Your home is your sanctuary, and ensuring its security is of the utmost importance. Did you know that last year Solihull was ranked as one of the top ten places at risk of burglary in the UK? This is why it’s crucial to protect vulnerable entry points to your home like windows. In this article, we’ll walk you through effective strategies to burglar-proof your windows so you can feel safe and comfortable in your own home.
First things first, you need to identify the vulnerable entry points of your home that intruders may exploit. When it comes to windows in the UK, burglars typically take advantage of ground floor and basement windows or those that are out of sight from neighbours and passersby. As well as where the window is located, intruders will look out for older, unsecured windows, or those that are simply left open. This is why maintaining and upgrading your windows is necessary, if you want to deter thieves. If you’re unsure about the security of your home, you can always conduct a security assessment to give yourself peace of mind and protect your property.
When it comes to burglar-proofing your home’s windows, investing in the right locks and hardware is key. There is a wide array of window locks available on the market, from tried-and-tested, trusty, traditional locks to modern, intelligent locking mechanisms. However, it’s important to keep in mind the type of window and frame material you have when choosing the best locks for your home. For example, if you have sliding sash windows, you’ll likely benefit from sash stops, whereas if your home has casement windows you can secure them with casement fasteners.
If you have or are interested in installing an automated security system with sensors on your windows, then you could also consider getting a smart lock for your windows. This way you don’t have to worry about losing or misplacing your keys and if a burglar tries to break in while the smart lock is engaged, the sensor will trigger an alarm or send a notification to your mobile phone.
Another factor to consider when burglar-proofing your home is the type of glass and glazing you use in your windows. When it comes to glass there are multiple options for you to choose from: clear glass, laminated glass, toughened glass, tinted glass, and low-E glass. Out of these options, laminated glass and toughened glass are both types of safety glass that can help in securing your windows and therefore protecting your home.
Laminated glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass together with a layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral) between them. This makes it more durable and resistant to impact. Laminated windows are nearly impossible to break with standard glass-break tools, therefore reducing the chance of a burglar managing to break into your home.
In the rare and unfortunate case that the glass does break, the glass pieces should stick together to produce a “spider web” cracking pattern rather than breaking into multiple sharp shards. This helps reduce the likelihood of someone being seriously injured.
Toughened glass, also called tempered glass, is made by treating ordinary glass with a heating and cooling process. This treatment makes the glass more resistant and robust to impact, even making it four to five times stronger than normal glass.
Alongside the type of glass, you also need to consider whether you want single, double, triple, or secondary glazing for your windows. Triple glazing is considered to be the strongest of these options. However, it is expensive, so you’ll need to weigh the pros against your budget. With this being said, double glazing is the most popular option in the UK, as it is still relatively strong while being less expensive. The cost of double glazing a 3 bed house in the UK will typically be between £4,000 to £14,000, depending on the type of windows and how many you want for your home.
You can also deter thieves from your home through window coverings and landscaping. Window coverings, such as curtains and blinds, provide privacy for your home and also deter intruders, as they can’t confidently assess whether the coast is clear for them to break in or not. You can also make it difficult for someone to approach your windows in the first place by having prickly or thorny plants outside that someone will not want to touch or by having gravel paths, making it more difficult for an intruder to go unnoticed.
Alongside using the methods above to secure your windows, you should also look into the security of other aspects of your home, such as your doors and alarm system. Many communities also have Neighbourhood Watch groups you can participate in. By combining all these tactics, you create a holistic security strategy and can rest assured that your home and loved ones are safe.
