Home break-ins qualify as one of our worst nightmares. In addition to the financial and material losses, break-ins make us feel vulnerable and scared in our own homes. But while break-ins are something out of our nightmares, few of us take significant steps beyond locking our doors to keep ourselves safe. It’s time to add increased window security to our standard precautions.
Your windows can be sites of major vulnerability, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Consider these extra steps to make your windows a barrier to break-ins rather than an entryway. You owe it to yourself and your family to strengthen your window security.
Light The Way
The easiest targets for break-ins are dark areas that can’t be seen well from the street. To counteract this situation, you want to keep the area around your windows well lit. But don’t fall back on basic solar powered lights that are generally popular for yard illumination. Studies by Consumer Reports have indicated that these aren’t bright enough to deter burglars.
Instead, you’ll want to use bright, professionally installed lights with motion sensors in the areas around your windows. Motion activated lights are preferable options, both because they can startle and deter robbers, but also because they don’t force you to go about your evening with light pouring through your windows.
In addition to installing bright exterior lights around your windows, attach your interior lights, particularly those near windows, to automated timers. By rotating through different lights, timers allow you to appear to be home even when you’re not. Thieves are far less likely to target homes where someone appears to be home, so creating the impression that someone is always around is a trusted safety strategy.
Choose Windows Wisely
Windows aren’t all created equally. Some are a lot harder to break in through than others. That’s why it’s important to work with a reliable company that can guide you through the selection process. At Siding & Windows Group, our team of professionals can help you choose the windows that are right for your home.
Secondary Safety Measures
Windows are a vulnerably site because we think of glass as an easy way in. This assumes, however, that all windowpanes are made of glass, which is hardly the case anymore. Many windows today are made from plastics, fiberglass, or other materials meant to keep in heat or keep in glare. These materials are typically more difficult to break through than glass, but it’s still entirely possible.
No matter what your windows are made from, you’ll want to make supplementary choices that will increase your safety. Energy-efficient windows featuring double or triple pane structures are a great choice in this regard, since breaking through two or three layers is obviously more onerous and time consuming than breaking through one.
Windows with laminated or reinforced glass are also a great option for increased safety. Laminated glass windows have vinyl in between two panes of glass, so breaking through them requires thieves to hit the same spot on the window repeatedly to break it. This is noisy and time consuming and deters thieves by making it far more likely they’ll be caught before successfully shattering the window.
Finally, you can buy plastic films to place on your windowpanes to make them nearly impossible to break. These films make your windows exceedingly strong with very little cost. Plastic films are great for window types with fewer pane options – if you can’t get a great reinforced glass for your window style, you can use these self-installed films.
Security For Children
Sometimes it is just nice to open your windows and air out your home and let the fresh air circulate throughout your home. This open window also allows your kiddoes to climb into it and possibly injure themselves by falling out.
You can easily change this by doing a double-hung window. This allows you to have an open window for the beautiful breeze AND leaving the bottom securely closed.
Extra Expenses
When trying to protect your home against break-ins, there are plenty of moderately priced, visually appealing options – but you may also be tempted by other pricy options, particularly if a spate of break-ins has left you frightened.
The laminated and reinforced glass options available for most homes are more than adequate as a form of defense, but there are also bullet-resistant options available. These windows are ultimately very expensive however, and aren’t worth the cost for the amount of increased safety they offer. Your average thief isn’t going to try to shoot through a window, and unless there are gun fights on your doorstep, you can skip this step.
For a slightly more affordable extra-strength option, there are polycarbonate and Plexiglas windows available that can provide serious protective strength for your home. Plexiglas is about 10 times stronger than traditional glass, and polycarbonate, while a little pricy, is 250 times stronger.
Similarly, window bars will keep thieves out, but they tend to be overkill for most homes. Even if you invest in stylized bars that match your home’s aesthetics, many people find that homes with window bars make them feel like they’re in jail, no matter how ornately styled the bars.
Doing Windows Right
At Siding & Windows Group we pride ourselves on high quality home improvement choices complemented by expert installation. If you’re considering installing new windows in your home, contact Siding & Windows Group today. We’ll work with you to choose the perfect additions for your home that will offer both style and safety. With over three decades of home improvement experience, our team works with both historic styles and modern, custom designs. No matter what your style, we have options for you.
Now is the time to stop worrying about break-ins and take steps to protect your home. With the support of Siding & Windows Group, you’ll have access to the best options on the market. Let us help you feel safe in style – if your home is your castle, it should look and felt that way.