How to Secure Your Windows and Doors Against Break-Ins
Break-ins are a serious concern for everyone, regardless of where they are. In Canada, a break-in can occur every 90 seconds . SGI Canada also tells us that most break-ins are from amateur burglars who don’t even use sophisticated tools. So, how do they gain illegal entries?
Through ground-floor door or window
Since your windows and doors are the most vulnerable entry points, there’s no doubt that investing in high-security windows and doors is a must. Some statistics also suggest that most break-ins occur through these entry points because it is easy for burglars to gain access to your home.
But, there are practical ways – and professional insights – to fortify your home. From replacing locks to installing a brand-new window security system, there are multiple ways to boost home safety. More importantly, guarantee the safety and security of your loved ones in your house.
Key Takeaways :
- A break-in occurs nearly every 90 seconds in Canada – with ground-level windows and doors being the most common entry points
- Some of the best ways to prevent break-ins include smart locks, deadbolts, and shatterproof glass (with strong locks, frames, and glass)
- Sliding doors and basement windows are highly vulnerable without reinforced tracks and bars
- Integrating smart technology like a home security system will offer you real-time monitoring and alerts
- Going for a professional installation will provide easy tutorials and long-term safety solutions (with regular updates and inspections)
Assessing Your Home’s Vulnerabilities
What’s the first thing to do when you want to secure your home with better windows and doors? You don’t make changes outright but rather evaluate your home’s current state of security. Where does it lack and what could be the best solution? Identify the potential weak spots to address the “vulnerabilities” more effectively.
Check Existing Locks and Frames
First things first, you have to check whether the locks and the overall frame are intact or not. They are the first line of defense against break-ins in most cases. Inspect closely, do you notice any sign of wear and tear around the door or window frames ? Is there a broken or old lock waiting to malfunction?
Even a loose hinge or a simple lock malfunction can make it easier for a burglar to get in. Therefore, you should be looking for any sign of damage around these areas. A crack or warp on the frames can make it easier to knock them down. Conversely, outdated locks are easy to bypass.
Identify Easy Access Points
Every burglar, even the ‘veterans’ will look for the easiest and most accessible entry points first – your doors and windows. Therefore, these areas require individualized attention when you’re assessing overall home security.
Start with the ground-floor windows and doors, especially sliding doors – they’re often more vulnerable. On top of that, if you don’t have adequate lighting around the safety-critical areas of your home, it will make your home a more appealing target for burglars.
As a rule of thumb, you should be installing proper lighting around the home’s perimeter. Consider windows and doors, and turn them into properly lit areas to deter intruders. Plus, add additional locks like smart locks or deadbolts to your sliding doors for more security.
Evaluate Glass Strength
Do your windows have single-pane glass? Unless it’s a reinforced, heavy-duty glass panel, it will only make it easier for burglars to shatter it. For that reason, we recommend our clients to go for the latest and more durable materials to make their homes anti-burglary.
You can install double or triple-pane windows with tempered glass that are thick enough to put up resistance against burglars trying to break in. With additional features like security window films or sensor-linked alarms, you can make it even more difficult for someone to gain illegal entry into your home.
Reinforcing Windows Against Break-Ins
Once you’re finished with the evaluation? It’s time to move on to reinforcing the windows to prevent illegal entries into your home. Here, you have to consider your immediate needs along with your budget and available options to make it as hard as possible for anyone to gain illegal entry into your home.
While you should aim for the latest methods like a comprehensive window security system , you can also start small like replacing damaged locks and hinges. Here’s more!
Upgrade to Shatterproof Glass
Did you know that making your windows shatterproof is not that difficult? All you have to do is contact a team of professionals at Canadian Choice, to install laminated or tempered glass inserts in your windows.
They are much stronger than regular glass and way harder for any intruder to break through. Even when they do shatter, they won’t break into tiny and sharp pieces that could make them a hazard for you and your family. It’s a simple upgrade but something that will give you peace of mind about your home.
Install Window Security Film
It’s not a problem if you don’t want to replace your windows , we understand. A simple fix like installing a window security film is an effective alternative. It is a type of protective film that will increase the strength of your windows’ glass inserts.
Simply, they will hold the glass together more durably so they don’t break easily. That makes breaking in more difficult for intruders. However, the real benefit is that they are easy to apply and quite affordable. As a result, it makes them a popular choice even as a quick fix.
Use Window Locks and Bars
Another solution is reinforcing window locks and bars – an extra lock never hurts anyone! It is one of the easiest and most hassle-free options to boost security. You can go for keyed locks or pin locks, which are particularly helpful with sliding windows. Some of the best security windows for homes with built-in features like multiple locks.
However, some of our clients love the idea of installing reinforced steel bars to their windows that already have tempered glass (sometimes, on top of double or triple-pane construction). For vulnerable spots like ground-level and basement windows, additional locks and bars offer extra protection. Even something like window safety catches is a good place to start.
Add Window Sensors and Alarms
The next thing we recommend is installing high-tech alarms and window sensors. While these should be a no-brainer for homeowners here in Canada where an intrusion occurs every 90 seconds, it’s still not as common.
With the sensors and alarms, you can send an automatic alert to your phone or home security system. The alerts are automatic based on activity like someone tampering with the window or opening it while the sensors are active.
What’s better is that you can also direct the automatic alerts to the relevant authorities or law enforcement when you’re away. This will keep potential intruders away and make sure everyone is alert about any potential threat.
