Egress windows are popular among most people because they maximize usable space in homes. While installing an egress window can transform your space, it also enhances safety.
Based on official FBI statistics, a burglary occurs in the United States every 18 seconds. Unfortunately, the situation isn’t better in Canada.
You might wonder, but for a burglar, it can take as little as 10 minutes to break into your home. The stronger your locks and more reliable your security alarm, the less likely you’ll be their next target.
Consider this: 30% of burglars enter through the front door or windows. This emphasizes the importance of well-sealed windows for home security. Window security bars are the best solution to protect property from unauthorized entry.
However, window security bars have some drawbacks, and these drawbacks cause some people to argue about their benefits. Let’s take a look at their pros and cons to determine if they’re truly worthwhile.
Don’t Just Decide — Decide Well
First, you need to know window bars come in a variety of styles. Some may enhance your home’s overall security, while others could inadvertently create vulnerabilities. Therefore, you need to know what exactly to expect from the style you want to buy. Also, security bar installation is another safety critical you must consider. Hiring a professional to handle the installation process can help avoid potential problems later on.
Pros and Cons of Window Security Bars
Here are a few discussions about the pros and cons of window security bars. Take them all into account when you want to consider them.
The Advantages of Egress Window Security Bar
Window Bars with Solid Materials: A Strong Deterrent
Window bars with solid materials are an excellent choice for adding an extra layer of protection. They can significantly strengthen your existing home security, as they’re extremely difficult to break without causing too big of a commotion.
Not all windows bars are break-proof; actually, a lot of them are easy-to-break. Our advice to all homeowners who live in a high-crime neighborhood, have recently moved to a new home, or have been a victim of burglary is that widow bars with solid materials should be your top priority.
Other advantages
- Window security bars can be a lifesaver if you have children in your home. No more accidental falling out as well as no more potential intruders that can jeopardize their safety.
- Window bars allow you to open the window for ventilation without worrying about security risks.
- Combined with small-keyed locks, window bars create a virtually impenetrable security system.
- Window bars offer a cost-effective security solution, providing comparable protection to more expensive security systems.
Disadvantages of Window Security Bar
- A key concern with egress window security bars is that they can hinder a quick exit in case of an emergency, such as a fire. This is the most powerful argument toward window bar installation.
- You might think window bars make your home look like a prison. They may obstruct your view.
These are a few advantages and disadvantages of window bars to consider before making a decision. Always remember that for basement security windows or any other type of window security bar, a licensed professional — such as EsnaGlass —is essential to ensure safety and avoid potential issues caused by poor installation.
Egress Window Security Bars: Quick-Release Mechanism in Case of Emergency.
Egress window security bars can provide an added layer of security, but they may pose challenges for quick and easy exit in case of an emergency.
To solve the issue, there's an easy solution: consider the security bars [on your egress window] with an internal quick-release mechanism, like the picture below.
This quick-release mechanism not only protects your property from unauthorized entry but also allows you to quickly open the window and exit the space if the main exit is blocked or unavailable. This minimal-effort mechanism can potentially save the occupants in critical situations.
The source of picture is BRC Website.
FAQ
Window bars allow you to open windows without worrying about security risks. They are a cost-effective security solution compared to the most expensive security system, while they do a similarly good job at keeping intruders at bay.
Window security films offer a visually appealing and affordable alternative to window bars. These thin films are applied to your windows, making them tear-resistant and strengthening the glass to deter break-ins.
Use shutters. They are a more eye-pleasing alternative solution to security window bars. They can often be secured at the top or sides of your windows, providing a stylish and effective security solution.
