Home Garden

How to Make Burglar Proof Vinyl Windows

There were more than 2.2 million in-home burglaries in 2009 in the U.S. alone, not including incidents that weren't officially reported. Burglar-proofing your vinyl windows will decrease your risk of a break-in and the accompanying theft of valuable items. Furthermore, securing your windows improves your safety by reducing the ability of a criminal to enter your property. A variety of options exist for improving the safety and resilience of your vinyl windows.

Things You'll Need

  • Window film
  • Window alarms
  • Measuring tape
  • Straight edge
  • Yard stick
  • Razor blade
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Instructions

    • 1

      Install alarms to your windows to alert you to the presence of an intruder. Some models can be purchased individually while others can be tied into your overall home alarm system. Consider using the alarms on ground level windows only, to control costs, as an intruder is more likely to attempt to break into the most accessible points of entry.

      There are many varieties of alarms, including electrical circuit alarms that will sound when the circuit is broken as the window is opened, but which cannot sense window glass breakage. A common self-contained option attaches to the window and is not tied into a whole home system. The alarm is activated by vibration and can notify you of an intruder who's lifted the window or attempted to break the glass.

    • 2

      Apply security film to the glass panels of your windows to reduce a potential thief's ability to break through the glass successfully and enter your home. Prepare the window by cleaning it thoroughly. Remove any tinted film or decals. Using a measuring tape, measure the height and width of the glass on the interior of the window. Cut the film to your measured size and apply the film starting at one corner. Slowly peel the paper backing away as you carefully apply the rest of the film, using a straight edge to push out any air bubbles as they form.

    • 3

      Install bar grates to the outsides of your windows for maximum protection. Arrange to have your bar grates custom fashioned by a welder to ensure the proper size and proportion of your grates. Replace any broken windows and repair any damaged window frames to secure your home further.