If you’ve upgraded your door lock hardware and not your window hardware, you’ve only half-protected your home.
An open window is an easy access point for potential burglars and other home invaders. Locked windows – and better yet, visibly locked windows – are an important part of keeping your home safe and secure.
If you live in an older home, your windows may not have any locks at all. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need new windows, however; locking versions of central catches can be retrofitted to make your windows more secure. You can also add something called a “sash stop” – it’s basically a steel bolt, secured by a key, that ensures an intruder can’t force the window open.
If you have casement windows, the best lock for you is a key locking bolt. Most casement windows come with some sort of latching mechanism to begin with, but these can be upgraded to provide a higher level of security.
Awning windows are very similar to casement windows, only they swing upwards instead of outwards. They, too, have special locks that can be added; they rarely come with their own locks to begin with.
Louvre windows are very stylish, but easy target for burglars. Specialty locks exist for securing these, but there are other options as well, including epoxying the glass panels into place. That will prevent them from easily being slid out.
Sliding windows are a potential danger, as the panels could be lifted directly out of the frame. Modern sliding windows come with latching mechanisms to prevent this, but these can always be improved on – sash stops and clamps are other ways to secure the panels to the frame of your window.
For all your door and window hardware needs, trust the experts at The GTA Lockman. We’ll help keep you safe and secure.
