How To Secure Your Apartment Window?

Securing apartment windows is necessary to increase the level of security of the house and get rid of thieves. So, here we are going to enlist best ways to secure your apartment windows by following some simple steps. Let’s see how can we complete the process. 

Best Ways To Guard APartment Windows

Although windows don’t seem like an obvious choice, about 35% of burglars break into houses through windows. Since these are usually made of glass for the aesthetic, they are easy to break and provide much lesser security. They also give direct access to almost any room in an apartment which is why securing windows, especially the glass ones, is an essential aspect for ensuring your safety at home.

1. Use Unbreakable Window Glass

The aesthetic is an important element of home décor but it shouldn’t be at the risk of your safety. There are plenty of options for unbreakable glasses that look the same but provide more safety.

You can replace traditional glass with tempered glass, laminated glass, or polycarbonate window panels. Tempered glasses are just regular glass that’s strengthened to withstand a higher extent of force.

Laminated glasses use a film of vinyl or resin in-between 2 sheets of regular glass which holds the glass in place even when exerted with force. You cabn get a good vinyl cutting machine under your budget. These options are relatively cheap and can withstand external force to some extent like if a person tries to hit it and break it. If You’re keeping your windows open for light to come in That could be very dangerous make sure to have a high-quality skylight installed at your apartment to avoid any mishap.

However, tempered and laminated glass could break over repeated exertion of force but it is good enough to be on apartment windows. If you want truly unbreakable glass, polycarbonate glasses are stronger and unlike the others are not made of plain glass. It contains other plastic-like materials which prevent it from actually breaking and can withstand even bullets. Moreover you can maximise your window security via installing the best glass break sensor on your window glass.

2. Motion Lights On Windows

Motion lights are motion sensors connected to lights. These sensors will turn on the light when somebody, especially an intruder is nearby. Motions lights are a clever way to secure your apartment as they cannot be noticed in advance.

The intruder cannot predict where these sensors could be placed. Motion light sensors on windows can alert you and also throw the intruder off track as it’ll suddenly light up the area when the windows are opened.

Solar motion light sensors are waterproof, heatproof, and recharge on batteries. These come around the range of $40 and are a great way to secure your windows.

3. Windows Security Films

Security films are materials that laminate the glass on windows and prevent it from shattering on the impact of force. Although these are not completely unbreakable, these films hold the glass and prevent it from breaking straight away. so, pick the best window security film for your home.

Most films are made of multiple layers of polyester that are glued together with strong adhesives. These secure the windows in case an intruder tried to break in as the glass doesn’t break on the first try and it’ll delay the process and alert people.

4. Drill The Pilot Holes

Pilot holes are holes drilled into the windowpane which prevents it from breaking. Usually, when you try to drive screws into window panes made of wood, there’s a high chance all that pressure would cause the wood to split or break.

To prevent this, you can use a drill of the same size as the screw and drill a hole. These holes make it easier to drive in the screw. Pilot holes give access to additional security for windows using locks that can be screwed in later on.

5. Security Cameras

Security cameras are slightly more expensive but a very solid security measure. Cameras outside windows will prevent intruders from entering as they don’t want to be caught.

Cameras that transmit live feeds can also help you monitor your apartment from elsewhere. In the worst-case scenario, in case an intruder breaks in, you can also have recorded evidence for the break-in.

Security cameras are available in a diverse price range depending on your requirement including the placement, how they record and how the data can be transmitted etc. If your windows are in a concealed area security cameras are highly recommended for safety.

6. Security Sensors

Security sensors or alarms are fixed on windows and alert you when the windows are opened. They basically work using a simple mechanism of magnets attached to the window panels that complete an electric circuit. When the windows are opened, the circuit breaks and either sends a notification or rings an alarm.

Security sensors do not prevent break-ins but give an instantaneous response and allow you to immediately assess the situation. Sensors can now be connected to your smartphones as well and immediately send you a notification if someone tampers with the window. Window sensors are easy to install and basic systems come in the range of $60-130$.

7. Bars And Grills

Bars and Grills are old schools but a very practical security measure. Metal grills and bars cannot be penetrated too and these guarantee complete security as intruders will require a lot of effort to break it. Make sure these big windows are properly insulated with heavy duty window insulations to protect them properly.

You can either install bars and grills yourself or ask for professional help. Grills and bars are also very cost-effective as it doesn’t require much maintenance once fixed. Choose grills that cover your window and also don’t have huge gaps. Moreover good installing good motorized window shades and blinds to automate the protection of your windows.

8. Install Locks

Locks are an obvious way to improve security. Windows aren’t usually fixed with really heavy locks. Locks are always additional security and it’s important to add slightly stronger locks that will prevent the windows.

Usually, burglars will try to enter the home in the least painful and noiseless way. Windows with weak locks are the easiest targets. Therefore, improving the locks on windows can decrease the chances of break-ins. So, get the best window lock for your sliding windows as soon as possible.

How To Guard Your Apartment Window Without Bars?

If you’re really particular about the looks and want to avoid ugly grills on windows, it is better to use a couple of different safety measures. For starters, use polycarbonate glass for the windows. These could be slightly more expensive but hey! It preserves the view.

Install motions sensors and additional locks. The primary inlet for an intruder is to break the glass, but sensors and security cameras can alert you and help you secure the windows further. Using sensors on glass can also alert you immediately when the glass is broken.

How Do Burglars Break In Through Windows?

Burglars usually want to create less chaos while breaking in. They go for noiseless methods like using a crowbar to shake the window panels or loosen the hinges off the window. In the case of glass windows, they break the glass.

Although glass-breaking can create some noise, it may not necessarily alert anyone else if done carefully. A crowbar and a few screwdrivers can easily help remove the panels of a window. On some windows, the glass panes can even be slid out without effort after removing the window beading.

Final Talk

You can see how windows are an easy inlet and to it getting exploited, the built should be checked and repaired. Strong glass and additional security measures like locks, alarms, and cameras need to be installed. Old school methods like solid metal bars and some thorny bushes outside your can only enhance the security and won’t fail. Depending on the budget and requirements, a combination of these measures can be adopted.