How Safe Are Your Windows Against Burglars?
Consider these security tips and devices to keep your windows secure and your home safer
Windows are a popular point of entry for burglars. According to the FBI’s most recent published statistics, there are more than 4,000 burglaries a day in the U.S. More than half of burglars enter homes through front and back doors, so it’s important to have solid-core exterior doors fitted with high-security locks that are out of reach of any window glass.
However, another 25 percent of burglars enter homes through first- or even second-story windows. Therefore, security measures should be taken there as well.
However, another 25 percent of burglars enter homes through first- or even second-story windows. Therefore, security measures should be taken there as well.
Security systems don’t prevent all burglaries. If you think an alarm system means you don’t need additional security measures, think again. They clearly help, since homes that don’t have security systems are three times more likely to be burglarized than homes that have them.
However, a University of North Carolina study of actual burglars revealed that only 60% would abandon a target if they determined a security system was present. Installing and using a security system is a great idea, but it doesn’t guarantee your home won’t be targeted. You should consider these additional steps to secure your windows.
However, a University of North Carolina study of actual burglars revealed that only 60% would abandon a target if they determined a security system was present. Installing and using a security system is a great idea, but it doesn’t guarantee your home won’t be targeted. You should consider these additional steps to secure your windows.
Install window locks. Most windows have latches that hold the window closed. Standard latches are often flimsy and don’t have an actual locking mechanism. They are easily opened by someone who is willing to break the glass and reach inside. Once unlatched, the window can be moved out of the way to gain access to the home.
Fortunately, there are window locks available with keys that will make this kind of entry harder. However, you must balance protection from the outside with the safety of people inside, and windows locked with keys can make it harder to exit in an emergency. Therefore, it may be best to lock them with the key only when the house is empty. Here are several types of locking devices for the most common window types.
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Fortunately, there are window locks available with keys that will make this kind of entry harder. However, you must balance protection from the outside with the safety of people inside, and windows locked with keys can make it harder to exit in an emergency. Therefore, it may be best to lock them with the key only when the house is empty. Here are several types of locking devices for the most common window types.
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Types of Locks
1. Lock pins. This simple, inexpensive device includes a pin attached to a small chain. The chain is fastened to the window frame and a hole is drilled through both the upper and lower window sashes of a double-hung window.
When the pin is inserted into the hole, it goes through both sashes, preventing either one from sliding open. Holes can be drilled in two places to allow the pin to be inserted while the window is completely closed, or when slightly open to allow for ventilation.
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2. Wedge, or vent, locks. Another option is a wedge (or vent) lock, which includes a hinged wedge of metal that, when in position, prevents the upper and lower windows from moving past it. They are called vent locks because you can place them on the window frame so the window can open a bit for ventilation, but not enough to put an arm through. Again, these devices will not stop someone who is willing to break the glass, but burglars are in a hurry, so anything that slows them down gives you an advantage.
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3. Key-locked latches. For better protection, replace an existing window latch with a latch that locks with a key. With a key-operated lock, even if the window glass is broken, the intruder will not be able to unlatch it and open the window. It is unlikely that a burglar will take the time to break the window and remove all the sharp pieces of glass from the frame to be able to climb through without injury. So keyed locks offer great security against a window entry.
1. Lock pins. This simple, inexpensive device includes a pin attached to a small chain. The chain is fastened to the window frame and a hole is drilled through both the upper and lower window sashes of a double-hung window.
When the pin is inserted into the hole, it goes through both sashes, preventing either one from sliding open. Holes can be drilled in two places to allow the pin to be inserted while the window is completely closed, or when slightly open to allow for ventilation.
Find window lock pins
2. Wedge, or vent, locks. Another option is a wedge (or vent) lock, which includes a hinged wedge of metal that, when in position, prevents the upper and lower windows from moving past it. They are called vent locks because you can place them on the window frame so the window can open a bit for ventilation, but not enough to put an arm through. Again, these devices will not stop someone who is willing to break the glass, but burglars are in a hurry, so anything that slows them down gives you an advantage.
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3. Key-locked latches. For better protection, replace an existing window latch with a latch that locks with a key. With a key-operated lock, even if the window glass is broken, the intruder will not be able to unlatch it and open the window. It is unlikely that a burglar will take the time to break the window and remove all the sharp pieces of glass from the frame to be able to climb through without injury. So keyed locks offer great security against a window entry.
