While it’s true that many burglars simply enter through the front or back door, first-floor windows are the next easiest entry point into your home. The more roadblocks you put in the way, even if they seem small, can help deter burglars from targeting your home. Check out these five simple things that you can do to make your home safer all year long.
Many burglaries are crimes of convenience, and the burglar will first attempt to simply open your windows before breaking any glass. The easiest way to add instant security to your older windows is by installing window locks. Modern windows usually come with flip locks and reinforced sashes. But if your windows don’t have a locking mechanism, a sash lock or sliding window lock can be an inexpensive and easy to install solution.
Another DIY approach to upgrading your window security is applying security film. This film acts as a deterrent to possible thieves if they try to smash or shatter your windows. When the glass is broken, this film holds it in place. Security film comes in many different materials and styles, from tinted black to frosted, decorative, and even transparent. The tinted and frosted films create an added layer of privacy as well.
While large hedges can give you more privacy, they can also be the perfect place for burglars to hide their activity, especially during daylight hours. Keep the hedges near your windows trimmed below three feet so that anyone standing or crouching behind them can be seen by your neighbors and passersby. You could also consider thorny or prickly bushes to deter burglars.
Many homeowners install floodlights at their garage or back door for convenience, but automatic lighting can also ward off intruders. Consider adding these lights to any dark areas near your windows as well. Burglars seek out dark areas for cover when attempting to enter a home. Automatic floodlights can scare them off before they even have time to smash in your window. You can even hook up smart home enabled lights to your device so you can see when they are triggered, or you can turn them on and off when you’re not home.
While there are many things you can add to your current windows to make them more secure, new windows are your best option if it’s time for a window replacement. Old windows can have a harder time locking, and if the frames are cracked or rotting, they are an easy target for a thief with a simple pry bar. New windows have the latest locking technology and can even come with tempered or security glass, which is harder to break.
Window replacement has even more benefits than security. New windows can increase your home’s value, conserve energy, and keep your home more comfortable. If it’s time to replace your windows, schedule a free consultation with one of our window replacement professionals. We will inspect your windows and provide guidance on the best solution for your home.