Secure Basement and Sliding Windows
We advise homeowners to not overlook sliding windows and basement spots. These places make the most vulnerable entry points into a home. While they are often hidden, they are also easy to access and similarly difficult to notice when bypassed.
Make sure you have tight, and high-quality, locks in place at these spots. You should pick the ones that are most durable and heavy-duty to make it a nightmare for burglars trying to get in. On the other hand, you can also go for steep grilles to make it nearly impossible for anyone to get in.
Here’s what Tony Wong from our team says, “ European-style tilt and turn windows offer unparalleled security with multiple locking points and advanced hardware, making them highly resistant to break-ins. Fixed windows are also exceptionally secure since they cannot be opened. Casement and awning windows, with their multi-point locking systems and secure multi-step closure design, provide exceptional protection as well. These advanced locking mechanisms ensure your home remains safe and secure. ”
Fortifying Doors to Prevent Break-Ins
Most of our clients understand the importance of reinforcing their doors with their windows. So, don’t forget to secure your doors with the necessary upgrades – or even fresh installations. The doors are the most common entry point, and to keep it safe, there are a few methods you should consider.
Choose Solid-Core or Metal Doors
Go for solid-core or metal doors for superior home security. They are dense and more tough than hollow-core ones which gives them greater resistance to physical abuse. In turn, this will deter forced entry and offer you peace of mind thanks to their durability. Consider options like aluminum or steel if you’re going for metal doors. They are weather resistant and withstand fire.
Reinforce Door Frames and Hinges
If you chose a strong door, choose a strong frame too. You have to reinforce your door frame by installing a sturdy strike plate, preferably with long screws. This will hold the door in place more robustly (i.e., with long screws into the wall studs). With that, you should consider upgrading your hinges to heavy-duty, metal options.
Install Deadbolts and Smart Locks
We understand how much hassle it can be to secure every corner, every door, and every window. However, smart locks and sturdy deadbolts can give you some room to breathe. They are a strong and affordable fit which still makes it very difficult for someone to sneak in. Plus, smart options come with a remote control and keyless entry for greater convenience.
Secure Patio Doors
Since patio doors are a weak point most of the time, you can add a security bar to prevent lifting. With a metal or wooden bar in place, it’s difficult to lift the door. Apart from anti-lift devices, you can also install reinforced tracks and shatter-resistant glass for more safety.
Helen Sin explains, “ Tilt and turn doors offer the highest level of security with their robust design and multiple locking points that secure the door tightly at various angles. Sliding patio doors with advanced locking systems are also highly secure, especially when equipped with reinforced tracks and laminated or shatter-resistant glass. Entry doors with multipoint locking systems provide exceptional protection by distributing force across the frame, making break-ins much more difficult. Each of these options ensures your home is safeguarded with the latest security innovations. ”
Advanced Security Measures
You may be asking yourself, is there any other way I can bolster my home’s security? Yes, there are a few ways you can do that by going for advanced security measures to ensure greater window protection from burglars . Think about installing home security and surveillance systems with automated alarms and sensors. Here’s more!
Install Ecobe Contact Sensors for Awareness
At Canadian Choice, we have helped homeowners improve overall home security with Ecobee contact sensors. This security technology is designed to help you stay aware of door and window activity 24/7. They are a secondary security benefit that will notify you when your doors or windows are opened, especially helpful when you’re away.
Integrate Smart Technology
Like a comprehensive home security system, smart technology will diversify the range of home security features. For instance, you can control cameras and mobile alert settings through your smartphone. With the latest features, you can even lock and unlock doors using your phone too.
Outdoor Lighting
We always recommend going for motion-detecting lighting options. While they may have a relatively higher upfront cost, they are extremely energy-efficient and smart compared to traditional options. So, if you create a well-lit exterior around the entry points, it’s less likely for an intruder to consider your home as the next target.
The Role of Professional Help
We know, that DIY security measures are highly effective. But considering the expertise of professionals like home security providers at Canadian Choice Windows & Doors is worth it. With professionals, you can identify the hidden vulnerabilities even in the latest home security solutions.
They will help you get the best security tech, ranging from locks and sensors to reinforcements that meet industry standards. While DIY will save you money as a ‘short-term fix’, it can eventually cost you more in the long run.
Therefore, choose professionals, choose experts you can rely on. At our company, your peace of mind comes first. So, give us a call to enjoy excellent warranties and reliable customer care, 24/7.
FAQs
What’s the Best Way To Secure Sliding Doors?
You can install a security bar or a sliding door lock. We recommend that you go for a mix of those security features and also add an anti-theft device. Meanwhile, if you go for shatter-resistant glass, you can increase the overall door security as well.
What Materials Are Best for Front Doors?
Some of the best contain “solid-core” materials, like metal doors (especially compared to hollow-core doors). The solid-core materials are harder to break through because they require extreme effort most of the time. Hence, they offer more protection.
Do Smart Locks Provide Enough Security?
Yes, smart locks can provide adequate security depending on your neighbourhood and existing home safety features. When you combine it with traditional deadbolts and remote control, you can enjoy higher security with convenience.
Are Home Security Systems Worth the Investment?
Many of our clients invest in the latest home security systems. Most of them include state-of-the-art cameras, motion detectors, and alarms. Along with some other features, you can enjoy greater peace of mind and enhance your overall home protection.
How Can I Improve the Security of My Windows?
One way to do that is to install shatterproof glass. At the same time, you can also go for window locks and bars. We recommend going for window sensors and alarms for added protection.
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