Warm spring days make open windows irresistible -especially to burglars. But closed windows do not represent a barrier to these cunning intruders anymore. They can easily use a rock or brick from your yard to break them. Although contemporary windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material, even double-glazed windows need security grilles for guaranteed security, as reviewed in our previous post. Buildings with single windows are even less resistant to damage and intrusion, as they are obviously not as thick and strong as the double-glazed ones. Hence, it is even more important to secure single glazed windows.

burglar breaking into house by smashing window glass

Reduce the vulnerability of plain glass with the following options:

  • Place a plastic glazing film over the glazed area of the glass. This will prevent the glass from shattering, although the transparency of the glass will diminish.
  • On the other hand, cost-efficient window shields like the RSG2200 offer protection against vandalism while allowing more than 60% external light penetration. In fact, the RSG2200 security shields offer a relatively economical option compared to the repeated replacement of window glazing. These shields even give the impression of tinted glazing from a distance. The aesthetic of your property is not foregone either.
  • A similar product available at RSG Security is the RSG2400 window screen that is both convenient and appealing to the eye. The security screen is built with the aim of providing 300 times more resistance than normal glass, making it failsafe against breaking, cracking or shattering.

Yet another possibility is the installation of reinforced window frames and locks:

  • Most casement windows need to be locked by securing the window to the frame, which is weak and offer little resistance to attack, since the locks secure the handle or stay bar only. Therefore, it is necessary to install user-friendly locks that will secure the frames together for better security.
  • Besides, if your windows are in the sliding sash design, an additional pair of sash stops is the optimum option to upgrade the existing central one. Otherwise, a dual screw can be fitted to bolt the two sashes together, which even decrease draughts.

As an extra precaution, the beading that holds the glass can be glued, pinned or screwed in place. The modern ‘tilt to clean’ sliding sash should be secured by both sash stops dual screws.

  • In addition, inherently insecure louvre windows can have the glass secured in the frame. If not, fix the glass in both frames with an epoxy resin adhesive.

Specifically-designed locks can also be fitted:

  • For instance, on windows with tapered edges, or for metal critter windows with narrow frames.
  • Mortice rack bolts, or better yet, door mortice bolts, can equally be fitted into a window that is on the same level as its frame. Then, the fanlight window can be secured with the fanlight lock.
  • For aluminium windows, which are usually secured only by handles that may break or become loose from the frame, suitable locks are designed to fit on the frame without contacting the glass. However, for sliding horizontal aluminium windows, a key-operated clamp must be fitted on the bottom rail of the frame. Thus, the slide will be restricted to a few inches, ensuring security even when the window is open to allow ventilation.

While you must consider security against intruders, you also need to think about the safety of your children. Install the proper device that will prevent them from opening the window beyond a safe gap by securing wooden casements in the open position. Moreover, this method will ensure appropriate ventilation in the room, and also alert you in the case that an attempt at forced entry is made. However, the windows should always be normally and tightly locked if the house is unoccupied.

Other radical yet feasible solutions include:

  • Replacing the ordinary glass with two pieces of glass bonded with a sheet of laminate. This will reduce both the probability of the glass breaking and burglars’ break-ins.
  • As a last resort, you can opt for replacing your existing windows, especially louvre windows, with those that are manufactured specifically within required standards of design and security, such as the latest British Standard 7950 kite mark.

Of course, the best deterrent is achieved by installing security grilles or window bars, for they are strong against attack, especially those which are intricately-designed like the RSG1000 diamond lattice grilles, or those bars which come in 16/20mm thickness. Indeed, burglars are dissuaded once they see a barrier in front of your property. It must be borne in mind that burglars are mostly opportunistic and would avoid intruding a property which takes long enough to warn the residents or the police of their presence.