How To Secure Vertical Sliding Windows

Windows are usually weak points regarding security. While information technology's truthful that most burglars go into a house through the front door (source), you want to make sure there are no loopholes and accept window security seriously. The truth is, if you really want to make your abode burglar-proof, you won't go as well far without securing your windows.

Burglars always look for like shooting fish in a barrel targets. If you don't secure your windows, criminals won't even touch your door, instead, they will break into your habitation through a window that you lot didn't reinforce.

Fortunately, you don't have to spend a bunch of money if you want to prevent suspension-ins through your windows.

Without further ado, here are some highly effective ways to burglar-proof windows:

1. Employ security window film
2. Install a durable window lock
3. Utilise window security grilles to prevent intermission-ins through your window
4. Get a window alarm and a motion detector
5. Switch to reinforced drinking glass
6. Use window security screen
7. Install motion sensor lights and a (dummy) security camera
8. Establish thorny bushes under the window

Permit's move on to the details:

1. Install a Reliable Window Lock

You lot can reinforce your windows in many means but y'all won't become too far without a skillful lock. It may audio obvious, but there's no window security without a solid locking organisation.

I recommend you lot start securing your windows past installing a reliable lock as a first pace. Below y'all'll find the all-time options.

Vinyl Window Security Lock

Using vinyl window locks (this is a popular one on Amazon) is an effective and cheap solution to secure your sliding windows (both horizontal and vertical sliding). You tin can hands install them without any tool within seconds and they're hands removable whenever yous demand to fully open your windows (when installed, they volition only permit you to open the window for ventilation).

In the case of double-hung windows, it's recommended to install ii vinyl locks on the window frame (on both sides of the window you want to secure). Cheers to the adjustable jaw, information technology fits most window frame rail. Y'all just have to put it in the frame's groove and tighten it downwardly.

Sash Jammer

Sash jammers are simple and inexpensive devices that prevent forced entries through windows that open either inwards or outwards.

Ordinarily, you have to install them on the window jamb and rotate the arm to a locking position when y'all want to secure your windows. In the instance of an outward opening window, the sash jammer should exist mounted on the sash.

Sash jammers unremarkably provide enough resistance to prevent criminals from opening your windows from the outside. They're great security additions and volition aid you to burglar-proof your windows. Brand sure you choose a model that's made of durable metal, plastic ones are crappy.

Pin Lock

Pivot locks are pretty popular nowadays. They're a reasonable choice to improve security on double-hung windows. Installing is quite unproblematic and commonly takes only a few minutes.

The pin goes through a hole that you have to drill into both sashes to forestall sliding of the window.

Before buying don't forget to mensurate the thickness of the sashes and double-check the length of the pivot. I'm non a large fan of pin locks, because though they're effective, I prefer not to drill holes into the sashes merely if you lot don't mind doing and so, check out this model on Amazon.

Keyed Lock

In that location are keyed locks bachelor for both sliding and double-hung windows. They're reliable security additions, however, if yous don't want to employ a primal to unlock (and lock) a window, this solution may not be the about suitable for you.

In the instance of a sliding window, you usually don't have to make any permanent changes to install a keyed lock, y'all can fasten it without having to drill any pigsty.

Keyed locks for double-hung windows usually have to be fastened with screws to the window frame.

If yous make up one's mind to install a keyed lock, it'due south important to make certain that all the family members know exactly where they can find the central in case of an emergency.

Dowel

Using a dowel is probably the cheapest, nonetheless constructive solution out in that location to secure a sliding window. Dowels can be made of metal, plastic, or wood. Usually, a woods dowel is your best bet to burglar-proof your window. It's cheap and its length can be adjusted easily.

This is how it works: first, cut the dowel to size so that information technology fits betwixt the window jamb and the sash, and so identify it on the track to forestall the window from sliding.

That'southward all yous have to do. It'south a really simple and affordable solution to keep intruders outside.

Hinged Wedge Lock

It'southward another cheap solution. A hinged wedge lock installed on a double-hung window volition prevent the lower sash from being lifted. The lock has to exist mounted on the upper sash and it can be deactivated by just swinging the wedge part away. And then you can fully open the window.

