Basement Window Security

Your basement may be an area below ground level that is unfinished and employed to accommodate the furnace, air-conditioning system, electrical panel and the like. You may also use it to store stuff that you should have thrown out years ago. Or perhaps your basement is partially or entirely finished, and is a regular part of your home.

Either way, there is likely a window or two to let in light and air and, like any windows, basement windows can also let in burglars.

You need to give full attention to basement window security. Even if your basement does only contain your collection of postcards and that kayak you have not used in years. Once he has got in to your basement an intruder has access to the rest of your home.

Most likely you will consider window security bars or grills, as an answer for your basement window security needs. No doubt about it, a sturdy set of burglar bars correctly installed will give a housebreaker a bigger headache than he wants to have, and likely put him off even attempting to break in.

The usual objection to window security bars, that they are an ugly eyesore, may not apply in the case of basement windows which are usually pretty much obscured from view. It is because windows to basements are generally half below ground level, and may be completely concealed by shrubs, that makes them so vulnerable.

In most areas there are building codes and regulations that stipulate that security bars are fitted with a quick release mechanism, this may also apply to basement window bars. In any event, you would not want a member of your family cornered in a blazing basement with their only escape route obstructed by non-opening bars.

Window security film is an alternative option for protecting your basement windows. The film is a non-visible deterrent, a flexible polyester sheet that is fixed to the inside of the window. If a burglar strikes the window hard enough the glass will shatter, but stay together preventing entry.

If the aesthetics of your basement window security are important to you then you might wish to consider window security film.

Basement Window Security Once he has got into your basement an intruder has access to the rest of your home.

Yet another alternative to fitting bars over the window is to replace the glass with polycarbonate sheeting. This material is of high-impact strength and presents a very tough challenge for an intruder to break through.

As the sheeting merely replaces the glass pane, an opening window can still function for ventilation or as an emergency escape route.

Glass blocks are considered by many folks to be stylish and cool. Being translucent these blocks can provide a basement with both light and privacy. The traditional solid glass blocks, and not the acrylic type, are probably best for secure basement windows, solid glass blocks are remarkably tough and extremely resistant to shattering.

Don’t forget that there are other ways to break in through a window other than breaking the glass, a burglar could work on the window locks. Make sure that your basement windows are fitted with security locks and for complete basement window security they need to be hooked up with your home security system.

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