Windows and Home Security: How to Make Your Home Safer
Published on Tuesday June 6, 2017
How Your Windows Affect Home Security
The warm weather of summer transforms many homeowners into weekend warriors who begin tackling their to-do lists. It’s also the start of vacation season for most families. One downside? Summertime also means a rise in theft and burglary.
According to the U. S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, there are seasonal patterns to home burglary and theft. Monitored over ten years, these patterns consistently show peaks in the summer months.
More than one-third of burglars gain access to your home through your front door. Nearly 25% come through first-floor windows. So next to your home’s doors, your windows play a significant role in home security.
4 Ways to Make Your Windows More Secure
There are plenty of ways you can secure your home and windows without resorting to iron bars and fences. As you get ready to take your next vacation or tackle your home improvement list, here are some window security tips to help keep your home safe while you’re away.
1. Use your locks!
According to home security company, SAFEGUARDTHEWORLD, approximately 30% of burglars enter through unlocked or open doors and windows. Keeping yours locked at all times provides added security to your home—all without any cost, just a little due diligence.
2. Replace old, dated, or damaged windows
Old, dated, or damaged windows can scream “Easy access!” to burglars who are always looking for the easiest way to get in your home. The only access point that’s easier is one that’s unlocked. Replacing old windows can actually give you a ton of added security with features that are considered standard in today’s market.
3. Choose a window style with secure features
Did you know that the type of window you choose to install can make a big difference in your home’s safety?
Casement windows, which use a crank operator to open the pane outward, are a style that often deters thieves. When locked, casement windows are harder to pry open than double hung windows, especially modern casements that have two locking arms.
Some double-hung windows now have safety features added to their sash designs that make them more difficult to pop open from the outside. If you prefer to stick with a double-hung window style, a pry-resistant sash design is preferred. According to the Washington Post, thieves generally spend only 60 seconds or less trying to gain entry.
4. Pay attention to the number of panes
While some thieves admit they prefer not to break glass to gain entry, triple-pane windows and extra strong window glass still give you added strength. It’s like the old adage, “Two heads are better than one.” Well, three panes are safer than one.
In addition to the added security that glazed, triple pane windows present, they also have energy saving benefits.
Other Ways to Improve Window Security
If you still aren’t convinced that your windows are secure enough, there are few things you can do to boost security near your windows:
- Window Alarms
- Exterior Lighting
- Strategic Landscaping
Window alarms
Burglars are a whopping 300% less likely to hit a home that has a home security system installed, according to SAFEGUARDTHEWORLD. Door and window alarms create enough noise to scare off many intruders. Noise is also one of the reasons they prefer to avoid breaking glass to enter.
Installing window alarms is an easy DIY project. The alarms can be purchased at the hardware store or online. Some are even sold as part of home security packages if you’re interested in taking the leap.
Exterior Lighting
Keeping your home well-lit is an easy, affordable way to deter criminals. This is especially true when your home is unattended. Exterior lights make it difficult for an intruder to go unnoticed.
Motion sensor lights can be a great option as well because they don’t suck up energy when they’re not in use. Plus, if these lights are activated while your family is away, this may prompt the neighbors to take a peek.
Strategic Landscaping
Landscaping can also play a significant role in keeping burglars away. Because most burglaries occur during the day, an overgrown or privacy-styled landscape can give burglars the cover they need to do their deed. Some suggestions from the Sun-Sentinel include:
- Trim bushes and hedges to 3 feet high or less to maintain visibility
- Trim trees so that the lowest branches are at least 7 feet high to prevent climbing and maintain visibility
- Plant prickly plants such as roses or barberry under windows—no one wants to tangle with thorns
- Use small gravel like pea gravel to landscape under windows—they are noisy to walk on and can deter would-be thieves
Long Windows and Home Security
Knowing that home security can start with secure windows, you may be wondering if now is the right time to upgrade your own. Windows from Long Home Products include many security features that beat the competition. Long Windows security features include:
- Two outer panes of glass 1/8” thick (twice that of standard single glass!)
- Superior frame strength with a welded frame that is virtually burglar and pry-proof
- Recessed steel “stealth” locks (unlike traditional screwed-on locks) offer a more secure locking system, and a super secure double lock design on casement style windows
Ready to order your new windows? Contact Long online to see how soon we can get our secure windows installed for you!
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