According to statistics, Canada has seven times more burglar cases than Norway, the country with the fewest burglaries. Although the number of break-ins has dropped significantly in the last decades – going from almost 300,000 per year in 2002 to less than 150,000 in 2023 – it’s still crucial to burglar-proof your home. In fact, the development of advanced security systems is likely why burglars now feel less encouraged to enter a home.
Although you should secure all windows and doors, it’s especially important to pay attention to basement window security, as this window is the preferred entry point for many burglars. Today, we’ll share some great tips on how to make your basement windows more secure, so read on!
Key Takeaways
- You can significantly improve basement window security by reinforcing the glass with security window film, installing bars, or upgrading to double-pane windows with laminated glass.
- Other methods to enhance the security of your basement windows include installing motion-activated lights, sturdy window locks (Grade 2 or higher), window well covers, and an advanced home security system.
- You can consult with a security professional if you’re not sure where to start – they will help assess the risks and vulnerabilities and develop customized basement window security options.
- Magic’s windows feature metal reinforcement, and are equipped with stainless steel multi-point locking systems, with a grade 40 security rating.
How to Improve Basement Window Security
Basement windows can be a security headache, given that they’re low to the ground and often tucked away out of sight, thus being super easy targets for burglars. It’s common for people to inadvertently overlook these windows when thinking about home security, so our article is a reminder of their importance!
The good news is that improving the security of your home’s basement windows doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. There are some straightforward measures you can take to significantly reduce the risk of break-ins. Many of these will only take you about an hour, so why not give them a try?
Before moving to the solutions we recommend, we should mention that it’s best to adopt a multi-layered approach or, in other words, to avoid relying on one solution only.
As such, here are some effective strategies to secure basement windows!
1. Light Up Your Basement Windows
Lighting up the basement windows to keep the bad guys away is a simple but very effective trick in your home security toolkit! Install motion-activated lights, which will turn on when someone’s moving around your basement vinyl windows. Well, it may be a stray or wild animal, not necessarily a burglar, but it’s still an excellent tool that alerts you when something’s wrong. You can even install solar-powered lights to avoid spending too much on energy bills.
Ground lighting and floodlights are also great additions to your security setup. They light up the entire area around your basement windows, making it really difficult for anyone to sneak around unnoticed. Here’s a tip: install some lights right above the basement windows for maximum nighttime visibility.
2. Install High-Quality Window Locks
Let’s talk about window locks – they are the pillars of basement window security!
There are a lot of window locks to choose from: in-locks, sliding window locks, hinged wedge locks, keyed locks, smart locks, and sash locks. Each has its strengths, so pick the one that’s best for the window type you have in your basement. If you’re not sure what to choose, you can find a security expert who can help you.
If you want to replace your basement windows, it’s best to look for new windows that are already equipped with high-security locks – why spend more money and waste time later when you can let the window company worry about these details? Magic windows and doors, for example, come with high-quality Grade 40 locks – the highest possible security rating for windows and doors.
3. Install Window Bars and Grates
Window bars and grates provide a robust layer of security for basement windows. These installations are highly effective at deterring intruders and preventing tampering. You can mount security bars within the window frame or on the exterior trim, depending on your preference and the level of basement window protection you need.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your security measures, there are numerous aesthetic options available. Don’t forget to make sure that window bars and grates allow for quick release in emergencies like a fire.
4. Use Window Decals
Security decals are a simple yet effective way to keep burglars at bay. They let potential intruders know you have a security system, making them think twice before targeting your home.
In fact, it has been proven that burglars are less likely to enter a home with a security system in place – so you can add a security decal on your window even if you don’t have a security system (but make sure to use other security measures as well!).
5. Reinforce Basement Window Glass
Many break-ins happen when intruders smash the window to get in, so reinforcing basement window glass is a smart move. It’s all about making it harder to break.
If you want to replace your basement windows, you can choose tempered or laminated glass (the second one is more effective against burglaries because it has a plastic layer that keeps the broken pieces together upon breakage).
Not ready to replace your windows? No problem! You can apply window security film, which creates a barrier that makes it more difficult to break the glass.
6. Removing Obstructions Near Basement Windows
Clearing shrubs, plants, and other obstructions around basement windows is a great way to improve security. When you maintain a clear line of sight, intruders find it much harder to hide, so you’ll spot any suspicious activity more easily.
Also, consider removing furniture and other items away from your basement windows.