Keep in heed that some hinged wedge locks available at stores are of poor quality and volition pause easily when applying some force on them. Therefore, if you really want to improve window security, make sure you buy a good-quality wedge lock and try to avoid flimsy ones.

This 1 from Amazon is pretty sturdy (it's made of steel).

Did you lot know that it's often easier to break into a house through a sliding door than a window? If you have a sliding door, you should definitely secure information technology. We have an article on the near effective ways yous can improve sliding patio door security here.

2. Employ Security Window Film to Burglar-Proof Your Windows Without Bars

While information technology's true that most burglars adopt not to break the window glass to become into the house, sometimes they do it. Then if you take window security seriously, you can't rely solely on locks.

Reinforcing your windows with security confined seems to be an obvious solution, but what if you find them unsightly or worry nearly fire safety? In that case, window film can be one of your all-time choices.

How does window security film piece of work?

In brief, it prevents the glass from shattering and keeps information technology in place. It's pretty hard for crooks to boom the window glass if there's a strong and good quality security moving-picture show installed.

It can protect the glass even against relatively powerful attacks.

At that place are many models on the market, and not all of them provide the same quality. As usual, the price goes up with the level of protection. Cull according to your needs. Often, all you lot need is to make your windows harder to penetrate than average and most burglars will simply give up and wait for an easier target.

Hither'due south a short demonstration that shows how windows protected by security film tin preclude intermission-ins:

Y'all should know that though security films will effectively deter or delay break-ins, no security pic will completely protect your windows from all kinds of attacks. Whatever security system tin be broken by using the right tools for the right corporeality of time.

Window security films may not seem to offer strong protection at first sight but a large portion of the burglaries can be prevented by using them in combination with a reliable locking system. I recommend you take a look at 3M products, they're pretty reliable.

3. Switch to Reinforced Glass

Another fashion to burglar-proof your windows without using bars is to replace the standard glass pane with a more durable one. If you're on a budget, it may non be the all-time choice for you lot as it's definitely not the cheapest option out in that location.

So what are the virtually popular solutions if you lot decide to replace your old window glass pane with a more than secure one?

Tempered glass (a type of safety glass) is iv times stronger (source) than traditional drinking glass and therefore it'south somewhat harder to break. All the same, it's yet not a big bargain to smash it.

Another of its features is that when it breaks it shatters into pocket-sized granular pieces. This reduces the risk of an injury that's why vehicle windows are typically made of tempered glass.

Nosotros tin assume that tempered glass won't stop nearly burglars. Even at best it will delay the entry.

Laminated glass is another type of safety glass you can use to secure your windows. It consists of mixed layers of glass and vinyl that hold the glass together and prevent shattering.

Compared to tempered drinking glass, laminated glass will give you lot better protection against criminals. It'due south very hard and fourth dimension-consuming to break through or cut (especially if it's thick enough) and fifty-fifty the most enthusiastic burglars will be very probable to surrender sooner or later.

1 major disadvantage of laminated glass is its price that goes upward with thickness and immovability.

Sentinel the video beneath to see the difference between the different types of spectacles:

four. Install Window Security Bars or Grilles: a Proven Method to Secure Your Windows

Installing window security confined and grilles is, without a dubiety, one of the about effective means you can infiltrator-proof your windows. Withal, many people have clashing feelings towards them. They're oftentimes cruddy and many non-egress fixed models raise burn safety concerns.

If you think security window bars are ugly, I take to hold with yous. However, non all of them are created equal: you tin choose from plenty of models, and there are many that are pretty decorative. You can also have a totally custom one fabricated (of class, that would be a more expensive choice) co-ordinate to your own gustatory modality.

Keep in heed that windows with not-egress security bars can't be used in case of emergency then yous always want to brand certain at that place are alternative escape routes.

If this is a concern for yous, opt for a window security bar that'southward equipped with a fire safety release pin. That allows y'all to apace swing the bar out of the manner in case of an emergency.

