Window Security
Here is a brief summary of our window security advice. We can tailor this advice on a site visit by calling us on the number above.
Window Security
Introduction
When approaching home security, many people can make the mistake of concentrating solely on door security, totally neglecting window security.
We understand why as year on year statistically, 75% of all burglaries are via the door.
This does however still leave a 25% chance of a burglar targeting your windows for entry into your home and in certain areas of the country this percentage will of course be higher.
There are two methods of entry for forcing entry via a locked window and Sheffield Locksmiths SheffLOCK advise you to have laminated glass installed to significantly boost your window defences against attack:
Window levering
This is where a burglar uses an implement such as a flat bladed screwdriver or crowbar.
The target areas of window levering are the keeps where the bolts engage into the window frame.
Once these keeps are broken or the window frame is levered to allow the bolts to pop out of the keeps, the window is opened easily, effectively bypassing all of the window security.
Sash Jammer
SheffLOCK advise you to install lockable internal Sash Jammers that provides excellent reinforcement of your windows should any such attempt be made.
We have created a sash jammer information page to demonstrate the practical advantages of this simple method of securing your windows.
Window glass smashing
We are not going to disclose exactly how easy it is for a burglar to “pop” and smash toughened (also known as tempered glass) double glazed glass panels.
This method is seen time and time again via CCTV released from victims and the police when such a burglary method is used.
The majority of households at best will have a toughened inner and outer pane of glass installed in any double glazed glass unit.
When hit, the glass does not provide an adequate defence against attack and simply shatters into smaller pieces as it is designed to not cause injuries if broken.
Sheffield locksmiths SheffLOCK echo the advice of the police who advise to have laminate glass installed or at the very least have accredited adhesive window film installed.
Affordable Laminated Glass
Laminate glass is essentially the same glass used in car windscreens and is designed to stay together upon impact and not shatter making this product an excellent and essential security product.
SheffLOCK have made laminate glass affordable and due to there being no need to replace the entire glass unit when upgrading to laminate glass, it is a quick process.
Should you wish to know any further information about the above topics please feel free to call us.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass has the same strength as ordinary glass but it consists of two pieces of glass containing a sandwich of plastic interlayer. If the glass does get broken this interlayer holds the whole piece in place so there is no hole left in the window for an intruder to get in through for example or large free shards that can cut. It is the same glass you find in car windscreens and shop fronts. This is our preferred window security glass.
Toughened Glass
Toughened glass is up to five times as strong as ordinary glass which means that it has to be hit much harder in order to break, also when it does break it is into lots of small pieces which are much less dangerous. It’s the same glass that you will find in bus stops and phone boxes where you may have seen it smashed into small pieces on the floor.
We can replace your Double Glazed Units to laminated or toughened glass.
Standard Annealed Glass
This is used in every other window where safety glazing is not required and when broken breaks into jagged pieces. Burglars would almost never try and gain entry through this type of glazing so there’s no need to change this type. We can visit your home or business to see if we can put your mind at rest or improve your window security.
Window restrictors
Fitted window restrictors stop the window from being opened fully to allow ventilation. Window restrictors are not a security product as the materials are weak and could be easily broken to allow access through the window.
Window restrictors are an effective safety item to stop people from falling out of windows on single and two floor properties.
Window Security Grille
A Window security grille will stop intruders gaining access through the window. Each grille is manufactured locally by skilled engineers and powder coated for a long service life.
We will carry out a survey to determine how to fix the window grille to the property as the window security grille is very heavy and is required to be mounted with industrial fasteners.
Safety Window
From 2007 building regulations state that laminated safety window glass should be traceable and be appropriately marked. Safety window glass defends against direct attacks on the glass.
