Using Windows and Doors to Make Your Home More Secure
Guest Blogger Theo Schmidt is back to offer some simple tips and tricks to making your home more safe and secure. Window Genie offers an extensive selection of privacy and security films to increase safety in any home or office. When selecting a lock, film, alarm or any other variety of security measure… always do your research and find what works best for your home or office’s needs. The more you know, the safer you are!
What many homeowners do not realize is that many home intruders are able to just walk right into your home through your front door. There is almost no struggle at all to break into a home through an insecure window or unlocked door. Luckily there are a few things that homeowners can do to secure their homes through improving their windows and doors.
Selecting a Lock
If you’ve ever tried shopping for a lock, you know how many options there are out there. There are different brands and grades that all offer different levels of security. It can be difficult to know exactly what you’ll need. An expensive lock may offer more security but the cost could be double or triple that of a less expensive brand.
One thing is for certain; a cheap lock will definitely compromise your security. Cheaper locks are easier for burglars to manipulate because these locks often have a less unique key-locking system. This makes your home more vulnerable to break-ins.
There are a few specifications that your front door lock should meet:
- For deadbolts, the bolt should go one inch into the door frame.
- The lock should be a grade one.
- Make sure your door jamb is reinforced to match the security of your lock.
Don’t be afraid that a bulky lock will take away from the look of your custom doors. There are a number of companies that offer great selections of stylish locks that will actually add a great accent to your front door.
Security Film
One simple solution for making your windows more secure is purchasing security film to cover them. This film is often used in vehicles and business’s windows to keep them from shattering in the event of a crash or natural disaster. However, these films also work great in your home to protect you against break-ins.
When a security film is properly applied it can prevent burglars from breaking into your home by shattering a window or other glass pane. The film keeps the glass shards together instead of letting the window break and scatter. When these films are correctly or professionally installed, they do not show at all. Additionally, these films can come in different colors and tints so they will give your windows an extra accent look if you’re interested.
Extra Tips and Tricks
If your front door has glass panes in it, the panes should be at least forty inches away from the door knob. This will prevent burglars from breaking the glass and then reaching in to open the door.
Another trick to keeping your windows safer is putting a six inch dowel in your window so that it cannot be opened up more than six inches. Window locks are more difficult to secure than door locks, so they are easier to break into. However, by keeping the window from opening up enough you can prevent burglars from getting in that way.
There are additional tricks to securing your windows and more secure:
- Install window break alarms that will notify you if a window is broken.
- Move valuables so they cannot be seen through windows.
- Purchase newer windows since older ones tend to pop out of their tracks easier.
- Secure air conditioning units in windows.
Your home may not be as secure as you’d like, but there are small and simple things you can do to improve the security. Start with your windows and doors to prevent those easy break-ins. With some easy steps you’ll be sleeping sounder knowing that you’ve decreased the risk of a burglary.
Author By line:
Theo Schmidt is a freelance blogger who enjoys spending time in the outdoors, and is passionate about protecting the environment.
