How To Secure Your Windows
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Securing your windows will make your home safer, protect your possessions, and offer you peace of mind in the event of an attempted break-in. You can install sensors, alarm systems, and even plant new greenery around windows to make your home less penetrable. Read our guide below to learn how to secure your windows and how to determine which method of home security is best for you.
Window Security Risks
Make sure you understand the vulnerabilities associated with windows before you implement any security solutions. Recognizing these risks will help you to decide which security measures are best for you.
Common Entry Points for Intruders
Burglars often target windows because they’re weaker than doors and easier to penetrate. Ground-floor windows are particularly vulnerable, and provide easy access and quick escape routes. Upper-story windows may be risks, too, if someone can reach them from nearby trees, balconies, or fire escapes.
The Importance of Window Protection
Securing your windows deters potential intruders and protects against accidental falls, especially in homes with young children. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes that feature enhanced security measures, including window protection.
5 Ways To Improve Window Security
Below are a few ways you can improve the security of your windows and protect your home.
Lock Your Windows
The wood in a window frame can expand and warp over time. It can push the glass slightly out of its frame and render the traditional crescent-shaped sash locks on single- and double-hung windows useless.
To make your windows more secure, replace any old or broken locks, and test to make sure all of your locks remain locked when you close your windows. Fixing a broken sash lock is a relatively easy task.
If your locks function correctly, you should still consider adding aftermarket locks to further secure your windows. Pin locks prevent intruders from lifting window sashes, and hinged wedge locks can prevent double-hung windows from opening in either direction.
Install Window Bars
Physical barriers such as bars, grates, or mesh prevent entry even if an intruder manages to smash the window. Check your local fire code before you install window security bars. You may need to keep the window available as a potential fire exit. Many companies make sets of bars that sit inside the window and feature a quick-release mechanism for easy exit.
Improve Your Outdoor Lighting
Installing a few outdoor lighting fixtures thoughtfully can deter potential intruders. Simple floodlights can eliminate places in which potential intruders can hide. Consider a motion-activated security light if you’re be bothered by bright lights outside your home. You can also invest in a smart motion sensor light that alerts your phone when it’s activated.
Use Do-It-Yourself Security Devices
You don’t need an entire smart home security suite to protect your windows. You can install your own window sensors using DIY home security devices to alert you and your family to potential break-ins. You can also set up a security alarm that any disturbance to your windows will trigger.
Choose a Professionally Monitored Security System
Hiring a professional to install a monitored home alarm system is sometimes the best way to give you and your family peace of mind. Home security companies offer varying levels of protection, from basic door and window sensors to smart HD security cameras with facial recognition.
Best Home Security Systems To Protect Your Windows
Below is a detailed look at some of the best security we’ve found. These will help you to secure your windows and keep you safe from intruders.
ADT Home Security
This company will install state-of-the-art security equipment and provide 24/7 professional monitoring for a monthly fee. Most of these systems integrate easily with other smart home products so that you can control the entire system from your mobile device.
Learn More: ADT Home Security Review
Vivint Home Security
Vivint offers an excellent home security package, and allows you to customize the equipment you want. The company designs its own hardware in-house, and frequently releases new security features. Vivint equipment costs a little bit more upfront than other systems, but the company gives you the option of month-to-month professional monitoring without requiring you to sign a contract.
Learn more: Vivint Home Security Review
Best for Traditional Windows: Entry Sensors
Entry sensors are basic detectors that protect doors or windows with magnetic switches. There’s one sensor on the door or window and another on the frame. When the two sensors move away from each other, the switch triggers an alert.
These sensors form the backbone of most home security systems. They’re easy to install, and most wireless entry sensors have batteries that last for many years.
Best for Non-Opening Windows: Glass Break Sensors
If you’re worried about a potential intruder smashing your window, invest in a sensor that detects the breaking of glass. There are two types of glass break sensors: those that sense vibration and those that sense the sound of breaking glass.
Vibration sensors are less expensive, but they occasionally issue false alarms. Loud sounds and strong weather can cause windows to vibrate enough to fool the sensor. Audio glass break sensors are more sophisticated and contain a microphone that can pick up the specific frequency of shattering glass, so false alerts are minimal. They’re more expensive, but a single sensor is usually enough to cover an entire room.
Best for High-Tech Security: Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor cameras can deter intruders from breaking and entering. If someone does break in, you can use the footage as evidence. Below are a few features of an outdoor camera:
- Cloud storage and video playback
- HD 1080p video
- Live streaming to your mobile device
- Motion activation
- Night vision
- Person and facial detection
- Two-way audio
Additional Ways To Improve Window Security
Dedicated security equipment isn’t the only way to improve the security of your window. Consider some of the alternatives below.
- Apply window film to make the glass shatter-resistant.
- Prune bushes and other plants so that neighbors can spot potential intruders.
- Make sure your most vulnerable windows contain the right type of glass. Tempered glass is more robust than annealed glass, laminated glass keeps broken pieces together, plexiglass is an acrylic that’s lighter but 10 times stronger than regular glass, and polycarbonate is expensive but nearly unbreakable.
- Plant thorny shrubs underneath windows.
Landscaping for Enhanced Window Security
Strategic landscaping can play a significant role in deterring potential intruders and enhancing overall window security.
Strategic Plant Placement
Plant thorny shrubs or bushes beneath windows to create a natural barrier that discourages potential intruders. Overgrown vegetation can provide hiding spots for burglars, so make sure you regularly maintain these.
Some effective plants for security include the following:
- Barberry shrubs
- Blackberry bushes
- Firethorn
- Holly bushes
- Rose bushes
These plants add beauty to your landscape and serve as a prickly deterrent to anyone attempting to access your windows.
Lighting Considerations
Add outdoor lighting in strategic locations to eliminate dark areas and make your space more secure. Install motion-activated floodlights near ground-floor windows. These lights illuminate when they detect motion, which can startle and deter potential burglars.
Solar-powered lights are more energy-efficient and provide consistent, low-level illumination throughout the night without increasing your electricity bills.
DIY vs. Professional Window Security System Installation
You can install some security measures yourself, but you should leave others to the professionals. Read more below.
Pros and Cons of DIY Solutions
Many homeowners can install basic security measures such as new locks or security film. These require only a few tools and some patience.
DIY solutions may not offer the same degree of protection as systems that professionals install. You might accidentally install such systems incorrectly with DIY techniques, which could compromise the effectiveness of the security. It could even damage the window.
Benefits of Professional Security Systems
Professional security systems offer comprehensive protection that extends beyond window security. These systems typically include 24/7 monitoring, integration with smart home devices, and expert installation.
Professional systems can be expensive upfront, but they provide peace of mind and can lower home insurance premiums. They also usually include warranties and reliable customer service.
Window Security for Different Types of Windows
Not every security measure will work for every window type. Read which strategies are best for which windows below.
Securing Single and Double-Hung Windows
You can secure single- and double-hung windows with locks, keyed locks, window pins or dowels in the tracks, or window wedges, which prevent lifting.
Childproof window guards can help to prevent accidental falls from upper-story windows, and also allow emergency egress.
Protecting Casement and Awning Windows
Casement and awning windows come equipped with sturdy locking mechanisms. You can further enhance security with the methods below.
- Adding secondary locks or key-operated locks
- Installing window opening control devices to limit how far the window can open
- Replacing old or worn crank mechanisms
Safeguarding Large Picture Windows
Large picture windows are visually pleasing, but can leave you especially vulnerable to break-ins. Secure these with the strategies below.
- Apply security film to make the glass more resistant to shattering.
- Consider adding decorative security grilles that don’t obstruct the view.
- Install glass break sensors to detect attempted intrusions.
FAQ About How to Secure Your Windows
How do you protect windows from burglars?
You can protect your windows from burglars by making sure they’re locked. You should also install hard-to-break glass and glass-break sensors, andplant obstructive trees or shrubs next to your windows.
What is the best form of window security?
The best form of window security depends on the type of window you have and its location. Sash locks are usually sufficient for upper-story windows, but a ground floor window near the street may need more sophisticated locks, barriers, or sensors.
How do I secure my windows from the inside?
You can secure your windows from the inside by using solid, functioning locks. You can also use sensors to alert you to any tampering. Consider installing bars that keep intruders out in extreme cases, and make sure you can open them quickly from inside in case of emergencies.
What are the best plants to deter burglars?
The best plants to deter burglars vary based on the climate of your area. Some common types include prickly hedges, dense evergreens, evergreen shrubs, and thorny climbers.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our home security recommendations with a detailed rating methodology that we use to objectively score each provider. Our research includes analyzing product specifications, reviewing service and plan information, speaking with customer service representatives, and analyzing customer reviews. We then score the provider against our review standards for system options, special features, installation options, connectivity and smart-home automation features, pricing, contract terms, warranty, usability, availability of a trial period, and trustworthiness to arrive at a final score out of 100.
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