Ways to Keep Your Home Windows Secure

Alongside doors, windows are the most common entry point for intruders. Many burglars will deliberately target windows that look or feel less secure. This is why it’s important to consider the security of your windows.

In recent years, window security has come on in leaps and bounds. From locks to alarms, there are now many ways to prevent or put someone off from breaking into your windows. Below are some of the different security measures you can consider. 

Repair any window damage

If your windows are visibly damaged in any way, it could make them incredibly vulnerable. This could include broken glass, cracked frames or loose hinges. Burglars will pick up on this damage and single you out. Look for a company that can carry out window replacement near you to make sure this doesn’t happen. Replacing damaged windows could be a good opportunity to also consider upgrades such as choosing a new frame material or opting for a new opening mechanism (upgrades which this post delves more into below…).

Reconsider the window mechanism

Different types of window opening mechanisms may be more secure than what you currently have. Double-hung sash windows are some of the easiest to break into – these windows consist of two panes on top of each other that can be slid up and down to provide ventilation. Casement windows, which are attached to a single side with a hinge, are usually able to be fitted with much stronger locks. These windows can be particularly secure when fitted with restrictors – preventing them from being fully-opened and making it harder for a burglar to squeeze through. 

Upgrade the frame

What’s the most secure window frame material? Usually either aluminium or steel. These materials can be a good choice if you’re looking to upgrade your windows. Timber window frames are sadly some of the least secure options, however it depends on the condition and the type of wood – new hardwood frames that aren’t rotten or warped will usually still be very robust. As for vinyl frames, these sit somewhere in the middle. Such frames are usually quite secure, but can become weaker as they age. 

Switch to shatterproof glass

We tend to view glass as a very brittle material. But it depends a lot on the type of glass. Many older glass windows can be easily smashed in, but some newer types of glass are practically shatterproof. Laminated security glass is a good example – it can withstand many heavy, repeated impacts due to its laminated surface and will not break inwards. Polycarbonate panels are meanwhile even stronger. These are actually made from plastic and not glass, however they look just like glass windows.

Apply window film

It’s possible to also secure your windows by applying a safety glass film. If the glass is shattered, this film can keep the glass in place. The film is quite easy to break through, however it will throw off many burglars and make an attempted break-in much slower. Applying window film is generally a much cheaper and easier option than replacing the glass, and is ideal in rental accommodation due to not being a permanent modification. 

Consider translucent glass

The transparency of certain windows around your home could also be worth considering. Windows that are easy to see through from the outside could put your valuables on display and be an advertisement to burglars. Translucent glass options can allow light in while distorting the view in. Such glass is popular on front doors and windows around the entrance of a home. What are some different types of translucent glass? Frosted glass is one popular option – blurring the view from the inside and the outside. Stained glass and textured glass can be more decorative solutions that can also offer privacy. Then there’s tinted glass – such glass may be possible to see outwards but not inwards, and can have the added benefit of letting fewer UV rays through in order to keep your home cooler in summer.

Install window locks

It’s recommended that all windows can be locked from the inside. This prevents them from being seized open. The most basic window locking system is a simple bolt on the inside. Such locks are better than no locks, but can still be forced open if given enough force. Casement windows with handles and latches are more popular and harder to prize open. However, the best solution is a handle with a lock and key. Some of these locks use a multi-point locking system that is incredibly difficult to break open. To install these locks, you’ll usually have to replace the entire window. 

Add window bars/grills

Bars and grills can make it impossible to crawl through a window without removing the bars/grill first. They are a robust security solution, but there are some pretty glaring downsides. Firstly, unless you choose a very decorative option, they can make your window look like a jail cell window – which isn’t very appealing. They also obstruct the view and require you to choose a window mechanism that doesn’t open outwards. It may depend on the location of the window as to whether you think they’re appropriate. 

Explore shutter styles

Exterior window shutters can serve the same purpose as bars and grills, but they can be opened and closed. This makes them one of the best security solutions if you don’t want to replace windows and don’t want your windows to be permanently obstructed. You can opt for roller shutters, board and batten shutters or plantation shutters. The most popular nowadays in plantation shutters, which consists of solid slats much like blinds that are fitted to the side of the frame. Shutters can be opened manually or remote controlled. It’s worth noting that on top of putting off burglars, installing shutters can have other benefits such as protecting windows from storm damage and providing insulation in winter. 

Add security spikes/rosebushes

A slightly aggressive but effective way to secure your windows is to add security spikes to windowsills. These are sometimes installed to keep birds away, but can also keep away burglars. They are often added to exterior window sills where intruders are likely to climb. While these spikes are likely to deter thieves, they can make your home slightly less welcoming. An alternative solution could be to instead grow a rosebush under a window. The roses will make your home look attractive, while the thorns will put off burglars from trying to access your window. 

Look into window alarms

Window alarms can alert you and everyone around if there is a break-in. They may also make a burglar think twice before continuing to break in. There are three main types of window alarm to explore: contact, glass break and motion. Contact sensor alarms are the most common type of alarm and are commonly installed on sash windows. They consist of two parts that connect – when the window opens, the part disconnects and the alarm sounds. Glass break alarms meanwhile attach to the glass of the window and are triggered by vibrations when the window is struck. Motion sensors are meanwhile triggered by people walking past and will sound if a burglar tries to approach the window. Each alarm has its benefits and drawbacks – consider carefully which alarm you think is best.

Survey with a camera

You can also put off burglars from breaking into a window by positioning a camera facing the window. Most burglars are instantly deterred by the sight of a security camera. Those that aren’t deterred or don’t notice will be caught red-handed – this visual evidence could be essential for catching the thief, as well as providing evidence to insurers. There are different types of cameras that you can look into. Motion sensing cameras only activate when someone walks past. Others are constantly filming and are connected to the cloud – you may be able to watch footage live using an app on your phone. It’s worth taking the time to compare different camera options and making sure this camera is installed in the right position. 

As you can see, there are many different ways to boost the security of your home’s windows. If your windows are old, investing in new windows could be the best solution – this could be a chance to reconsider the glass material, the frame material, the opening mechanism and the locking mechanism. If you’d prefer to preserve your windows, consider whether options like installing alarms or shutters could be a better option.

As for those that rent their home and cannot make permanent modifications, there are still options like applying safety film and certain alarms. Don’t be afraid to also talk to your landlord if you think security upgrades are necessary – they may be able to carry out more permanent modifications that could be more effective. It is the best interest of you and your landlord to keep the property secure, and you could find that they are happy to oblige if there has already been a break-in or attempted break-in.