4. Locks for sliding windows and doors. Lock pins also work with sliding windows and doors, though a little differently. The hole is drilled through the sides of the slider track and into the stationary window panel. When the pin is inserted, it blocks the track and the sliding window panel cannot move past it.
Foot bolt. Another type of lock that works well for sliding windows is the foot bolt. Originally developed for sliding glass doors and operated with a press of the foot, it is equally effective on sliding windows. The bolt is attached to the bottom of the inner frame of the sliding panel. A hole is drilled down through the slider track into the window frame. When the lock is engaged, a metal post moves down into the window frame, holding the window in place. Foot bolts can be purchased with or without keys.
Foot bolt. Another type of lock that works well for sliding windows is the foot bolt. Originally developed for sliding glass doors and operated with a press of the foot, it is equally effective on sliding windows. The bolt is attached to the bottom of the inner frame of the sliding panel. A hole is drilled down through the slider track into the window frame. When the lock is engaged, a metal post moves down into the window frame, holding the window in place. Foot bolts can be purchased with or without keys.
5. Locks for casement windows. Casement windows are hung on hinges and are often opened and closed by turning a crank. Many newer casement windows are equipped with espag (short for espagnolette) locking systems with a handle that moves metal rods into two points of the window frame to lock the window in the closed position. Others are locked with a simple lever device. To increase security, either of these systems can be fitted with handles that lock with a key.
Additional Security Measures
1. Security film. Security film is a product made of the same Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) used in laminated automotive glass to prevent pieces of a shattered windshield from flying everywhere in a collision. When properly installed, security film bonds to the glass. Anyone attempting to break your window will find that the glass breaks but the film stays intact, holding the broken glass in place. In order to continue to enter your home, burglars would have to cut through and remove the broken glass and security film. This is a time-consuming process that should discourage them.
2. Impact-resistant glass. If you live in a hurricane-prone climate and your home has impact-resistant windows, you already have the benefit of security film built into the windows. Impact-resistant glass is made by laminating a security film between layers of glass. It is meant to withstand objects hitting it at high speed, so it is also an excellent deterrent to entry through a locked window. If you are considering replacing your home’s windows, you may want to look into impact-resistant windows, although they are significantly more expensive than standard windows. Other stronger alternatives to standard glass windows include Plexiglas and polycarbonate windows.
1. Security film. Security film is a product made of the same Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) used in laminated automotive glass to prevent pieces of a shattered windshield from flying everywhere in a collision. When properly installed, security film bonds to the glass. Anyone attempting to break your window will find that the glass breaks but the film stays intact, holding the broken glass in place. In order to continue to enter your home, burglars would have to cut through and remove the broken glass and security film. This is a time-consuming process that should discourage them.
2. Impact-resistant glass. If you live in a hurricane-prone climate and your home has impact-resistant windows, you already have the benefit of security film built into the windows. Impact-resistant glass is made by laminating a security film between layers of glass. It is meant to withstand objects hitting it at high speed, so it is also an excellent deterrent to entry through a locked window. If you are considering replacing your home’s windows, you may want to look into impact-resistant windows, although they are significantly more expensive than standard windows. Other stronger alternatives to standard glass windows include Plexiglas and polycarbonate windows.
3. Security cameras. In addition to physically strengthening your windows and making them hard to open, there are additional steps you can take to make them less-desirable targets. Since most burglaries occur during daytime working hours, motion-activated cameras around your home can alert you if someone approaches your doors or windows. Their presence can act as a deterrent, and when they don’t, many of these cameras will transmit real-time video to your mobile phone so you can see exactly what is happening and take appropriate action.
4. Motion-activated floodlights. Because some burglaries do occur at night, use exterior floodlights around your home to take away the cover of darkness that some intruders prefer. Floodlights can also be motion-activated, so if you are home, you are immediately alerted to someone on your property, and the sudden light may be enough to frighten an intruder away.
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Browse motion-activated floodlights
5. Landscaping. Landscaping that obscures windows from view also provides cover for burglars, so keep trees and shrubbery strategically pruned.
While no single measure will prevent an intruder from gaining access to your home, carefully combining as many deterrents as possible can really help minimize the potential risk to the people and property you want to protect.
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