Home Windows and Doors As Security Features

Home windows and doors are security vulnerabilities to your house. These potential points of entry should be reviewed once a year for its security features, its structural soundness, and code currency, as building codes change almost every year, changes that aren't really addressed until renovations need to happen. If you're merely home renovating, now would be the time to review the rest of the home windows and doors.

This review doesn't necessarily need to be an ordeal that is completely unfashionable. For example, a steel security grille for entry door, it does make for good security, but aesthetically, the steel window and door just isn't appealing, not by modern and today's fashion. A patio door installation doesn't necessarily require steel to protect. You can compare window manufacturers ratings for security on the sales ticket or label at your home improvement store, or any sales clerk should be able to help you with this. Aluminum doors and hinge windows also don't need to be made of this steel in order to provide top notch security. Instead, what you want to look for in home windows and doors in terms of security is design: design over materials.

For example, you could have a great looking craftsman sill, but one that's equipped with an interlocking mechanism that practically forces any intruder to remove the window entirely, setting off alarms, of course. This would be far more aesthetically pleasing than a steel grill, and as effective as any steel or metal sill.

When you think about security you should be thinking about security design, not product. And good design necessarily requires good planning. In order to plan about security for your house, you'll have to analyze your home for all its possible points of entry. But safety and security isn't about barriers, but control. Meaning, you want to be able to exit your house as well, in emergency cases such as fires. That French double door to the masters, that interior Dutch door to the powder room, those are nice, but how well do they unlock and swing open in an emergency? We're not talking about replacing them, just analyzing them from this security perspective, and then making adjustments, say to the hinge window or something as menial as oiling down the screws and other joints.

Home windows and doors are vulnerabilities, but you should also consider the unconventional but possible points of entry, such as chimneys or basement windows when devising basement ideas.

Garage doors are often overlooked as well; garage car doors frequencies are relatively limited; it's not difficult or unlikely for a neighbor or a stranger to accidentally hit their own garage door opener to find that it opens yours as well. You'll likely be surprised by what you realize when you analyze your entire home, even, from this security and safety perspective. But it's a good thing to do. You can discuss your findings with your home insurer to find out if there might be ways to work down your premium based on the added safety and security precautions you're taking to protect the property. In conclusion, do not neglect your windows and doors when you look at the security of your home. But keep in mind that there are stylish solutions to most of your security threats.