Many a burglar or criminal has entered a home through a window. For this reason, if you want to keep your Michigan home safe and secure, it’s important to turn your attention towards your windows. In some cases, improving window security may only require you to make a few changes in your behavior or habits. Other times, an upgrade may be in order. Here’s a closer look at five ways you can make windows more secure.
Most modern windows come with some sort of locking mechanism to latch the sashes into the frames when the windows are closed. Yet, so many Michigan home owners forget to lock the windows when they are shut. Get into the habit of always closing your windows and locking them before you leave the home and before you go to bed at night. This will keep a burglar from stealthily sliding the window open from the outside, a strategy they often employ when possible since it doesn’t leave any broken glass or obvious damage.
It may sound silly, but you can make windows more secure just by closing your window treatments when you’re not at home. Pull down the blinds or close the drapes. If a burglar cannot see inside to determine whether you have anything to steal, they are less likely to try breaking in. If you do not have window treatments that fully block the view into your home, it’s time to upgrade.
If you are considering new windows, choose ones with security glass. This glass is similar to that in your car’s windshield. It has a special film that keeps all of the glass shards together if the window is broken. Most burglars won’t break through a security glass window, even if they do break the glass, since it’s hard to enter through the window without cutting oneself. If you’re not in the market for new windows, there are security films you can place over existing windows for a similar effect.
If you live in a dangerous neighborhood and really need some extra protection, consider having bars installed over your windows. The metal bars are pretty much impervious to intruders, and they come in many styles, so they won’t look as off-putting as you might imagine. You can find window bars with flower embellishments, grid-like patterns, and more.
As home automation has become increasingly popular, Michigan home owners have started to install alarms on their windows. Such alarms ring when a window is opened or broken, alerting anyone inside the home of potential danger. There are even smart alarms that will send a message to your smartphone if a window is broken while you’re away. If you have a home automation system already, adding smart window alarms is a simple, inexpensive upgrade that will make your house a lot safer.
Following the tips above will make your windows a lot more secure. If your windows are on the older side, however, replacing them may be the best way to protect your home and family. New windows lock more securely and are extreamly sturdy to deter criminals. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free consultation in your Michigan home; we’ll discuss the most secure window options for you!
