Tips on Securing Your Windows and bi-folding doors

There is a significant portion in the population of burglars who would say that they have managed to enter a house through windows that were not properly closed or not locked at all. This kind of neglect is quite inviting to many burglars who are just looking for opportunities to get into the house. It is important to inspect all the windows in the house to see if they are all properly secured. This kind of inspection is even more important if you are about to go on a vacation away from home. There are some tips that can help you avoid security breaches at home through your windows.

Check the Condition of the Windows

Imagine yourself as the burglar and think like them. This time though, use this analysis to inspect all your windows carefully by looking at all the potential ways through which someone might be able to enter the house. Make sure that the casements are properly closed and test the catches if they are strong enough to take a strong force from the outside. If you have wooden frames around your windows, make sure that they are not rotting. This will make them more vulnerable to burglars. If you have metal hinges, make sure that they are not too rusty to function too.

Check the Locks

Many homeowners are quite careless about not properly locking their windows or not using good locks. Use larger locks that are harder to manipulate from the outside. Burglars would not be able to access the locks. Smashing the windows would be the only way to gain entry, but this too much of an attention catcher and risky too. They might get injured in the process, which may stop them from entering the house.

Find window locks in home security shops and hardware stores. There are different types of locks that you can install on your windows but you have to make sure that they fit. In most cases, casement locks can be used in all types of windows. Fanlight locks are also advantageous in that they have a metal bolt and special locks that make it difficult to open the windows.

If you have to use keys to open and close your windows, always keep them safe. Give them only to your household members.

Use Grills

These are best installed on windows that are installed on the ground floor because this is the part of the house that is more vulnerable to forced entry. Window grills have become more popular in the cities and their popularity has even reached the suburban and rural areas in the country. To make them look less distracting to the beauty of the house, homeowners usually use decorative grills that match the home design.

Always Check Surroundings

Look around and spot trees or other structures that might be used by burglars to enter your home. Avoid putting ladders outside your home which can be used to reach the second floor windows. Clear out the shrubberies where burglars might hide. Cut down some branches near your windows which might be used to climb up to your house. Always watch out for possible security hazards around.