7. Installing Advanced Home Security Systems
A comprehensive home security system is undoubtedly one of the best things you can invest in to improve the security of your home. Here are some key security products you can install:
- Glass break sensors
- Window alarm sensors
- Motion detectors
- Security cameras
- Smart lighting
- Window sensors
Most companies offering security services use state-of-the-art technologies that can really improve your experience and keep burglars at bay.
Security cameras, for example, offer real-time monitoring and can be connected to your Wi-Fi. They can be installed strategically to maximize security – near the exterior door, the basement windows, and other important entry points.
Then, take window sensors, for example. They emit a loud alarm when the window is opened or jostled, alerting you that something’s wrong.
8. Keeping Valuables Out of Sight
The best way to keep burglars away from your house is to make it unappealing. The secret is to keep all your valuables out of sight. For example, you can install curtains or shades that offer privacy, especially at night. You should install these for all the windows, not only those in the basement.
Magic’s thermal blinds are highly efficient in this regard – they are opaque and offer complete privacy during the day and at night. So, if you’re going on vacation, for example, and want to protect your home from the prying eyes of potential intruders, you can just open the thermal blinds, and no one will be able to see anything inside your home until you get back.
9. Make It Seem Like Someone’s Living There
You can install timers for lighters to make it seem like someone’s living in the basement – basement bedrooms are quite common nowadays, so burglars will be less likely to enter your house if they think they’ll stumble upon someone.
10. Securing Window Wells
If your basement window is installed below or partially below ground, you definitely have a window well too, which is the recess in the ground excavated around the window. Window wells are often used for egress basement windows. Unfortunately, they won’t deter intruders, so it’s best to install window well covers and grates. This way, you won’t only improve your windows’ security but also prevent dirt, leaves, and water from accumulating in the well.
You can choose window well covers made of steel, aluminum, or polycarbonate.
11. Upgrade to Double- or Triple-Glazed Windows
Having single-pane windows in the basement is a major security risk because they break easily. Therefore, if you want to go the extra mile – and your windows are quite old – why not install double- or triple-glazed windows? After all, they’re much more secure than single-glazed windows.
These windows are Insulated Glass Units, which means they consist of two or more glass panes separated by gas fills and warm-edge spacers. Well, naturally, breaking two or three panes of glass takes twice or thrice as much time as breaking one glass pane, so it can buy you some time to take action.
12. Replace Your Window with a More Secure Window Type
Some window types are much more susceptible to forced entries. For example, double-hung windows, horizontally sliding windows, or casement windows offer enough space for burglars to enter your house if they break the locks.
Awning or hopper windows open only up to a 45-degree angle from the bottom or the top. Therefore, there isn’t enough space for intruders to pass through if they break the locks. They’ll have to break the glass as well, which can give you a head start in calling the police, especially if you have an alarm system.
However, don’t forget that your basement requires an egress window if it’s used as a habitable space, and awning and hopper windows don’t fit the requirements for egress windows.
Professional Security Consultation
It may seem quite overwhelming at first – having to figure out which security solution is the best for your home. Given that there are so many products on the market, this is unsurprising!
Luckily, there are numerous security experts who can provide you with a comprehensive risk assessment and customized solutions. In the long run, this can save you a lot of money you’d otherwise spend on products you may not even need.
Contact Magic for the Most Secure Basement Windows in the GTA!
If the window frame is damaged, if it has only one glass pane, or if some of its hardware is broken, it may be worth considering replacing it. These problems will only facilitate a break-in, almost inviting burglars in, as they’re good at finding the weak spots!
If you’ve decided that the best solution is to replace your windows, get the ones that come with Grade 40locks – the highest security grade for windows and doors (Magic windows, of course!). Besides, our products feature a myriad of other revolutionary technologies which you can discover by booking a free consultation with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make basement windows more secure?
To make basement windows more secure, you should install bars and grates, add window decals, upgrade safety locks, install a home security system, or reinforce the glass with security window film or laminated safety glass.
Do people break in through basement windows?
Burglars often break into the house through basement windows because they’re close to the ground and usually installed in less visible parts of the house, thus providing easy access without attracting attention.
What kind of lighting can improve basement window security?
Installing motion-sensor lights, solar lights, and floodlights can improve the security around your basement windows.
What are some effective window locks for basement windows?
Effective window locks for basement windows include pin locks, sliding window locks, and hinged wedge locks.
How can I enhance security with window decals?
Burglars are less likely to enter homes with advanced security systems, so installing a security window decal can truly reduce the risk of break-ins – sometimes even if you don’t really have a security system (although it’s highly advisable to get one, given the high rate of forced entries).