and doors is a wonderful first step in helping to burglar-proof your house because, according to a survey, 41% of burglars stated that the chance for the crime came from another possibility.
How to burglar-proof your windows?
A crucial step in protecting your property from criminals and prospective invaders is to secure your glass windows. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be expensive.
For every budget and time limit, we’ve gathered some advice on how to make your windows burglar-proof.
1. Motion Detecting Lights or Sensors
If motion is detected, motion-detecting lights will automatically turn on, lighting the area and deterring any potential thieves.
There are three ways that motion-activated lights can discourage a burglar:
- Once lit, anyone can see the thief.
- Blinding the intruder by suddenly illuminating them.
- Startling the burglar.
Exterior: Mount these lights anywhere a thief might hide or enter the home.
- close to the back and front doorways.
- especially close to the windows, along the side of the house.
- close to entrances, corridors, or walkways.
- a line drawn around your backyard.
On the other hand, if an alarm event activates your security system, motion-detecting sensors pick up on movement and alert you. When such occurs, a notification is issued to both the monitoring centres and your phone.
Sensors are a terrific alternative if you want to know if someone is entering a room they shouldn’t be, in addition to being a great choice for detecting unauthorised visitors.
Interior: Position these gadgets in the room’s corner, facing the entryway.
- Install detectors along a flat wall or corner, 6.5 to 7.5 feet above the ground.
- Make sure the detector is stable and that nothing is obstructing its view.
- A large pet (one weighing more than 55 pounds) may be present and set off false alerts, so make sure sensors are not pointed at any surfaces like stairs, furniture, or other places where a pet might climb.
- Keep it away from hot sources. It might result in a false alert, such as one from a fireplace or heating vent.
For maximum results, install both interior and outdoor sensors in your home.
2. Window Bars
Because of their high quality construction and adaptable designs, window security bars are employed as a burglar deterrent in private houses and business facilities. They provide safety and defence against trespassers while also providing more protection for young children and animals.
Burglar bars can be fitted on the outside or inside of windows and are frequently constructed of wrought iron, steel, or aluminium. For personalization that effortlessly incorporates your interior decor or external landscaping to help burglar-proof your windows, choose from elaborate design or simple, plain bars.
There are three major types of burglar bars:
Fixed Security Bars: These are long-lasting bars that are ideal for permanently owned properties.
Security bars that swing away: These bars allow you to swing the bars away from the window for emergency window cleaning or escape. They have a lock or a quick-release system that can only be used within the house.
Removable Window Bars: If you only need to put burglar bars temporarily or for rental houses, these window bars are ideal.
Things to consider about window bars:
Always keep at least one window unlocked in case you ever need to escape in an emergency. You can also add swing-away window security bars to a window as an alternative.
3. Security window film
Window film can give extra security against glass fragments from natural disasters while also assisting in preventing burglars from entering your property.
The film can range in thickness, with thicker grade films being more durable. It is commonly produced using polyester or PET and adhesive layers. For enhanced security, you can select tinted or clear films.
Put right on top of your glass windows, and it will function like windshield glass in the event of a break-in. The film holds the broken shards of glass in place and prevents them from breaking and falling into your home.
Additional benefits of security film include:
- Simple to mount on any window in your house.
- features UV protection.
- very reasonable
- The film can be simply reduced to size.
- Options for customization.
4. Update Screws
Standard Phillips screws are commonly used in the window frames. By using various fasteners, you could make your windows more difficult to open since criminals frequently bring their own tools, such as a Philips-head screwdriver.
To upgrade these screws, use:
- unique security screws that can only be removed with specialised tools.
- screws with headcaps.
- screws with Allen heads.
5. Door and Window Sensors
Window sensors alert you when a door or window is opened or shut. You can receive notifications delivered directly to your smartphone if you have these installed through your dedicated security system.
When installing, be careful to put the magnet on the portion of the door or window that opens and closes and the sensor contact on the door or window frame. When the door or window is closed, make sure the alignment on both pieces faces one another and that they are not more than half an inch apart.
Where else could touch sensors be positioned?
- cupboards with jewellery drawers, medicine cabinets, gun safes, or liquor cabinets are just a few examples of places you might want extra alarms.
- pet gates, allowing you to see who is bringing Fido in and out.
- Doors for cats or dogs that let you know when your pet is outside.
