How To Improve Your Window And Door Security
When people think about home security and the ways they can improve it they jump
to the conclusion that they need a hi-tech security solution. Whilst this is true,
there are other ways to improve your home security such as improving your door and
window security.
You could have the best home security surveillance system that money can buy but
if you doors and windows aren’t up to the job then you are wasting your time. Before
purchasing any home security system, take a good look at your external doors and
windows. What condition are they in? How old are they? Wooden doors and window frames
are the most problematic as wood can perish over time leaving them extremely vulnerable
for attack by an intruder.
If your doors and/or windows are perished in any way then it is probably time to
replace them. You will do better to completely replace worn out doors and windows
rather than installing an expensive home security system.
If your doors and windows are sound, then what other precautions can we take to
protect them?
For your doors, you should be installing 1-inch throw deadbolt locks on all exterior
doors. Observe if your door has a lot of play between the door itself and the frame.
If so, the burglar could jimmy in so you need to close that gap. Use something like
¾ inch ply sheet or sheet metal to reinforce the door.
Are your door hinges fitted on the outside? You should consider taking them off
and fitting them on the inside. By leaving them on the outside a burglar could simply
knock out the main hinge pins of each hinge.
Secure doors with additional security bolts and locks for that additional piece
of mind.
For your windows, protect them too by fitting one or more good quality locks. Use
burglar-resistant glass that is much harder to penetrate. Fit a shock alarm system
to the window as this will detect the glass being broken.
If you want better security still, there are security window bars that can be fitted.
These have the visual impact of deterring the would-be burglar. Nowadays they can
be quite effective with decorative patterns.