Deadbolts & Window Security

      

There probably is no security system ever devised that can't somehow be compromised. Although home security systems have seen vast improvements over the last decade, there is no one that you can buy and install that is burglarproof. Either the burglar will break through the hardware or, more likely, bypass it. However, the purpose of security hardware is to discourage burglars. It takes time to break and enter, and a burglar doesn't have this time. It's easier for the burglar to find another home with easier access. If a burglar wants to get into your home, he/she will do it even if it takes a chainsaw to cut through the roof. And there are records of this type of caper.

Basic security hardware and its installation is detailed in this How-To Booklet. Most of the hardware can be readily purchased at many home center, hardware, and building material outlets. The tools needed to install it also are very basic.

DEADBOLTS:
A deadbolt on entrance doors outshines most any other type of lock, except a surface-mounted vertical deadbolt. Both are inexpensive to buy and fairly easy to install with a minimum of tools. Some basics:

The screws used to mount the locks should reach half-way through a solid core door.

Coat the screws (which should be the 1-way type so they can be driven but not drawn) with glue before driving them into the wood.

Install any surface type lock about 10 inches above the door lockset.

Complete security doors-
You can buy doors with iron bars on them for installation outside regular exterior doors. Some of the designs are pleasing and the styles include doors that open as a door unit and those that fold open in an accordion fashion. Both types operate on hinges that are installed inside the doors similar to pin hinges on an exterior solid core door. Most styles are secured with a tamperproof padlock through a metal hasp installed on the inside-sometimes outside-of the door. These doors probably are the "ultimate" in door security.

WINDOW SECURITY:
Windows are difficult to secure because the burglar can always break the glass and enter, or, even easier, break the glass and disengage the lock.

The good news is that burglars don't like to break and-enter through windows, according to police. You probably can save money securing windows by securing those at ground level, since entrance through second-story windows by a burglar is doubtful. It is too time consuming for a burglar to raise a ladder to a second story. By the time the ladder is set and the window is jimmied, the police could be on their way to the scene.

Following, you'll find several different ways to secure windows with hardware readily found in home center, hardware, and building supply stores.

Alarm systems. You can buy electronic alarm systems for windows and doors. They usually are expensive but worth the price if your security is threatened. Some are for do-it-yourself hookup.