- the bedroom door of a sleepwalker, so you’ll be informed if they go outside.
- Is someone secretly entering the pantry? Put a sensor there so you can detect midnight munchies.
- gates to gardens, swimming pools, or sheds that are occasionally left ajar.
6. Glass Break Sensors
These sensors pick up the sound of someone hitting the window before the glass breaks, allowing them to catch an intruder in the act. They vary from conventional sensors in that they detect objects using auditory sensors rather than motion sensors.
Your security system receives a signal when a window is broken, and your phone then sounds the alarm.
Two different categories of glass break sensors exist:
- Glass Break Acoustic Sensors
Sound activates an acoustic glass shatter sensor. To enhance their ability to warn you of glass breaking, these are frequently positioned near windows or glass doors. You might only need one or two of these sensors for your home because they often have a wider detecting range.
- Glass Break Shock Sensors
These are often mounted directly on the window or door and are used to detect vibrations caused by glass breaking. You must install these on every window and door because they detect vibrations.
Glass break sensors are an additional layer of security for your house that complement motion sensors perfectly.
Glass break sensors’ advantages include:
- For windows, patio doors, and front or back doors, they can detect the breaking of glass.
- Acoustic sensors don’t need to be placed in every window because they can cover up to 25 feet.
- It continues to function even when the power is out because to the long battery life.
- Additionally a wonderful option for shielding trophy or display cases.
7. Shatter-Resistant or Shatterproof Glass
Laminated glass, safety glass, and tempered glass are additional names for this particular type of glass. It functions by breaking into a spider-web pattern while maintaining its form. This glass is less prone to shatter into dangerous pieces because to the way it breaks.
The extremely sturdy window that withstands the brunt force against intruders and weather is manufactured by sandwiching layers of glass and plastic or resin together.
It is a fantastic choice for enhancing the security and longevity of your home and is frequently used in autos, new residences, and businesses.
Five more advantages of glass that won’t break include:
- Protect your home from weather-related harm by strengthening it.
- Your energy costs may be decreased by tinted glass.
- For windows made of shatterproof or shatter-resistant glass, many homeowner’s insurance policies provide savings.
- This glass is used in many different kinds of windows that provide added UV protection.
- You can still see your garden or landscaping because it has the same appearance as regular window glass.
8. Window Security Screens
With the exception of the highly durable stainless-steel mesh used in the weaving process, these screens are similar to standard window screens.
For enhanced security, security screens are secured to the window frame using a strong screw-clamp mechanism.
In addition to being a great burglar deterrent, the mesh design is perfect for:
- providing security and safety while still allowing for airflow.
- Extreme weather protection is also provided by the stainless-steel construction.
- The screen allows airflow while assisting in bug exclusion.
- Some people may prefer to create a clean layout that is flat against their window than adding window bars.
Additional six window security measures include:
- Lock all windows and keep them closed.
- Replace the outdated window latches with stronger or modern locks.
- Some robbers may be scared away by your home’s illumination and porch light.
- Keep up with your home’s exterior, especially the hedges and bushes outside the windows.
- Add a security camera to your home’s outside.
- For further safety, use expert home monitoring.
Different Types of Locks to Help Burglar-Proof Windows
A straightforward update could make your home safer. Many window locks come with a basic flip lock.
All of these locks work to keep your windows safe, but the best one for you will depend on the type of window and the level of ventilation you require.
- The keyed lock To unlock this lock, which replaces a typical latch, a key is needed. You can easily unlock it as long as you know where the key is.
- Piston Lock A pin lock that uses a pin to prevent the window from opening is inserted through one sash and into another. Cylinder locks and tubular pin tumbler locks that are used on double-hung windows use pin locks as well. (We advise utilising them as sliding patio doors as well.)
- Wedge Lock on Hinges. On a double-hung window, these locks maintain the window track’s position. You may freely open and raise the window because the wedge is movable.
- Locking Ventilation. These locks feature a pin that can slide in depending on how high you want to lift the window, and they screw into the sash.
- foldable latch Top hung windows like awning or casement windows can use hung window locks, also known as hung window locks. When you pull up the latch, it unlocks after folding down to lock.
- slidable lock These locks may already be familiar to you due to their relative popularity in window security. They can be attached anywhere along the window’s track to stop the window from opening, allowing you to easily open your window for air.
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