Considering Grates Over Your Windows for Security?

There have been several break-ins of homes in your neighborhood. People have gone to work, headed off to vacation, and when they returned they found the broken windows and furniture tossed around, drawers emptied and items strewn about. Their valuable possessions, including TVs, jewelry, and maybe even cash long since gone.

That got you thinking. Maybe it’s time for you to consider security grates, at least over the ground level windows in your home.

It’s a reasonable reaction

Don’t worry about how people may view your reaction to this situation. It’s a natural response to a threat. You want to protect your home, family, and possessions. You don’t want to be just another number in the neighborhood, the number of victims from this rash of burglaries.

The problem with security grates

Security grates can certainly deter would-be burglars from coming into your home or even attempting to break in. However, it can pose a number of problems for the average homeowner.

First, they don’t look very appealing. If you’re concerned about the way your house looks, including and especially its curb appeal, window grates are not going to do anything to help.

Second, they can be hazardous. Picture this: It is late at night, and your family is peacefully asleep. Without warning, the smoke detector sounds in the hallway, rousing your children and spouse from their slumber. In a moment of panic, you recognize that all the entry doors are obstructed by smoke that has infiltrated the home, while flames from the kitchen have already begun to spread into the living room.

The sole means of escape lies within the windows. As you approach, you raise them only to discover the grate behind. Unfortunately, it cannot be opened without a key. In your growing panic, you realize that you are unable to locate the key.

The better solution

If you’re truly concerned about safety and want to prevent someone from breaking into your home, no amount of security is going to actually do that perfectly. However, if you are willing to make the investment, impact resistant windows may be an option to consider. These replacement windows are commonly referred to as hurricane windows, but they can resist the striking force of a bat, crowbar, or other items a burglar might use to break into your home.