Windows with a stock-still bar can too be used as an emergency exit with the assist of a quick-release kit . Information technology converts a stationary bar into a pivoting unit that you can release fast and easily from the inside only by kicking the human foot pedal.

Note that not all window security bars will requite you lot the same protection confronting burglars: quality materials and careful installation can significantly increment the level of security they provide.

5. Apply Window Security Screen

Security screens are manner less obtrusive than security bars and still provide real protection against intruders (and natural disasters as well).

At first glance, a security screen may look similar to a mosquito net, but at a closer wait, the differences go obvious. Security screens are usually made of stainless steel and tin can withstand many kinds of attacks, even heavy ones.

Here's a video that shows the sturdiness of a properly installed security screen:

I recommend that you cull a model that has an go out latch on the within so that you tin can continue to use the window equally an escape route in an emergency.

You can install security screens yourself but if you desire a professional to brand the installation instead of you, or demand a custom-made security screen yous'll find many companies on the marketplace that will do the job for you.

Window security screens are reliable alternatives to window confined and security films.

They not only make your windows much more secure simply they also serve as effective visual deterrents. Burglars oft don't even attempt to suspension through a window with a security screen, instead, they look for another, easier target.

6. Install Real or Dummy Security Cameras

Installing security cameras close to your windows will assistance you to deter burglars. Crooks don't similar to piece of work under surveillance so they'll either effort to disable the cameras or choose another target (this ane is more than probable).

Wide or ultra-broad-angle cameras with night vision are pretty effective deterrents because nigh crooks volition recognize them from far away and know that they shouldn't approach your firm or they'll exist recorded.

Don't be naive though, a few of them volition simply embrace their confront and try to break through one of the windows.

That'southward why you lot should never use a security camera every bit the merely protection against criminals. Y'all can get the most of information technology if you utilize information technology in combination with other security measures.

If your only goal is deterrence, you can buy cheap dummy security cameras that most often will do the task for yous perfectly. However, make sure yous don't choose a very popular model because burglars may recognize information technology and know that y'all're using a fake photographic camera.

As an alternative, you tin check out Ring'due south home security system that offers great value for the money: besides protecting against burglars, information technology also helps you protect your habitation from fires and h2o impairment.

Again: installing a security photographic camera in itself will only help you to prevent pause-ins simply obviously it does not better window security. That's why I advise applying it just as an additional measure.

If you want to know what are the most effective methods to deter burglars (with some great tips for those who are on a tight upkeep), don't forget to check out our article here.

7. Install a Reliable Window Warning and Motion Detector

Window alarms come in many shapes and forms. Most of them are affordable and offer an easy way to ameliorate window security.

The most common and popular window alarms are magnetic ones (also chosen window security sensors). They're battery-powered and consist of two parts: a sensor and a magnet. When someone opens the window, the units are getting further from each other and that volition trigger the alert. It's unremarkably pretty loud, so it has the potential to deter burglars, especially if it hits them unexpectedly.

This model from Amazon is a pretty skillful value for the money. If you need a more feature-rich solution, check out this window sensor from Ring (information technology merely works with a Ring base station!).

Glass breaking sensors are useful additions to magnetic window sensors. They're triggered by the audio of drinking glass breaking and will alarm even if the window itself remains airtight (but with cleaved glass).

If you desire to make sure burglars tin't invade your home without being detected, likewise window sensors you may want to add motility detectors too.

A motion detector will capture the intruder subsequently entering your habitation, so it won't forestall the intrusion just it will alarm correct after information technology happened.

I major disadvantage of most motion detectors is the relatively high rates of false positives.

Personally, I wouldn't rely solely on window alarms and movement detectors but I think they can be really useful additions and tin can serve as constructive second-line protection.

8. Install Motion Sensor Lights

While it'due south true that more burglaries happen during the daytime than at night (source), y'all want to make sure criminals steer articulate of your home 24 hours a day.

Equally I've mentioned before, burglars ever endeavor to avoid being in plain sight. That's why installing a move sensor light can assist a lot to deter them.

Motility sensor lights come in many forms and at many prices, however, most of them are fairly affordable. Battery and solar-powered ones are the easiest to install because they require no wiring, all you lot have to practice is mount them on the wall.

