Home Improvement DIY

Home Security - Windows and Doors

Even if you don’t know much about home security, you’ll probably know that the most popular ways for a burglar to gain entry to your home is via your doors or windows.  Making them stronger is one of the best ways you can secure your home.  Once you have done that, you can then think about more expensive security measures.

Don’t simply go out and buy the first thing you see.  You need to review your home and think about your habits.

Don’t Leave Your Keys in Silly Places

Burglars know that many people are very relaxed about home security.  C’mon, how many of you have left keys hiding under a flower pot or left a window open?  Dealing with these issues is the most obvious and basic step.

If you have glass along by your front door this makes it incredibly easy for people to enter.  All a thief has to do is smash the glass or use glass cutters.  They only need a hole large enough for a hand to go through.

Of course you may have spent a lot of money on installing these glass panels or you may simply love the look of them.  In which case you don’t necessarily have to remove them.  Instead you can increase the security by using a vibration or cut-detection system.  Alternatively you can have decorative iron bars made.

There are also dual-technology detectors which work by recognizing the conditions of a breaking window.  These systems have replaced the old technology where they can only detect the frequency of breaking glass.  These systems are more expensive but will reduce any false alarms.

Then there are modern locking systems which make opening a window so much more difficult for a thief.  Deadbolts, sash bars and locks add an extra level of security than a simple window latch.  Pin locks are simple spring-loaded metal dowels that are inserted into a hole in the frame.  The same mechanism can be used for sliding glass doors too.

If you are prepared to replace the glass on your windows then choose tempered glass.  They may be more expensive but they are a lot more difficult to break.  Remember, windows are the most vulnerable parts of your house.

Along with windows, doors are also targeted by thieves as a means of entry.  Although you may lock your door, a burglar can still find ways of getting in.

Burglars often break in via your door simply by breaking it near the deadbolt.  Just by using a crowbar they can shatter the wood around the deadbolt.  You can improve the security just by surrounding them in metal for several inches.

Many burglars have locksmith skills and can duplicate your keys.  To overcome this problem you can have a keypad or electronic sensor system fitted.  This also means you don’t need to leave any keys under the flower pots again.  More high-tech systems use fingerprints and biometric attributes.  I know, it sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Some of these finger print systems hold a database of 50 fingerprints which should be more than enough for your family and close friends.  Prices can start at around $400 and you can even connect it to a PC so you can see when entry has occurred and by whom.

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