While windows provide light and warmth to your home, they also present a real security risk. It’s common knowledge that thieves enter homes through the windows to stay unnoticed, and without preparation, your home may be vulnerable to burglars. That’s why it’s important to invest in the right home security to prevent burglars from targeting your home. In this blog, we’ll go into some of the equipment you can use to protect both your home and your belongings from unwelcome intruders.
Using Locks to Secure Your Windows
You might be tempted to disregard the importance of good locks when securing your home; however, a secure lock is the best defense against potential intruders. While entering a home through an open or unsecured window takes only moments, a locked window presents a more difficult obstacle for wannabe burglars, making windows significantly harder to open.
At this point, a burglar is forced to decide whether it is worth breaking a window or not, a choice which itself is a solid deterrent. Breaking a window is difficult — and loud. Not only does entering through a broken window run the serious risk of injury, but it’s likely to attract attention from neighbors and any passersby.
So, what are your options for locks when securing your windows? Before selecting a lock while burglar-proofing your home, be familiar with the following options, as well as their benefits and drawbacks:
Sash Locks
Commonly used on double-hung windows, sash locks consist of a latch and a housing mechanism. These locks are a safe way to secure your windows, as they’re made of metal and have a large area of contact on the window.
Window Bars
Window bars are an extremely effective deterrent for potential burglars, as any prospective thieves will have to remove the bars entirely to fit through the window itself. However, window bars can potentially damage property if installed incorrectly, and they may potentially lower your home’s value, as many buyers assume that window bars mean the surrounding neighborhood isn’t safe.
Keyed Locks
Keyed locks come in a variety of various styles, and they are extremely secure in that they require a key to open. Usually installed at the bottom of a windowpane, keyed locks are both difficult to bypass and easily installed for excellent security.
Window Latches
If you’re designing with aesthetics in mind, it’s hard to beat a well-placed window latch. Operating similarly to sash locks, window latches come in many styles, ranging from simple latches to folding latches for paned windows.
Using Sensors to Protect Your Windows
Burglar-proofing your windows doesn’t begin and end at locks, however, and there are a number of other home security resources you can use to secure your home’s windows. Sensors, in particular, are an efficient way to protect your home, and they come in a wide variety of options to suit your needs. If you’re looking for other options, consider how these sensors could secure your windows.
Window Entry Sensors
Window entry sensors are simple devices that keep you alerted to any forced open windows. Comprised of a magnet and an alarm transmitter that make up a circuit, window entry sensors alert you to any intrusions once the circuit is broken. These are perfect for ground-level windows that are more easily accessible from your home’s exterior.
Glass Break Sensors
Glass break sensors raise alarms when they detect the sound of breaking glass, a useful way to deter wannabe burglars. Coming in two separate forms — acoustic sensors and shock glass break sensors — glass break sensors can be fitted into windows and glass doors alike.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors come in all varieties ranging from infrared sensors to ultrasonic sensors, but the common element is that they can alert you to unusual movement near your windows. These can also be connected to other home security systems like security cameras to help observe and protect your home’s windows.
How to Begin Securing Your Windows
So, if you’re looking to keep your home safe by protecting your windows, consider what we at SafeTouch can offer you; we know that windows are an easy entry for unwelcome intruders, and we have the tools you need to keep your home secure. From cameras to system panels to home automation, we’re here to help you keep your home secure. Contact us today, and tell us what we can do to help you!