Home Security: Windows and Doors

It has been constantly reiterated that we have to keep watch over our windows and doors to avoid sneaky thieves from breaking into our homes. Burglary is a crime of opportunity, and unlocked doors and windows are great opportunities for burglars and thieves.

First off, make sure that all your doors are solid and strong. Once that's settled, you'll only need to worry about the locks.

Once you've moved in your home, whether it be a house, condo, or apartment, and checked the durability of your doors, make sure to check and change the locks immediately. The reason for this precaution is because people can easily make copies of keys and the previous owners and tenants may have done so. There's also the possibility that they're not the only ones who have copies of the keys.

It's also a good idea to change your locks now and then. This is especially a good precaution when you have a lot of people over to your house, like the repairmen or a housekeeper. It would be tedious and a lot of hassle. But it's better than being a victim of a burglary.

Windows are much harder to secure than doors. While doors are made solid and strong, windows are commonly composed of glass which is easy to break.

Window locks are now popular options. Levers and bars can easily be dislodged by burglars so these are not very dependable. Window locks, however, can only be unlocked by a key, which gives you more control over the locks and a sense of security knowing that the burglar has no option around the window locks (unless he/she would just break a glass which is not a good option for them).

One should especially watch out for the ground floor windows, since these are where the burglars get the easiest access into your home. For these, make sure that you have solid window locks and that they are kept locked at all times (except, of course, when you're in the room). Upstairs windows should also be kept closed if not used. Burglars might find a way to get up to the second floor and use the windows.

There are lots of types of locks for window security. Deadbolt locks are the most used because of their sturdiness, and it can be secured to the top and bottom of the window (especially a sash frame or double-hung window). Pin locks are also commonly used to join the bottom and top sash windows through a hole where the lock is inserted through. For sliding windows, a pin and a jam should prevent the slide window from being opened from the outside. Don't just use a pin and jam, of course. It would be better to add locks for a layered security.

Locks aren't the only options you have for your windows and doors, of course. There are some other security measures you can use (some are quite expensive). Replacing the glass of your windows with tempered glass is one. This will make your windows more difficult to break. Window bars can also be used, but there is a risk that you may not be able to get out of your home when a fire breaks out.

The best option a homeowner can have to have a secure and safe home is to have a home security system, wherein the windows and doors are hooked up to the alarm through the use of sensors and detectors.

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