Trying to figure out window security

13 years ago

Hi, I am currently in the finishing stages of construction, and I still have not been able to decide what to do about my windows. I was trying to go for the look in the second picture, but at this point it seems a bit farfetched. I realized there is no way I can go without burglar bars at the location. Can someone give me some insight as to which of the following options would be the most practical?

1. Burglar bars inside the windows, with dark tinted windows to hide the bars
2. Burglar bars outside (in my opinion this would throw of the styling completely
3. Any other ideas? I been toying with the ideas of retractable burglar bars on the outside, or the invisible guards that I see advertised, only problem is I am outside of the USA so getting installation done here is a bit difficult.

Thanks for any input.

Delmer.

Featured Answer

ruthmand

13 years ago

I have no idea if this would work for you but here is a thought. In Europe lots of shops have roll-down metal security grates (or whatever you call them) that cover the storefronts when closed. They come in a corrugated metal type look or in an open weave, more like heavy duty fencing. This might be worth checking into if you need security mainly when you are away.

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Comments (15)

kitasei
13 years ago
Could you use that thick glass with chicken wire inside (can't remember what it's called)? Actually just glass, if thick enough, is as strong as any wall material. Why not ask a commercial glass supplier?
delmerd
Original Author
13 years ago
that's an idea. I forgot to mention though, the glass is not fixed, I live in a tropical country, so windows must be able to open.
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ruthmand
13 years ago
One more idea, we have a window next to our front door (on the side of the knob) and to discourage break-ins the glass is bonded to another piece of glass like an auto windshield. It will crack but is very hard to shatter enough to break in.
delmerd
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
that would take care of stuff when i'm away, but not too practical for when the wife is home alone and wants to be secure. Does anyone have experience with burglars bars installed on the inside? In theory I thinks is practical, but I'd like to hear from experience.

I think you're talking about laminated glass, I think some 10mm laminated might do the trick.

actually laminated glass doesn't have wire, it's just plastic..
kitasei
13 years ago
Well in the q980s j(the peak of the crack and murder epidemic in NYC) ust about every tenement or rowhouse apartment there had security gates inside the windows and huge bolt locks bracing the door. How the city has changed! Which means that somewhere there must be a tremendous supply of all that stuff... Tbe Italian and Spanish neighborhoods tended to feature more ornamental versions. I think your security needs to be at the perimeter of the property - your fence and gate - and visual privacy the focus inside. Burglar bars may stop a break-in, but not someone with a machine gun. Are we talking Jamaica here?
delmerd
Original Author
13 years ago
very well said, kitasei. No, it's Belize. Compared to Jamaica, it's very safe.
ruthmand
13 years ago
delmerd, laminated glass, you are so right! I just couldn't think of the name of it and it is just as clear as regular glass. There is a clear film between the two layers. Good luck, too bad that with such a nice home you have to be so concerned!
ruthmand
13 years ago
Belize, I have been there numerous times, a beautiful country! Do hope you are not in the City as that is riddled with drugs & crime and not safe after dark.
delmerd
Original Author
13 years ago
cool, no I live in the outskirt of the capital, just a short ways off from the US Embassy Residential compound.

Do you think it's possible to pull of a modern clean look with a version of Roni Karsh windows?
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ASVInteriors
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Taking delmerd's idea further, why not make the iron bars a feature as you come to do the cladding for the entire house?
I'll try and find photos
delmerd
Original Author
13 years ago
@ASVinteriors That'd be cool. I'm really starting to like the Roni Karsh windows
PRO
ASVInteriors
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Here is another image of a Swiss architect's work
Some of those grills slide open - will try to get more
Also you could have the windows open but the grills closed if you wanted air to circulate
Lizzy Spider
13 years ago
How about internal shutters that can be opened and have adjustable slats...solves the issue of curtains and security.
PRO
OnePlan
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Have you got a compound wall too with CCTV and driveway gates ? They help not only as a deterrent but can help a family feel secure while home alone. Looks a beautiful setting ! Hard to imagine anything 'not lovely' happening there !