I recommend you check out this affordable model on Amazon.

Lights with higher operation unremarkably need some wiring, and then if you don't like DIY you may need an electrician for the installation. All the same, if your only goal is to deter crooks, a wired motion sensor light is non required, you'll be just fine with a bombardment or solar-powered one.

If you accept a pet that you lot go along outside of the firm, make sure yous cull a model with adaptable sensitivity. It will allow yous to fix the sensor to find only humans and exclude pets. Water-resistance is a must.

Regarding installation, information technology's best practice to mountain the light at least x anxiety high to prevent burglars from disabling it easily.

Note that move sensor lights work all-time in medium to loftier traffic areas or when the burglars don't know if yous're at home. Active neighbors are also an advantage.

In other cases (when the light will be noticed by no ane just the burglar), in that location's such a low run a risk of beingness caught that near intruders won't bother much about lights.

ix. Establish Thorny Bushes Nether and Around Your Windows

You can make burglars' life so much harder by planting some thorny bushes nether your windows. If you brand information technology hard for crooks to approach your windows, they are more likely to leave and choose another target.

Of course, it's non the ultimate method to secure your windows but if you want some greenish effectually your habitation, plants with thorns are the almost practical choice. On the other hand, you desire to avert having big bushes (without thorns) and all-encompassing vegetation around your house, considering they can serve as great hiding places for burglars.

How to Secure an Open Window?

Sometimes you may want to open your windows without worrying most who volition enter through them if you leave the room. Or y'all may desire to leave the bedroom window open at night in summer to savour the fresh air.

In this example, setting upward an alarm is ineffective because crooks can drag some valuable items and run away in a matter of seconds. It's even worse if they stay and you observe yourself face to face with them.

So if you lot desire to secure your windows while they're open, you'll definitely need a reliable physical barrier. I recommend installing either window bars or window security screens. Bars usually give yous a higher level of protection than security screens but they're both very effective against burglars.

More than Tips to Meliorate Window Security

• Practice not apply wire glass as an alternative to laminated or tempered glass: wire glass won't make your windows more burglar-proof. While it's true that it'southward more resistant to thermal shock than standard glass (then information technology's a reasonable choice when fire rubber is a concern), it's susceptible to strength attacks. Moreover, the exposed abrupt wires can cause astringent injuries when someone accidentally breaks the drinking glass through. (source)
• By improving perimeter security, gaining access to your windows volition exist more hard for burglars thus they're more likely to cull another target.
• Keeping a dog (especially if it's a guard domestic dog) is one of the most effective ways to secure your dwelling house. Obviously, you won't keep a domestic dog just to deter burglars. Sometimes pretending that you have a domestic dog is more enough to discourage crooks. Use warning stickers, buy a large basin and a cage and leave them in a clearly visible place in the k shut to a window.
• Join a local neighborhood scout group. They're formed by local citizens who know the neighborhood well and often notice when there's something suspicious going on. They're pretty effective in deterring criminals (more than info hither).

Make sure you lot too read our guide on how you lot tin secure a door from being kicked in. Living in an flat? Don't miss our guide on the best means to boost apartment door security.

Putting It All Together

As you tin can see, yous have many options when it comes to securing your windows.

Some methods are better for deterrence (like security cameras, motility sensor lights, window alarms) while others assist you lot to reinforce your windows and brand it considerably harder for burglars to break through them (like security confined, screens, and films, window locks, and reinforced drinking glass panes).

If you want to burglar-proof your windows, I recommend that besides reinforcing them also use some burglar deterrents. Combinations volition give you lot the best results.

Don't forget that securing your windows is not enough to prevent break-ins. Y'all must secure your door likewise because crooks can easily get through a door without any protection.

Fortunately, you can reinforce your front door pretty hands, fifty-fifty if you're on a budget. We have a comprehensive article about the all-time methods hither. Make sure yous check it out!

Photos: Flickr

Source: https://dailyhomesafety.com/burglar-proof-windows/

Posted by: pressleybrover.blogspot.com

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