Windows and sliding glass doors are the easiest entry points to overlook. The Seattle Police Department's crime prevention bulletin calls windows a primary point of entry for burglars and says window security is a must. The good news is that most fixes are cheap and need no tools beyond a screwdriver. This guide covers locks, bars, film and sensors, and it keeps one safety rule in mind: any window that is your fire escape must still open fast from the inside. It is part of our room-by-room home security tips.
Why unlocked windows matter most
The National Crime Prevention Council reports that in almost half of completed residential burglaries, thieves simply walked in through unlocked doors or crawled through unlocked windows, according to a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office handout. Before you buy anything, make a habit of closing and latching every ground-floor window whenever you leave or go to bed.
Match the fix to the window
| Window type | Weak point | Low-cost fix |
|---|---|---|
| Double-hung (up and down) | Small pivoting latch that can be forced | Add a keyed latch or a pin through the frames; Seattle police suggest replacing weak latches with keyed ones |
| Sliding window | Can be lifted or slid along the track | Track clamp, dowel or security bar in the track |
| Sliding glass door | Thin lock and glass that can be broken | Bar or dowel in the track, auxiliary lock, security film |
| Casement (crank) | Weak locking arm | Check the lock engages fully; replace worn hardware |
| Basement window | Hidden from the street | Keyed lock, security film and, where legal, a bar that releases from the inside |
Sliding glass doors
Bob Vila's guide lists the standard layers: shatter-resistant film on the glass, a bar or rod in the track that stops the door sliding even if the lock is defeated, and a keyed lock if the door is used often. It also notes that no sliding door will ever be quite as secure as a solid-core door with a good lock, which is why alerts matter. Add a door sensor and a glass-break sensor; see sensors explained and how to install them.
Security film
Security window film is a clear adhesive layer that holds glass fragments together when the pane is struck, which slows entry and reduces flying glass in storms, according to window-film suppliers. It does not make a window unbreakable, and film is only as good as its installation, so follow the maker's instructions or have a professional fit it. For discreet ideas like this, see low-profile security ideas.
Do not trap your family
- Bars and guards on bedroom windows must open quickly from inside. The CPSC says window guards on lower floors should be easy for adults and older children to open in a fire.
- Teach everyone how the latch works, and test it every season.
- If you have young children, window stops that limit the opening to four inches serve both safety and security. See child safety and home security.
Layers beyond the glass
Light the sides of the house and trim shrubs below windows; security lighting and a camera covering the side yard help; see where to place cameras. Tenants should check the lease and ask the landlord before fitting locks or film; see home security for renters. Before travelling, follow our vacation checklist.
Window security checklist
- Every ground-floor window and slider latches firmly.
- Sliding doors have a bar or dowel in the track.
- Latches are keyed or pinned where practical.
- Film is on large glass panes if you want an extra layer.
- Bedroom windows still open quickly for escape.
- Sensors cover the windows an intruder would use first.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to secure a sliding glass door?
A bar or wooden dowel cut to fit in the track. It stops the door opening even if the lock is bypassed.
Does security film stop a break-in?
No, but it can slow entry and keep glass together, which gives an alarm or neighbours more time.
Can I put bars on bedroom windows?
Only if they can be opened from the inside quickly. Check local fire codes first.
Sources
- Seattle Police Department, Home Security: Window Security
- Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Burglary tips and information (citing the National Crime Prevention Council)
- Bob Vila, how to secure a sliding glass door
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, window guards and falls
- Window Film Depot, how to burglar-proof windows
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