Break-ins, natural disasters that strike without warning, or baseballs that miss their target pose a constant threat to your windows and living spaces. Of course, your landlord or homeowners association can provide security themselves, but not every building has that luxury.
This is where you come in: it’s up to you to make sure your windows are properly secured in case a situation arises that could endanger your home.
Window security lock, burglar alarm and protective glass film all offer varying degrees of protection from the inside against the dangers on your windows. However, you should be aware that even the best of these measures are only as effective as your own vigilance.
You don’t want your home to become a target because you forgot to lock the windows during your vacation or after a night party.
Windows may be protected from the inside by following a few tips shared in this resource. To begin with, let’s take a look at the reasons why it’s necessary to protect your windows in the first place.
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Why you need to secure your windows
Nothing is more important in your life than your family, and you must do everything in your power to protect them.
Even in the face of dire circumstances, the majority of us would risk everything in order to keep our assets and loved ones safe.
Although the absence of a security system increases the risk of being robbed by 300%, only 17% of American homes are equipped with such a system.
Aside from the obvious fact that windows allow you to see outside, there are a number of other reasons why windows are important to the security of your home.
Before attempting a burglary, a thief would often explore the area.
It will be obvious to anyone that you care about the upkeep and appearance of your home and its surroundings when your windows are sparkling clean and well-maintained.
In this way, potential criminals would be deterred.
Not paying attention to your windows can lead to small problems that get worse in the wrong hands. For example, if you leave a window unattended for too long and the wind causes it to swing open, it can cause a significant crack in the window, and that’s bad for you if you know someone is watching your house.
What’s more, shattered glass poses its own set of dangers to you and the people you live with regardless of how or why it was originally damaged.
How to secure windows from inside
Unless we utilize glass windows and doors, our homes and workplaces would be more like prisons than they are now.
Besides providing light and warmth, glass in our houses functions as a connection to the rest of our surroundings.
Glass windows, on the other hand, are among the most vulnerable areas in our modern structures in terms of security.
According to one study, glass is one of the most fragile building materials and an extremely attractive target for criminals.
Compared to other materials, glass has a low resistance to impact and force. With the right tools and power, unauthorized individuals can break through this barrier and gain entry to your home or place of business.
Since window security is necessary to guard against smash and grab attacks or natural catastrophes, here are some ideas to prevent shattered glass, forced entry or just for peace of mind.
In order to enhance the protection of your home’s windows from the inside, here are some innovative solutions to consider.
Window security lock
While breaking into your home, burglars don’t want anyone noticing them. They’re looking for a way in through a window or other small opening in your home that is not so obvious.
A better sense of security is provided by being aware of the many types of window locks. Making it tough for someone to break into your residence is the ultimate goal.
If you live in a second-story apartment, burglars will have a tough time getting into your private quarters. In contrast, window locks are only required in a few specific rooms.
Having a window lock on your basement window, first-floor window, and any windows on the ground floor that are not protected by a fence is quite essential.
Related: 13 Ground Floor Apartment Privacy Ideas
You may also like: First Floor Window Security Ideas
- Pin lock – To prevent a burglar from opening a double-hung window or sliding window, he must first break open one of the sashes or panes, as the pin locks are inserted into a second fixed sash or window frame to keep it closed.
- Keyed lock – With this kind of lock, you’ll need a key to open or shut the window. If you’re looking for a solution that works with both single- and double-hung windows, this is it. But remember to keep an eye out for the key at all times.
- Window latch – Locking windows with latches is the most common method of protecting a property in both residential and commercial settings. Almost all new single or double hung windows will have them installed. To make your window even more secure, use latches in conjunction with other types of locks to increase the overall security of your window.
- Sliding window lock – Sliding windows have these locks in the track to prevent them from being opened accidentally or by force. To open this lock, a lever or thumbscrew is used. Using a lever lock requires you to manually slide it forward/backward or up/down to lock and unlock the sliding window. For window locks with thumb screws, you must tighten the wing nuts by turning them to keep the window closed. In certain cases, sliding window locks may even be designed to be operated with a key.
Window burglar alarm
As a precaution, a home should be equipped with an alarm system in the event of a break-in or theft. If desired, a window alarm can be programmed to sound only when a window is opened.
A window alarm is easy and inexpensive to set up.
In order to keep an eye on their children, parents may opt to put an alarm on the door or window of their child’s room to prevent any harm.
An alert is sent to your smartphone, which is part of your smart home security system, to notify you of either a possible break-in through the window while you are away, or a crawling baby that has found its way to the window.
Similarly, if you need to allow someone to enter through your window, you can usually disable the system remotely.
- Contact sensor – Among the most basic sensors is the contact sensor, which consists of a magnetic component and the sensor body. Early detection of trespassing is provided by contact sensors that are attached to doors and windows. In both wired and wireless setups, the interfaces may trigger a variety of actions when they are separated from the sensors they are connected to by an oblivious intruder. These actions include anything from warnings and alarms to pre-programmed adjustments in the thermostat and lighting settings.
- Motion alarms – Moving objects in the immediate vicinity trigger these alarms. Motion light and motion alarm are comparable. As soon as someone approaches the window, the alarm goes off. When configuring an alarm system, you can target the motion detector to a specific area or location in the home. In addition, there are motion alarms that can detect pets so that they can move freely in the apartment.
Related: Can Cats Get Fleas From a Balcony? How to Keep Them Away
Protective glass film
Window damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including human error, rising storm-related debris, and other factors.
There’s little you can do about crime, accidents or the weather, but you can add an extra layer of security to your property that’s practically undetectable.
When a break-in occurs, window-breaking tools are usually used. An unnoticed burglar may gain entry into a house by smashing and breaking the glass in the window frame.
Window safety films make it harder to break through glass while preventing glass shards from flying around. This protects people and property from the dangers of burglars, storms and broken glass.
The self-adhesive polyester film can be laminated onto windows and doors to provide extra protection and security.
Using safety window film is significantly less expensive than replacing your windows and doors with tempered or reinforced glass, and it is also more eco-friendly.
Attaching the safety film to the frame creates an additional layer of security, shielding your older annealed glass from accidental damage and everyday wear and tear.
Certain security window films also provide UV and sun protection.
Tinted films that reduce glare or redirect natural light are excellent options if you’re concerned about both privacy and safety.
Maintain the integrity of your windows against intrusion
If vulnerability to intruders is a chronic concern in your area, then you’ll want to change the locks and install interior window shutters for privacy.
Alternatively, keep out burglars by making sure your curtains are closed and pulled tight at the top. This will prevent burglars from peering through the windows from outside to determine whether you’re home.
Also, consider installing window films that are designed to reduce heat, glare and visibility in the evening.
Be careful not to invite further attention to your home by providing sufficient illumination at night. Porch lights, outdoor floodlights, and other exterior lights are a good way to remind potential burglars that you are home and hinder their efforts to steal from your property.
But if intruders are a problem for only a relatively short time, then you can save money by installing security bars instead of replacing the entire window. Alarms and motion detection sensors will also not only deter an opportunistic thief but will also alert your neighbors.
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These security measures, combined with the tips outlined earlier in this article, will help keep your home and its contents safe from theft.
