The statistics on home intrusions clearly show that two-thirds of all break-and-entries occur through a door, most often the front door. Does that mean you should secure your doors and forget about your home windows? Of course not! Considering that about 25-30 percent of burglars use one of the home’s windows to gain entry, you cannot ignore your home’s window security.

Typically, windows are unlocked, covered by landscaping, and can be easily broken, particularly those on the first floor. Always keep bushy or thick shrubs that might conceal an intruder’s entry away from doors and windows. Another idea when you use shrubbery around windows: make sure it is the thorny kind to make their attempted entry uncomfortable.

Window Locks

A good first line of defense against home intrusion through a window is to fit all windows with proven locks and keep those windows locked even when you are at home. These safeguards are the most natural methods of frustrating would-be home invaders.

However, window locks are not very secure and may not be enough. Your home windows should be non-breakable, or very sturdy. Even though, in most cases, burglars do not want to break the glass because they want to be as stealthy as possible. Breaking glass generally makes too much noise.
Second, consider using a home security system with window and door sensors. Adding window films, using laminates, mesh coverings, and window guards should be your third line of defense.

Home Security System with a Home Window Sensors

Home security systems are quickly growing in popularity and for a good reason. These systems can warn the home’s residents of smoke, fire, radon, or carbon monoxide, as well as the presence of intruders. Door and window sensors, coupled with motion detectors and video cameras, make homes safer and provide law enforcement with forensic evidence of an attempted burglary.

Motion Detectors & Exterior Floodlights

Every home should have motion detectors attached to exterior floodlights. Installing downward-pointing floodlights over windows with motion detectors will light up your yard and scare off intruders.

Window Tint or Polycarbonate Sheets

There are generally two benefits to using window films or tints. First, these films make the glass much stronger and nearly unbreakable. Second, these films provide a level of privacy and will not allow an intruder casing your home to see into your space. Many intruders watch a house for days or even weeks to map its vulnerabilities.

When an intruder can look into your windows, they can draw a map to high-value items. This snooping and mapping will allow them to plan their route, grab your valuables, and be gone before law enforcement arrives. Everything we do should make it more difficult for intruders.

Acrylic or Plexiglas

Acrylics and Plexiglas are typically the same as Polycarbonates, but clearer. However, tinting or window films can get added to these to make them opaque. These sheets are generally thicker and more challenging to break. What’s more, when it does break, it does not break into shards, sharp edges, or slivers, which makes it a safer choice for the elderly or children.

Glass Laminates

Glass laminates are best suited for ground floor or basement windows. These windows are two sheets of glass with a plastic (polyvinyl butyral) sheet in the center. These laminates make the glass extremely difficult to break. Even when a burglar hammers through, they will likely only make a small hole, and the glass will cling together, not shatter.

Bars or Grates

Many homeowners put reinforced bars or grates over windows. These work great at keeping intruders out; they also keep people in the house when they need to escape because of fire or natural disaster. Whenever these are used, ensure there is an easy, quick-release method of disabling from the inside. Occupants should be able to push a button, and the assembly swings out or drops down to allow escape.

Never use bars or grates that require a key, added tools, additional effort, or exclusive knowledge. You might forget to tell a guest, babysitter, or nanny about any of these. In an emergency, when people naturally panic, they should not have to spend time figuring out how to get out the window.

Two Better Choices to Secure a Home Window

The above choices are practical for home windows, though in some cases, expensive. However, there are two other choices you can use to secure your home’s windows, window guards, and Crimsafe mesh.

Home Window Guards

Window guards produced by Steel Shield Security Doors can be customized to match the architecture or exterior décor of your home. Unlike bars and grates, window guards look natural, add curb appeal, and security. Get more information about Steel Shield Security Doors home window guards.

Crimsafe Mesh

Crimsafe mesh is a stainless steel mesh and frame security system for your windows and outdoor entertainment areas. At a glance, it looks like any other home window screen. It keeps the bugs and other critters out of your home and provides an unmatched level of security with 0.9mm /.035″ steel mesh. Read more about this amazingly strong crime deterrent on our Crimsafe page.

Steel Shield Security Doors

Call one of our three Phoenix-area locations, (623) 581-3667. We provide our customers with a free estimate, and our technicians are licensed, insured, and bonded to ensure you get the very best installation possible.