What is the best way to secure your home windows? While they are great for aesthetics, your windows are often the weakest point in your home security. One of the world’s largest home security system manufacturers noted that windows are the 2nd most popular way for unwanted intruders to enter your home. (The first was an unlocked front door. Yikes!) With this fact in mind, it’s good to ask: how secure are my windows? In this post, we’ll discuss five ways to make your home windows more secure.
How to Secure Your Residential Windows
Do a Window Check-Up
Add Security Window Film
Add Plants and Shrubbery
Upgrade Your Lighting
Add Security Screens
Tip #1 Do a Window Check-Up
The first step to ensure that your windows are secure is to simply examine them. Are your frames solid, without cracks? Do they open and close properly? Check the locking mechanism. Is it secure? Make sure to check both the interior and exterior of your windows for cracks, gaps, and water damage.
One nifty way to check if your windows are well sealed is to do a flashlight check at night. Have someone stand outside at night and then have someone indoors shine a flashlight around the edges of the window. If they can see the light moving through and around the edges outside, you should update or repair your seals.
A simple candle test can also expose areas where your windows are not as sealed as they could be. Just place a candle on your window sill and see if the flame moves due to the draft. Another way to tell if your windows are not sealed well is to look for condensation. If you have double-paned windows and there is condensation between the panes, this could indicate a broken or failing seal.
Tip #2 Add Security Window Film
Security window film can transform windows from vulnerable to more secure. Security window film is a layer of clear material that sits right on top of your glass. It has been designed to hold your window glass in place in case of breakage. This provides security in two ways. First, security window film makes it more difficult to break through your glass. This slows down intruders and gives you more time to call for protection.
Second, security window film holds glass fragments in place, reducing the risk of injury from broken glass. Whether the breakage happens due to an attempted forced entry or a severe weather event, you can feel safer with security window film. Learn more about security window film and get a free estimate for your San Francisco Bay Area home here.
Tip #3 Add Plants and Shrubbery
Did you know that plants and shrubs can make your windows more secure? Some experts suggest using plants that are a challenge to deal with, like plants with spikes or stingers. If you have pets or kids, this might not be the best idea. However, keeping any shrubs that are in front of windows trimmed below the window sill is a good idea. If you let those shrubs grow taller, they might become inadvertent hiding places for nefarious felons.
Tip #4 Upgrade Your Lighting
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to make your windows and doors more secure is to have the right outdoor lighting. Well-lit windows and doors can deter intruders from attempting to enter your home. Motion detector lights are a must-have for many homeowners. Solar-powered lights can be an energy-efficient way to brighten your home at night. If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to picking the best outdoor lighting, try this handy post from Volt.
Tip #5 Add Security Screens
Security screens like Crimsafe have grown in popularity over the last few years. This might be one of the best ways to create secure windows and doors. Crimsafe security screens are designed to significantly reduce the chances of break-ins. With tough proprietary stainless steel mesh, anti-corrosion frames, and ingeniously designed hardware, Crimsafe is a highly recommended security screening solution. Learn more about Crimsafe and get a free estimate for your San Francisco Bay Area home here.
Make Your Windows More Secure with ClimatePro
Two of the five suggestions for creating more secure windows are areas of expertise for the ClimatePro team. We’ve installed security window film and Crimsafe security screens throughout the Bay Area. Our customers really appreciate both products. Here are just a few of the projects we’ve completed in the San Francisco Bay Area:
