As homeowners, ensuring we feel safe and secure in our homes is a top priority. As such, you might be on the lookout for ways to make sure your home is as secure from intruders as possible. Luckily, there are some precautionary measures that you can take to do this.
One simple, yet effective way to improve your home security is to burglar proof your windows as far as possible. But how do you burglar proof windows?
There are several options that can be taken as a means of burglar proofing your windows to make them more secure. For example, you might want to consider the type of glass that is used or installing window locks that are specifically designed for your window shape. Other means of repelling intruders include window bars, sensors, security cameras, and floodlights.
In this article we will explore some of best and easiest ways you can make your windows more secure and have the best chance of keeping burglars out. Read on to find out how to burglar proof your windows, some of the best options, and the general cost of it.
Why Burglar Proof Windows?
One of the most common ways that burglars enter homes is through an open or loose window. It is an unfortunate truth that burglars are attracted to homes with vulnerable locks on windows and doors. Many homeowners do not realize that their windows aren’t burglar proof until it is too late, so it is always a good idea to air on the side of caution and take preventative measures to secure them.
There are many obvious benefits to burglar proofing your windows. However, the main reason is for peace of mind. We want to feel safe and secure at home. This can mean that we ourselves feel safe from unwanted trespassers and thieves, but also that our possessions and personal belongings are secure when left at home. Installing burglar proof windows can immensely increase the level of security in your home, and we will discuss some of the best ways to do this in the following section.
Best Ways to Burglar Proof your Windows
In this section we will outline some practical ways to make your windows more secure from potential intruders and will leave you feeling more relaxed at home.
Window Locks
One of the most effective ways to burglar proof your windows is to install locks on them. Naturally, most windows come with built-in locks to begin with, however, there are additional locks that can be purchased after the initial installation. These can be added as a means of enhancing the level of security provided by your windows to your home.
Some of the additional locks you might want to consider are listed below:
Stronger Window Glass
This method involves switching out the standard window glass for a stronger glass material. Plexiglass is a strong glass made from acrylic material and as such is around 10 times more resistant to breakage than standard window glass. Another glass to be considered is called Polycarbonate and it is even stronger than Plexiglass – although the cost is much higher.
Tempered glass is a type of glass that can be used in windows to deter burglars and tempered glass windows are sometimes known as ‘safety windows’. It is around 4 times stronger than standard window glass, but the complex method by which it is processed means that when smashed, it crumbles. This makes it more difficult to break easily and quietly.
While these glass options for your windows are more expensive to purchase than standard window glass, the cost is justified by the notable strength of the material. A useful hack to save money on Plexiglas or Polycarbonate windows for your home is to install it selectively on the windows that are more at risk from burglars. (Related: 9 Tips For You In Florida And What You Should Know About It)
Window Bars
Window bars are essentially metal bars that are fitted on the outside of your windows to prevent a person climbing through them by acting as a physical barrier. Window bars are common in the likes of prisons and shops; however, it is possible to purchase stylish window bars that are both practical and decorative.
Sensors
Sensors are another excellent way to protect your home from burglars. If you already have a home security system installed in your house, it is possible that window sensors may be a feature of this. However, if not, you might want to consider getting window sensors as these will alert you if someone attempts to break in through a window.
Cameras
Positioning security cameras at windows around your property can improve your home’s security by acting as a deterrent for burglars. Burglars are statistically less likely to attempt a break in if a house has CCTV in operation.
Security cameras can also give you peace of mind that if your home was broken into then you might be able to identify the culprit and how they got in.
Floodlights
These are a classic method used to burglar proof your windows. Setting up industrial sensor lights around your windows is a useful way to prevent burglaries to your home as any motion will trigger them.
Many modern burglar proof floodlights and motion sensors can now be connected to your mobile devices so that you are informed remotely of any motion or disturbance outside your home.
Security screens
Security screens are useful for protecting windows and doors from burglars. They are essentially screens that are fitted to the frame and are usually made from stainless steel. The market leaders for security screens are Crimsafe as their unique ‘screw clamp’ feature provides maximum protection from intruders.
Shrubs
Perhaps a more traditional – but nevertheless reliable - method of burglar proofing your windows is to plant jagged and rough shrubbery below or around any windows. This creates a difficult physical obstacle for burglars when they are navigating an attempted break in and is therefore more likely to make them reconsider. Shrubbery wit thorns work the best for this home security tactic.
How much do Burglar Proof Windows cost?
The cost of burglar proofing your windows varies depending on the measure you take, the number of windows, size of your home, and if you choose to have it installed by a professional. For example, we noted that some burglar-proofing methods can be costly – especially the likes of installing modern technology such as security cameras and floodlights. However, it should be noted that these tactics are incredibly effective at deterring burglars.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, window locks are a relatively inexpensive but effective way to burglar proof your property. Similarly, if you choose to install them yourself, you can save on the cost of paying someone to install it for you.
Conclusion
In this article we have explored the topic of how to burglar-proof windows. We discussed the various reasons why you might want to keep your windows safe from intruders – finding peace of mind for you and your family to be a key benefit gleaned from burglar proofing windows.
We then talked about some of the best and most effective ways to deter burglars from attempting to break into your home via your windows. It was found that updating your window locks is a great, cost effective way to do this. Whereas making use of modern technology such as industrial floodlights, motion sensors and security cameras around your windows is a good way to deter intruders from even attempting your locks as they are more likely to be caught.
While some of these measures can be expensive in cost, there are smart ways to install burglar proof windows affordably. We hope that this article has been informative and has equipped you with all the knowledge needed to effectively burglar proof your windows.