Home Security Windows and Doors Guide

If you were asked what the most common entry points for burglars are, you would obviously say windows and doors, right? Even on a tight budget, there are steps you can take to strengthen these areas.

Before deciding what steps to take, carefully consider what you have and how you use it.

Carefully consider any windows that are left unlocked. Hidden keys outside the house should be considered as well. Do you have any pet entrances that are vulnerable to potential intruders? The first priority in any security plan is making sure all entrances are secure.

Next, take a look at the areas around your doors. If there is glass around the sides, a burglar could easily break it and unlock the door from the inside. Even if they prefer not to make that much noise, they can easily overcome that with the use of a simple glass cutter.

If you're not willing to eliminate the glass, there are systems available today that have vibration sensors or cut detection systems. Another option that can prevent entry is the use of iron wrought bars placed in front of the window. These can actually be made to look decorative, as well as add a level of security to your home.

A more advanced system, for use with all of your windows, is a dual-technology detector. In addition to being able to sense window vibrations and cutting, they also factor in several other conditions that would indicate a broken window. You'll pay more for this type, but it will help reduce the number of false alarms that the security company has to respond to. Sometimes they will charge you for so many false alarms.

Windows can also be equipped with various locking mechanisms to help slow down would-be intruders. Examples of these are dead-bolts, locks and sash bars. Another good idea for windows and sliding glass doors is a pin lock. This consists of a spring-loaded metal dowel that goes through the window frame into the wall frame.

Another option is to replace your existing glass with something less breakable, such as polycarbonate or tempered glass. Obviously, your home is harder to gain access to if the glass is difficult to break. Especially since windows are the most common entry points.

Obviously, doors are a common entry point for burglars as well. Persistent intruders will usually be able to find a way in, even through locked doors.

One of the most common ways to gain access through a locked door is to break the wood around the dead-bolt using a crow-bar. This can be done in a matter of minutes. Placing your dead-bolt in the middle of a larger metal frame can help reduce this risk.

Key locks are not as secure as they once were due to the ease of creating duplicates. Many experienced burglars possess locksmith skills, which allows them to get in without a key. Keypads and electronic sensors are good alternatives to key locks. Then you won't have to worry about losing the key that's hidden outside. More advanced systems use fingerprint identification as a means of entering.

Some of these units can store as many as 50 profiles, giving you enough for all of your family and some close friends. These systems can also be interfaced with your PC to allow data recording, such as entry times and identities. They can be purchased for as little as $400.