Most of us think of our home windows as just another feature of the home. They open our view to the outside world and bring in natural light. But, they can also make your house an easy target for intruders. And, since most burglaries occur through forcible entry—considering the integrity of your current windows is important.
Here at The Screen Shop in San Jose, CA, we want the residents here and the surrounding areas of Saratoga, Santa Clara, Mountain View and Alamitos to understand how they can keep their homes safe, namely:
- How to check your entire home for easy entries
- What you need to look for in your windows to know they are secure
- Security window options
Now, many intruders will look for open or unlocked windows until they find a home with one. If you practice keeping yours locked at night and when you are away, you have little to worry about in this scenario. But, older windows often have poor locks or compromised frames (from warp or rust), which allow more persistent burglars an access point. Windows blocked by flowers and bushes are also easy opportunities for an intrusion (as they give adequate cover for bad-doers).
How to check your windows regularly:
- Look for gaps or warping between your windows and frames.
- Check for signs of attempted entries (scratching on the siding, chips of material missing from the frames, etc.).
- Ensure you do not have any opened windows on the ground floor before leaving or going to bed.
- Ensure all windows that are closed are locked—this is a good habit to be in.
- Check for broken locks needing replacement.
- Any overgrowth of flowers, shrubs, or bushes which block a view of the window should be cut back.
Safety devices to consider:
- A solid, high-quality window lock. Old or inexpensive locks may make it easy for an experienced burglar/intruder to gain access to your house. Do all your current window locks still engage properly? Test them. Lock a window and go outside to attempt to push or pull it open. If you know your windows have old or cheap locks on them—replace them.
- Locking pins. These work as additional security on single- or double-hung windows by stopping an intruder from lifting the sash. There are also similar options for slider windows and sliding doors.
- Security alarms. These days, if you can afford an alarm for your home—even an inexpensive one which simply makes a loud noise—you’ve raised the security of your home exponentially (and potentially lowered your home owner’s insurance!).
- Decoys. Did you know many homeowners apply those home security stickers to their windows and/or put the small signs in their yards even if they don’t have the system? Of course, the security system is the ideal route—but this is not a bad alternative if a security system is not yet within your budget.
Looking for more tips like these? Find us on the web or contact The Screen Shop to learn more about home security options for your San Jose, CA windows. We specialize in replacement home windows and would love to earn your business.
The Screen Shop | 601 Hamline St.| San Jose, CA 95110 | 408.295.7384 | contactus@thescreenshop.com