Ways To Increase Your Home Security: Metal Windows and More

Nobody wants to feel like they’re living in a prison, but it is important to have precautions in place to deter thieves and keep your belongings safe. Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to protect your home both inside and out, from state of the art alarm systems to upgrading your locks or adding metal windows. With this in mind, read on to discover the many ways you can increase your home security. 

If your window frames are looking a little worse for wear with cracks, peeling paint or rotting timber, now’s the perfect time for an upgrade. Steel window frames are unrivalled when it comes to strength and security and they’re more durable, too. Steel frames are almost impossible to break and you could also add steel or metal glazed bars to the glass itself for even more security. 

Metal frames are also low maintenance and will look pristine for years to come, offering you windows that are both highly secure and stylish. Metal window frames are suitable for both single and double glazed windows, but it’s worth upgrading to double glazing at the same time if you can afford to. 

As you might expect, your locks are one of the most crucial aspects when it comes to strong home security. Many experts recommend changing the locks when moving into a new home, just to be on the safe side and ensure that you know exactly how many sets of keys there are to your property. 

You should also check the type of locks that are fitted on your front and back doors and consider installing mortice locks if these aren’t present already. Mortice locks are much more secure as they require a key for opening - this means that doors can't be opened by breaking a glass panel on the door and turning a knob or handle. Most modern aluminium or PVC doors are fitted with these locks as standard, but you could add extra deadbolts or door chains too for extra security. 

Don’t forget your window locks either - windows are often the weakest point of entry on a property and thieves are far more likely to try to break through a ground floor window than a heavy front door. Again, most modern or double glazed windows are fitted with locks as standard, but if your windows are older or if you’ve just moved to a new property, inspect the locks to make sure they’re up to scratch. Many security systems also include window locks which sound an alarm in the event of an intruder, or you could add bars to windows as mentioned above. 

You don’t need to own a business or office building to benefit from CCTV and alarm systems, they’re just as beneficial when it comes to protecting your domestic property. The physical presence of a CCTV camera or alarm system is often enough to deter thieves, and they can also help to minimise loss if there is a break in by promptly alerting the authorities.

Security systems can be wired or wireless and nowadays, the majority can be controlled via your smartphone or tablet. The model you choose is up to you, and you might prefer alarms, cameras or a mix of both. A professional security company will be able to advise you about which is best for your property and there are plenty of options available to suit all budgets. 

Sensor activated or timed outdoor lighting is a proven deterrent for thieves; a sudden spotlight can startle opportune burglars and timed lighting can give the impression that someone is home or has just returned. Keep outdoor areas well lit and clear of overgrown trees and shrubs, and ensure any outdoor lighting fully illuminates the entrance ways.

Thieves are less likely to target homes where they are very visible and motion activated lighting also saves homeowners from fumbling for keys in the dark. 

Again, security fencing isn’t just for commercial or industrial buildings and there are plenty of aesthetically pleasing options that can enhance the look of your home too. Secure gates and fencing aren’t all barbed wire and dull grey spikes and there are many stylish options available, from elaborate wrought iron gates to sleek steel. 

The type of fencing and/or gates you choose will depend on the size of your property, but even upgrading your wooden garden gate can make all the difference. Security gates and fences protect your property from unwanted intruders and they add extra security to your garden if you have children or pets playing outside, especially if you live near busy roads. 

Many households could benefit from investing in a small home safe as a backup, should the worst happen. Although it’s relatively rare, unfortunately break-ins do happen, but a home safe can ensure that your valuables are kept secure. Home safes come in many different sizes and models, including floor safes, wall safes or stand alone options, and many are fire proof too. Most modern safes feature digital locks for maximum security and they can be bolted to the floor or wall to prevent thieves from simply taking the safe in its entirety. 

Use your safe to store any valuable or sentimental items, including jewellery, photographs and important documents like passports or birth certificates. Plus, having everything important in one place saves those last minute panics before a holiday or house move. 

The vast majority of us use at least one form of social media, but it’s not a good idea to post any upcoming travel dates or holiday plans on public platforms. While it’s exciting to share details of an imminent holiday or trip, if your profiles are public then it lets everyone know that your house will be unoccupied, and when. Keep details to a bare minimum, don’t post exact dates, or increase your privacy settings so that only family and friends can view your profile. 

The same goes for valuables too, it’s best not to advertise any big purchases or expensive items such as a new car, computer or expensive jewellery. This may seem like an unnecessary precaution, but several celebrities have been specifically targeted by thieves after posting details of items on social media, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution to keep you and your belongings safe. 

You may have upgraded your physical security, so now it’s time to look at your cyber security too. The majority of us use private Wi-Fi networks in our homes and can access the internet via smart phones, tablets or computers. Even if you don’t work from home it’s highly likely that you will have used the internet to order things online, check your bank balance or pay a bill, so it’s vital to keep these networks secure. 

There are several easy steps you can take to increase the security of your Wi-Fi network; firstly it’s a good idea to change the default name of your SSID (service set identifier) and the default password that comes with it. Passwords should ideally be very long (at least 20 characters) and include a mix of numbers, letters (both upper and lower case) and symbols. You should also turn off network name broadcasting so that your wireless network can’t be seen by the general public and make frequent checks to ensure your router’s software is up to date and the firewall is turned on. 

If you’re looking to increase your home security, get in touch with the experts at Metali Windows. We specialise in the installation of steel windows, plus metal window repair, maintenance and restoration, so you can be sure that your property is safe and secure at all times. We understand the many benefits that high quality metal windows can bring to your property, including increased security, durability and a timeless aesthetic appeal. For more information about any of our metal window products or services, don’t hesitate to give us a call today or visit our website.