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How to Increase Security for Glass Windows in a Home? Apr 19, 2024 By Fenesta

It is vital to have ample protection against any kind of intrusion in your home. Nowadays, even the safest of neighborhoods cannot be considered completely theft-proof. Despite being among the most aesthetic and functional elements, glass windows are among the most vulnerable points of access in a residential building. If not secured properly, they can allow intruders to gain entry to your house.

However, this does not mean that you need to compromise the view you get from your room or the overall curb appeal of the house. There are several things that you can do to secure your glass windows and add an extra layer of protection.

Here are a few simple and actionable tips to maximise the security of your doors and windows in your house: -

Install a Security Alarm

Using a reliable security alarm is the very first thing you can do to boost overall security and reduce the chances of any kind of break-in or theft in the house. As these alarms have small sensors, they do not bring significant change to the overall appearance of your windows.

There are three types of security alarms that you can choose from: -

Contact Alarm: This is the most common type of security alarm in modern home security systems. Generally, the contact alarm comes with two sensors. One is attached to the window frame and the other to the movable part. Whenever these two pieces lose contact, an alarm is triggered. This means that every time the window gets opened, this sensor will send an alert.
Glass Break Alarm: As the name suggests, glass break alarms monitor any kind of impact made to the glass panel of a window. If the glass of the window frame gets damaged, it triggers an alarm. For better protection, you can use glass break alarms along with a contact alarm.
Motion Alarm: Motion alarms are not just for windows but can be installed in other spots around the house. These alarms come with smart sensors designed to pick up any kind of movement nearby. If there is some movement near the sensor, it will prompt the alarm. So, the alarm gets triggered even before someone tries to enter.

All these window alarms have their advantages and limitations. You can make a choice according to your specific requirements and get optimal protection against theft.

Use High-Quality Glass

When choosing windows, glass quality is among the most important considerations. There are several different options available on the market with varying quality. To get sufficient protection, it is best to use tempered glass for your windows and doors. Also known as safety glass, it not only offers impressive resistance against any break-in attempts but also gives enough protection from harsh weather elements. Security glass is manufactured by arranging multiple thin layers of glass together. Thus, windows with this kind of glass are better equipped to deal with any forced entry attempts.

Add an Extra Barrier

Another great option to enhance the security of your windows is to add an extra barrier. For this purpose, you can use wire mesh or metal grills. Both options not only add aesthetic appeal to your house but also make it completely secure. Currently, there are several different design options that you can choose from. Even invisible grills are available which gives security without compromising on the aesthetics.

Use Sturdy Locks

No matter what kind of windows you install in your home, having a set of sturdy and reliable locks is something you should not overlook. Sliding glass windows and doors need to be fitted with high-quality multipoint window locks. Although every type of window comes with basic locks (generally flip locks), they do not offer enough protection. To make your house theft-proof, it is recommended to install keyed locks on all the windows.

Here are a few commonly used types of locks that you can consider for your house: -

Window Security Pins: These locks are suitable for traditional double-hung windows as they prevent them from lifting open beyond a few inches.
Keyed Sash Locks: These locks work just like traditional sash locks. The only difference is that you need a key to open them.
Track Locks: Track locks are perfect for sliding windows and doors. These locks compress the track so that the door/window cannot move.
Smart locks with mobile apps can also be installed: These not only notifies you if a window/door is left open, you can even use the app to shut the window from a remote location.

Focus on Regular Maintenance

Like all other fixtures around the house, windows also need regular maintenance. Any kind of damage to the frames or glass panels can make them easy to access. To make sure that your glass windows and doors offer enough protection, it is paramount to carry out frequent checks. For this, you should look out for any chips or cracks in the glass. Other than this, you should check if the locks installed in the windows are working properly or not. If you see any kind of issue, make sure that you get it fixed without any delays.

Whether you are building a new house from scratch or renovating your old one, it is essential to secure your windows properly. At Fenesta, there are several design, glass and lock options for windows and doors that you can choose from to make your home stylish and secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which window is best, sliding or open?

Sliding and open windows (also known as casements) come with their advantages. For instance, sliding windows are best for wider openings and smaller room sizes. On the other hand, casement or open windows are used for small and narrow openings.

Which type of sliding window is best?

The best type of sliding window depends on your specific requirements. If you are aiming for a simple, clean look in a smaller area, a window with a single slider is the best. On the other hand, if you have a larger window opening, a double or multi-slider is a better option.

Is the sliding window safe?

Sliding windows and doors are known to offer a great amount of protection. If you are buying glass sliding doors for your balcony, make sure that they can be locked. To increase security, you can also add more locks and install security alarms.