To help protect your family and home possessions, you may have invested in a
Home Security System.
That is an investment that, with proper use, will provide you long term
security and peace of mind. Also, there are basic every day
home security tips that you can do on your own with little investment
other than your time. However there is still more to be done to protect your home.
You are probably aware that the primary entry points of a burglar
into a home are either there doors or windows. Assuming that you have
invested in solid doors, door frames and door locks, your home´s windows
are the weak link and most overlooked risk of forced entry. They can
be broken, pried apart or literally removed from their support tracks.
Listed below are some tips to help burglar-proof your home´s windows.
1. Reinforced Glass – The basic idea here is
to strengthen your windows to make it more difficult for a burglar to
break them. One option, and least expensive is to use tempered glass,
which is more durable and stronger than traditional window pane glass. A
more expensive option is to use laminated (safety) glass which consists
of a layer of transparent vinyl between two sheets of regular window
glass. Laminate glass requires multiple blows in the same spot to
break, resulting in more noise and effort for a potential burglar.
Other, more expensive options include wire mesh or shatter-resistant
glass.
2. Plexiglas and Polycarbonate Windows –
Plexiglas (Acrylic) plastic windows are an economical alternative to
traditional window glass and are roughly ten times stronger.
Polycarbonate windows are more expensive than Plexiglas, but ten times
stronger and 250 times stronger than window glass. Either solution
makes a burglar entry much more difficult.
3. Window Types and Securing
Casement windows are the most secure style since they are
hinged on one side and open outward like a door using a crank gear
system located from the inside. Often the crank has provision for a key
lock. As long as the windows are closed and locked they are very
difficult to open from the outside. (In case of a fire emergency the
crank key should be readily accessible and the same for all the
windows.)
Vertical sliding windows, single or double hung are most
popular in homes and consist of a cam style lock that holds the top and
bottom sash (the frame where the glass is mounted) together so that
neither one can move. The cam lock is the primary weakness of this type
of window since it can be opened with a knife from the outside when
slipped between the two sashes. To improve the security, a window pin
type lock can be added to the top sash or an extendable small metal
horizontal tab that restricts the movement of the bottom sash. With the
metal tab positioned in, the bottom sash freely moves, when positioned
out, the bottom sash will not move and the window is closed.
Horizontal sliding windows move inside of a track, similar to
patio doors by sliding one window panel to the left or right. Depending
upon the window design the security can be good or poor. If a poor
design, the windows can be removed from the track from the outside.
Most designs provide a cam action lock similar to vertical sliding
windows, with the same security weaknesses. To improve the security,
you can place a reinforced horizontal bar in the track that will prevent
the sash from being moved when closed. Additionally you can add a
spring loaded burglar bar that fits between the window frame and the
sliding sash to prevent prying movement side to side. To prevent prying
the moving sash out of the track, you can install metal screws on the
top part of the frame such that they just touch the moving sash.
Other window openings if not need for ventilation or exit,
should be sealed and nailed shut. For windows with air conditioners,
the unit should be bolted to the wall studs and the upper window sash
should be pinned with a lock or blocked to prevent movement.
4. Window Bars – Iron bars on the outside of
your windows will make your home very burglar resistant. It is
expensive, but a permanent addition to the house. While a burglar may
break the window glass, the iron bars physically prevent entry.
Burglars will generally look for an easier target and not bother. There
a variety of decorative designs available depending upon the style of
the house.
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5. Window Sensors – Depending upon your home security system, you will likely have
Window Sensors
to indicate when a window contact is open or closed. Also there are
window glass break sensors to indicate when a window has been broken.
Finally there are infrared motion detectors with optional video to
signal an alert, sounding the alarm and automatically notifying the
central monitoring center and authorities.
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| Window Sensors |
Glass Break Detector |
Infrared Motion Detector |
Improving the security of your home windows will motivate the average
burglar to look for a much easier target to deal with and will help you
protect your loved ones and possessions.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.NexusHomeSecurity24.com/
