How to secure windows

[Rich]

How do you secure windows?

I've noticed that old homes have lots of windows which is good in that you can ventilate the house when it's hot and actually get relief. Try going without AC in a newer home that minimized window count!

The problem is that the more windows you have, and the bigger that they are, the harder it is to secure them against a threat. So what's the solution? Do you try for lots of smaller windows that make it easier to lock each individual one or do you rely on a security system? Bay windows look nice but just how safe are they from a break-in? Also, if it breaks how do you compensate when you can't get to Lowe's to order a replacement?

I love the bulletproof stuff but it's expensive. Storm windows are nice but a real pain to deal with. Although maybe that's a plus when dealing with potential thieves.

[Groovy Mike]

Plexiglass is an option as are the shatterproof coatings. Neither will stop determined entry, but the may slow it down.

[MosinNagant]

If the windows are "double hung" or sliders, then a simple screw set into an anchor flush with the inside of the frame that it slides in will stop upward and downward movements, though the glass and frame of the window itself can still be smashed thru. I have slide bolts on some windows and doors. There is fancier (costlier) stuff but it works no better. The window frame and sash are the weak points.

[Rich]

Thanks, MosinNagant.

As for specific threats, I think burglary is one of the highest with regard to windows. You need to be able to open them for ventilation in case you lose air conditioning so they need to be large enough to cool the house yet small enough and restrictive enough to hinder anyone trying to break in.

[Joe]

Most burglars will batter down a door before they will break a glass window.
It's psychological.

Now, after the balloon goes up - yeah.....

That film works pretty good but as has been said - it's expensive. I have a friend who has it on his house.

Shutters and grates/grills - they work in the third world, they'll work here too.

Make sure you can still get out.

[Groovy Mike]

Thanks, MosinNagant.

As for specific threats, I think burglary is one of the highest with regard to windows. You need to be able to open them for ventilation in case you lose air conditioning so they need to be large enough to cool the house yet small enough and restrictive enough to hinder anyone trying to break in.

For burglary keep in mind that as soon as the glass breaks it becomes easy to unlock most windows. So if no one is home, why would a theif even bother with a locked door?

[Joe]

because they don't like breaking glass.

Statistics bear this out.

Breaking glass sound carries far. People (neighobrs) usually respond - broken glass could mean your neighbor fell through a window and cut themself.

The THUD of a door getting kicked in just doesn't draw the same response.

Thieves are in a hurry.
A double keyed deadbolt on an unkickable door means they'd have to go back and forth through the destroyed window - with stuff.

Now, after TSHTF, all bets are off.... just crash a truck through the wall.

[tdale]

Plus, maybe the thieves watched the "key bumping" videos on YouTube and can walk through your front door with one tap of a hammer.

[HerbWife]

While it won't stop a bullet, chicken wire fastened to the windows help deter potential thieves as well as prevent a smoke grenade or Molotov cocktail from going through. And before you think "Uuugh!", it actually looks pretty good when in homes that have that shabby chic country decor.

[Fusilier]

Plant rosebushes or cactus under windows.