Whether you’re in a first-floor apartment or living in a skyrise, it’s important to make sure your windows are secure. Window security can be a bit more challenging for ground-floor residents than it is for those on upper floors, but there are plenty of ways you can protect your windows without breaking the bank.
Bolster Your Sliding Door
There are many ways to secure your apartment windows and keep them safe from burglars. The most basic of all security measures is to lock your doors and windows every time you leave. However, there are other easy and inexpensive things you can do to make your home safer.
One of the most common ways that thieves break into homes is through sliding doors, and if you’re living in an apartment or condo that has these types of windows, it’s especially important to beef up your window security. There are several ways to strengthen your sliding door and ensure that it’s difficult for intruders to open it.
Installing rods in your sliding door tracks is a great way to strengthen them. These rods are usually made of sturdy metal and can be screwed into the track so that they keep the door from opening.
If you don’t want to put a rod in your tracks, you can also put bars in place that are designed to stop the door from opening. These bars come with a pressure mounting system and padded ends to avoid damaging your sliding doors.
Another simple way to reinforce your sliding door is to install a lock. These locks are designed to work with the latch of your sliding door and will prevent it from opening if it gets broken. They can be installed with a drill and are a simple and effective way to keep your apartment door safe from intruders.
These locks typically cost about $5 each, and are available online or at your local hardware store. They are a great solution for renters who want to keep their apartment safe but still let in some light.
To install these locks, you’ll need a basic cordless drill and some drill bits. The bit size should be 1/64” smaller than the hole in your door or window.
Then, you’ll need to use the drill to screw in the locking mechanism. This is a fairly easy process and should take about ten minutes.
Finally, you can add a simple window alarm kit to your sliding glass door. These kits are relatively inexpensive and can be easily installed in a matter of minutes. Once you’ve activated them, they will sound an alarm when anyone tries to break in. This is a good security measure because it will alert you to potential break-ins and can help prevent them from happening.
Put a Rod on the Tracks
If you have a sliding window or door, one of the best security measures is to put a rod on the tracks. This will make it hard for thieves to get in your apartment, and can give you peace of mind while you aren’t there.
This also helps make the window look its best. They come in all sorts of colors to match your decor and are simple to install. They also have rubber tips on the ends that minimize scratching.
While a rod might seem like an overkill, it can actually be a useful tool to help keep your apartment safe and looking its best. There are plenty of options out there, so take your time to find the right one for your needs.
One of the most popular windows in an apartment are the ones on the balcony or porch. These are often the first entry points to the main living areas and are a prime target for burglars. There are many ways to secure your window, but the most effective method may be to add a lock. This is not always an easy task, however, so it’s worth your while to check with the leasing office before you decide to go this route. The best way to secure your windows is by being aware of the potential threats and taking a proactive approach.
Add Bars
Adding bars to apartment windows is an effective way to deter criminals from breaking into your home. This is especially true for ground-level or basement apartments, which are more vulnerable to burglars than second-floor apartments.
If you want to install bars, the best option is to hire a professional who specializes in window security. This will ensure that they are installed correctly and in compliance with local building codes. Also, they can help you find a bar that suits your needs and budget.
There are many types of security bars, but all will protect against break-ins by making it difficult to open a window. These bars are often made from aluminum, but can be made from other materials as well.
They come in different styles and can be permanent or removable. This will depend on your needs and the size of the window you are protecting. For example, if the window is very large or difficult to open, then you might want to consider a permanent bar.
These bars are designed to withstand the most force a burglar can use to break them down. They can withstand up to hundreds of pounds of force and won’t fall down easily or break in half.
Even if a burglar can break them down, they will be noisy, which will be enough to alarm the people inside your apartment. This will discourage them from attempting to break in again and will make it more likely that they will try to enter through another means.
Besides making it harder to break into your apartment, adding bars can also help you escape in an emergency. This can be important if you need to leave your home but don’t have enough time to get out the door.
In addition to the added safety and soundproofing, bars will make it much harder for a burglar to escape through the window. This can save you and your family a lot of stress if something goes wrong in your apartment.
If you aren’t sure what type of bars to buy, it is a good idea to ask around for recommendations and read online reviews before purchasing one. You can then decide whether or not it is worth the investment.
Install a Simple Window Alarm Kit
Apartment windows can be a convenient way for burglars to gain entry into your home, so it’s essential to secure them properly. This can include installing a simple window alarm kit, which will sound an alarm if someone breaks in.
The most basic of these is a contact sensor, which works by detecting whether the window is open or closed. These are available as surface-mounted sensors that are visible, as well as recessed ones that are hidden inside the window frame.
These sensors are relatively easy to install and operate, and they require very little battery power. They’re also very quiet, and they provide notifications when the batteries need to be changed.
You can get a window alarm for less than $20, so they’re a great option for budget-conscious renters. They’re slim and stick right to the window, and they detect vibrations from any movement or impact.
To install these, follow the product instructions, which should tell you where to place the two parts of the sensor on the door or window. You should put the magnet part on the stationary side of the door or window frame, and then place the reed switch part on the moving part of the door or window.
This will make the reed switch part pull together the two small metal contacts in the sensor circuit, and it will trigger an alarm if someone breaks in. It should only be placed on a flat surface, not a textured one, because it may interfere with regular operation.
When a window is opened, the magnetic contact between these two parts separates, and it trips an electrical circuit that switches on a switch to trigger an alarm. Some of these systems are powered by a single button, while others require four LR44 batteries (included).
If you’re looking for a simple way to secure your apartment windows, a contact sensor is an excellent choice. They’re available at most home improvement stores and are easy to install. They’ll sound an alarm if they are broken and alert you via a smartphone notification or an alarm panel.