Of the reported burglaries throughout the United States, over 30 percent of intruders enter homes through unlocked doors and windows. You can easily avoid being a part of this alarming statistic by beefing up your window and door security efforts. Many intruders take advantage of careless homeowner behaviors, like keeping doors and windows unlocked or using cheap fixtures. By securing your doors and windows, you can easily prevent unwanted home intrusions and burglaries.

Window Security Additions

Don’t make it easy for intruders to target your home — follow these simple steps to help make your windows more secure and deter thieves:

• Upgrade window locks and keep them locked

• Install bars or grills

• Add home-security features like floodlights and window cameras

• Install reinforced window glass

• Plant thorny landscaping

Securing Your Front Door

While the front door may not seem like an ideal entry point because of its highly visible location, 34 percent of intruders enter homes through the front door, either by kicking it in, picking a basic lock or simply opening an unlocked door. Securing your front door is easy and effective with these security solutions:

• Solid door construction: Keep your door from being wedged open or kicked in by having a solidly manufactured door made from reinforced steel or wood. These two materials are extremely durable and resistant to damage. You can also install a fiberglass or metal door, but add extra interior reinforcement to prevent it from being bent by a car jack.

• Windowless door designs: Many front doors feature attractive windows that create a welcoming appeal and let in pleasing natural light, but windows placed near door locks and knobs can be easily broken and the doors accessed by intruders.

• Minimal landscaping: Well-manicured and designed landscaping adds curb appeal, but by planting large plants near your doors, you can create an obscured and private hiding spot for burglars.

• Sturdy deadbolts and interior locks: Don’t just rely on a flimsy door lock or cheap deadbolt to secure your door — choose a high-quality deadbolt that inserts deeply into the door frame to prevent kick-ins. For added security, install an interior lock that cannot be accessed by a key — like a sliding bolt or chain. These tools are nearly impossible to interfere with.

• Reinforced door frames: If you have a flimsy door frame or jamb, a thief can swiftly and easily kick your door open. Install a deeper box strike with three-inch screws inserted into both the jamb and the wall for more secure attachment. Then, reinforce the jamb with galvanized steel.

How to Secure Sliding Glass Doors

As many homeowners — and burglars — know, sliding glass doors are hardly an effective home security tool for preventing unwanted break-ins — standard sliding door locks are essentially a loosely fitting latch, and by jiggling the door with a fair amount of force, you can displace it off its track, creating an easy entry point to your home.

These entry points are also hotspots for intruders because they allow clear visibility of possessions and are often located in the back of your home, where a burglar can break the door and enter with minimal detection.

While sliding glass doors can be an easy access point for burglars, you can quickly upgrade your door’s features to prevent break-ins. Install higher-quality door features, such as reinforced glass or plastic to prevent breakage. In addition, security vibration sensors and locks — like steel sliding door loop locks and keyed patio door locks that bolt into the door and frame to prevent it from being shaken loose — can help you stay safe.

Along with a sturdy lock, place a wooden or metal dowel in the track behind the door to prevent it from being opened by force.

Improve Home Security With Glass.com

Learn how to improve your home security today with the help of Glass.com. Our representatives can help you explore your door and window upgrade options and connect you to local window and door glass experts in your area. Call us today at 888-85-GLASS, or fill out our online contact form.

Glass.com attempts to provide accurate information but cannot be held liable for any information provided or omitted.  You should always work with a licensed, insured and reputable glass shop that can assess your specific needs and local building codes and offer professional services. Never attempt to cut, install, or otherwise work with glass yourself. All content is provided on an informational basis only.

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By Daniel Snow

Daniel Snow serves as the operations manager for Glass.com and is also a contributing editor. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from George Mason University and has a background in the real estate industry. After high school, Daniel even worked at a family-owned glass shop for a short period of time and is an Auto Glass Safety Council certified installer.

In his free time, Daniel enjoys being outdoors, especially around the water where he can be found surfing, fishing, and boating. He has a passion for bringing old vehicles back to life and loves working with his hands to restore cars, boats, and motorcycles.

2 responses to “How to Make Your Windows and Doors More Secure”

1. I wanted to thank you for this advice for making windows more secure. I didn’t know that you could have door loop locks on sliding doors. I’m kind of interested to learn more about these locks and if they can only be used if the door is of a certain size.

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2. I just wrote a lengthy discussion regarding auto glass. I clicked on Submit and a response came back as maybe spam. If you received that would be great. If not, I would ask if Daniel Snow could call me at 563-332-6604. Thank you.

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