Keep Your Home Safe With These Home Security Tips

Renewal by Andersen® of Eastern NY is the leading choice for replacement windows in this area thanks to our flawless workmanship and high-quality windows. Our windows are durable enough to withstand harsh weather and extremely secure when closed. Today, we would like to share some tips to help improve the security of your windows.

Burglary Facts

One of the best ways to keep your home secure is by staying up-to-date on the latest statistics about burglaries and break-ins. Here are a few facts you should know about:

According to a report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, about 60% of convicted burglars stated that the presence of a security system affected their decision to break into a house. Burglars tend to avoid homes with a security system, so it’s important to make sure there are plenty of yard signs and window stickers that alert people of the fact that your home is so equipped.

A surprisingly large number of burglars will enter homes through open or unlocked entrances. Almost 30% of them, in fact. They typically target the windows and doors on the first floor, particularly entryways surrounded by vegetation that the burglar can hide behind. When you’re at home, we suggest keeping all of your double-hung windows and other window types locked and the alarm system activated. If you need ventilation, make sure the window opening isn’t more than four inches wide.

Contrary to popular belief, most home burglaries take place during the day. This is because the majority of people are at school or at work. Close and lock all of your windows and doors every time you leave, and if possible, have someone take care of your home if you’re going out of town. Remember that burglars will avoid houses that are too risky or difficult to break into.

Trim Your Foliage

As a sliding windows expert, Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY recommends paying special attention to your windows when improving your home’s security. Regularly inspect them inside and out, making sure the locks work correctly and there are no cracks for burglars to take advantage of. Keep shrubs and trees trimmed to below window height so anyone attempting to break in has no place to hide.

Use Window Locks

Install and use window locks if your current windows don’t already have them. Whenever possible, keep your windows closed and locked, even if you’re at home. If you haven’t replaced your wood-framed double-hung windows yet, add window security pins. Installing pins on the upper sash of a double-hung window will allow you to open the window a fraction but still keep intruders out.

Install Security Bars

Window security pins for double-hung windows are a good first step, but you can still do more. As a replacement windows expert, we suggest using security bars on all of your windows. This is particularly important for the basement because that area can be a target. However, remember that there should be a way to easily release the security bars when installing them on an egress window because you might need to use that window to escape during an emergency.

Replace Your Old Windows

Drafty old windows that can no longer open and close properly can be a liability. Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY strongly recommends replacing your current windows if they’re old or excessively damaged. Fortunately, we manufacture and install strong replacement windows, and offer a wide range of hardware options to go with them. Our Fibrex® window frames are twice as strong as vinyl and they won’t crack or chip. We also offer tempered window glass options that are four times stronger than regular glass.

Obscure Your Interior

Burglars often study a home before making a break-in attempt. They like to look for easy targets and are especially tempted by seeing portable and valuable items (like electronics) right next to a window. You can protect your privacy and discourage would-be intruders by adding window treatments to all of your windows. Another good alternative is using decorative glass that can obscure the view of someone trying to peek in. We can add decorative glass to our replacement double-hung windows and other window types.

Use Security Film

Security film is a useful item that acts as a deterrent to intruders when applied to windows. According to home security statistics, in about 95% of break-ins, some amount of force was needed for the burglar to break into the home. A security film will hold shattered window glass in place even if a burglar breaks the window.

Keep Your Basement Window Visible

Basement windows sit at ground level, can be easily manipulated and are large enough for people to climb through. This is because basement windows are required by building codes to serve as egress points. As a sliding windows expert, we recommend taking security measures to deter burglars from entering through this vulnerable window.

Make sure to keep the basement windows visible from the outside. The burglar shouldn’t have any cover. Your goal is to make it easier for passers-by to spot an intruder trying to enter through the basement window.

Use Shatterproof Glass for Your Basement Window

As a replacement windows expert, we recommend using the strongest possible glass for your basement window: shatterproof glass. Even if the glass is not completely invincible, a burglar will quickly give up trying to smash it if the glass doesn’t break after a few tries. Burglars usually won’t take the risk of being spotted.

Keep Your Home Well Lit

Exterior lighting is incredibly important because it illuminates potential hiding places and anyone approaching the house. Interior lighting is also essential for highlighting signs of activity inside the home. An occupied and busy-looking home has a lower chance of becoming a target.

If a burglar sees lights or hears noises through the double-hung windows, they’ll know they’re more likely to get caught. Your home doesn’t need to be completely impossible to break into; it just needs to be so hard and so risky to rob that burglars won’t even try.

Mark Your Items

Consider engraving your state and driver’s license number on your small electronic appliances, stereos, computers and televisions. Photograph your valuables and make a list of the model and serial numbers from your important and valuable items. Give a copy of this list to a family member or friend as backup. This information can be used to track down your items if they ever get stolen.

Our sliding windows and other window types will make for a fantastic addition to your home, improving its comfort and energy efficiency. Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY is focused on complete customer satisfaction. During our initial consultation, we will answer all of your questions, address all of your concerns and give you more specific and detailed window security advice. Call us at (866) 479-1700 to learn more about our products and services, or to ask for a free in-home consultation.