Best Ways to Install Window Security Bars
If your house already has a safe front door, the next step in protecting your home from theft is to protect the windows. The security bars, also called anti-theft bars, are the best way to secure the windows. Generally, made of steel, they are designed to prohibit unwanted entry from outside the house. Hence, they cover all the vulnerable parts of a window. Moreover, having the security bar automatically means that the value of your home will be increased. These bars also come in several decorative touches with different patterns and colors. Installing these bars isn’t difficult, and you can follow the guidelines shared below for the best window security bars installation.
1- Buy Security Bars
When you go to the market to buy security bars, you must visit a machine store to get yourself a customized security bar. Normally, steel or cast-iron bars are available in the market, which is highly durable and safe. The only problem with them is that they can be very expensive. You can research before visiting the market to check which type of bars suits your budget. Materials other than steel aren’t so powerful or safe, but they are cheaper. You can also buy the bars that can be opened inside the house.
2- Measure the Window Frame
Before you pay the bills for the security bars, make sure that you have bought the right-sized bars. Therefore, measure the width and length of your window frame before visiting the market. After deciding on the material for the window security bars, compare the length and width of the security bar with the dimensions of the window. Experts recommend leaving a gap above and below the pole. Safety bars can be of different sizes and shapes. Select a size that creates a gap between the top and bottom of the joist. Oversized windows may require a pair of security bars. Hence, be careful in selecting the size of the window bars.
3- Mark the Holes for the Screws
Place the security strip on the window sill to see where you need to drill the screw holes. Ensure the latch is not bent by placing a spirit level on it. Next, make sure that the orientation of the window is correct so that it can be opened and closed easily. Mark the places where you will create holes with a pen or a pencil. Some security bars don’t have square brackets with them. Hence, they must be purchased separately and must be mounted on the side of the safety bar. No tools are required for this as they normally just slide in.
4- Drill the Holes
Once you are done marking the holes, the next step is to drill them. Make sure that you drill the holes properly on the markings. Apart from that, you must ensure that the security bars are perfectly aligned with the frame of your window.
5- Install the Window Security Bars
After drilling the holes in your window frame, you must move toward installing the bars. These steps to follow in this procedure are:
- Place the safety bars on the window, and align them with the frame and the screw holes drilled previously.
- Hold the security bars from one side with a drill or pin and tighten the screws from the other side of the holes.
- Use a screwdriver instead of a drill for tightening the screws. This prevents the screws from being over-tightened.
- Most of the bolts to which an anti-theft bar is attached are one-way. It means that they can be moved in one direction only and don’t move in the opposite direction. This protects your windows from getting breached; no one from outside can remove these bars.
6- Install the Release Latch
After you have installed the security bars to your windows, you should attach a release mechanism to them. This can be used to remove the bars quickly in time of emergency. They can be bought from security supply stores or a window suppliers’ market. Install the quick release device on the side of the bars after the installation, and attach them to the frame of the window.
7- Important Things to Consider
You must ensure a safety bar is installed in the children’s room. Moreover, they must not be put on the windows where you have provided the emergency exit during a fire breakout. Children are not aware of how to use the safety bar release mechanism. Hence you must install them either in the room of adults, or you can teach your children to use the release mechanism.
Window safety bars prevent unwanted entry to your house. Since they are durable, breaching them with force is almost impossible. These bars can replace if needed. It becomes essential to replace them when they get rusty or old.