Suburban
Jeremiah Mudonha
It Is estimated that over half of all residential break-ins and burglaries start with access to the home through its windows.
Break-ins to business properties can also happen through windows.
Therefore, it cannot be argued that no matter how good-looking our windows are, they each present a potential entry point for burglars.
It is thus prudent to invest a good portion of our treasures on the security of our windows than to risk losing everything stored inside buildings to thieves.
Bearing this in mind, we can now agree that no meaningful discussions on home security can go on devoid of the issue of window security.
May I remind you once again, our dear readers that our ultimate goal in introducing such articles as this on security is to help you to create and maintain homes that are ideally safe and crime-free.
Every building structure meant for human habitation is supposed to have some windows for ventilation and light.
Building specialists maintain that window openings of every building should be at least five percent of its floor area.
Hence, the bigger the house or its floor area, the more windows that are expected to be on it.
security experts, however, argue that such greater number of windows on buildings, though commendable should be proportionate to security provisions put in place to guard against any incidences of break-ins.
Inevitably, there is an additional use of windows which makes it tricky for you to consider sealing off and permanently eliminating windows from your building, that is, fire safety!
You cannot run away from the fact that in the event of a fire breakout, you need an emergency exit and the win- dow is obviously the next best option after the door.
This means that whatever security measures you are going to employ on your windows, you should take into account fire safety apart from light and ventilation.
The same burglar bars that protect you from crime should not endanger you or your family if there is a fire.
So if you have an older home that has fixed bars on the win- dow, I suggest that you should have them replaced with security bars that can be released in the event of a fire.
This is especially critical for bedroom windows.
Given the high possibility that your building windows will be used as entry and exit points by burglars, allow me to highlight some of the important security options that you can consider in guaranteeing their security.
However, note that these are not all that you can ever get.
You may also still need further expert guidance on how to put them into effective use.
◆ Buy strong window frames and firmly fix them to the walls. Regard- less of the cost, look for reputable manufacturers of window frames. Always choose the right, strong window frames for your house. Remember expensive is dear but still not all windows are genuine and strong. Make wise choices! Besides, when fixing window frames to walls never compromise on the recommended standards. Half-done and shoddy jobs can result in the window frames get- ting stolen themselves. Be also informed that all windows should be of a reasonable height from the ground. Windows that are less than 12 feet off the ground are the highest risk.
◆ Use shatter-resistant win- dow glasses – try to use shatter-resistant window glasses on your window frames. these come in different glass-like materials like polycarbonate, plastic or acrylic. With the ability to resist high impact, many of these sheets are stronger than glass and provide protection from vandalism and break-ins.
◆ Window security Films- these window security films are applied on win- dow panes and can be removed if not needed. Just like shatter-resistant glasses, window security films help to prevent intruders from attempting to break into homes by smashing or shattering the windows. Window security films can be cut to fit small and large window panes. Options for window security film material and style include but are not limited to, tinted or black, frosted white, decorative or clear. In addition, note that tinted films can help to prevent unwanted people from viewing what is inside your house from outside.
◆ Install strong window burglar bars-window bars are the most com- mon window security measure on residential or commercial proper- ties. this is an affordable option to secure windows. Window security bars, grids or guards come in different materials including plastic, metal and iron bars.
◆ Note that ideal burglar bars should be of size and design which cannot be easily counteracted by bolt cutters wielding burglars.
◆ security grilles and gates-install a metal grille out-side the window. standard or custom-made grilles permanently mortared into the outside foundation will provide maximum security in high-crime areas although at the expense of giving your windows a behind-bars look. security grilles and gates will however render your windows useless as emergency exits in the event of a fire.
Window locks — you can secure your windows by adding supplemental window locks and fastening devices. However, as you consider new locks and fastening devices, also keep fire safety in mind. Flip locks are the most common window lock hardware that come with windows. A turnbuckle can be used in its stead and requires that you squeeze a lever while turning the latch or unlock the lever with key in order to open. Keyed locks are similar to door-bolts and operate with a key.
Lastly, in case your windows are broken, there should still be no opportunity whatsoever for burglars to steal anything from your house. Remove all valuables such as bags, laptops and phones from near window openings or anywhere around where they can be viewed or fished from outside. I also need not emphasize that you should ensure that you close all your windows before retiring to bed or going out. If a window is even partially open, it is a simple matter for an invader to pry it open more and access your property.
In conclusion, it is apparent that the security of the window opening is contributory to the overall security of your house. Therefore, it can be deduced that the weaker the security of the window, the greater the vulnerability of the house or building to burglaries and thefts.
Every window needs to be seriously attended to especially those of bedrooms, storerooms and any other rooms storing properties of value.
However, you should be wary of bathroom windows and those of other adjoining rooms which may help burglars to get in and connect to other important rooms.
Now that I have shared all this stuff with you, put it to good use and be kind enough to share it with others.
