How To Improve Your Home Basement Window Security

Did you know that every 15 seconds, a home in the United States is broken into? While securing first-floor windows is crucial, basement windows often become a tempting entry point for intruders, accounting for 4% of home break-ins. Ensuring these windows are fortified can signif­i­cantly enhance your home’s overall security.

In this article, we’ll guide you through effective strategies to boost the security of your basement windows, including:

Securing your basement windows prevents theft and minimizes risks such as water damage and unautho­rized access to your home or business. Let’s dive into these steps to ensure your basement is a safe, secure, and integral part of your property’s defense strategy.

Assessing Your Current Basement Window Security

Any security changes start with an assessment of the current system in place. With basement windows, look at the latch system that locks your windows, the material each window is made of, the size of each window, and other factors that could make a window a possible point of entry.

Your most important windows to secure as entry points are those with enough clearance for easy entry and blocked lines of sight. Windows hidden behind landscaping, entirely recessed below ground, or otherwise invisible to neighbors and people driving by need extra protection.

Window Upgrades

Let’s examine how to secure basement windows with some window upgrades. There are several ways to approach window security. You can upgrade the materials, add extra safety features, or make the window entirely inaccessible.

Upgraded materials can include reinforced frames or laminated/​tempered/​polycarbonate glass options. Shatter­proof glass makes what seems like a simple smash-and-go take a lot longer. Many home invaders won’t stick around once they realize that breaking the window is much more difficult than they first assumed.

Additional Security Measures

Bars and window covers are also options for adding security, along with hardware such as locks or films. Security films take a regular glass window and help upgrade it to shatter­proof, turning your basic windows into security basement windows in minutes. Some films are so easy to install that you can put them on yourself.

Window locks prevent the window from opening wide enough to allow access. While bars might seem excessive or less visually appealing, they are inexpensive to add security. Plus, modern options enable a decorative appearance that provides great security and fast instal­lation and removal when needed.

Installing a Security System

When installing a security system, it’s crucial not to overlook the basement. Ensure that entry sensors are installed on every window in your home, including those below grade, as your security system serves as the primary defense against intrusions.

For added security, consider installing glass break detectors. These are partic­u­larly useful in scenarios where windows are not fitted with shatter­proof film — something not commonly seen. Glass break detectors can activate the alarm before an intruder has even entered, offering an advantage over motion detectors, which only trigger when someone is already inside and moving around.

In addition to the motion detectors and entry sensors on the windows, it is advisable to place a security sticker from your alarm monitoring company. This acts as a deterrent by warning potential intruders that breaking the window will set off the alarm, thereby reducing their likelihood of proceeding. Surveil­lance cameras should cover all potential entry points, not just the front and rear doors. With 24/7 remote monitoring, these cameras not only deter criminals but can also help spot any pests attempting to enter your basement.

Protecting Against Water Damage

Your security system should also include water detection sensors in your basement. Criminals and pests aren’t the only things that can get in and cause a lot of damage. Water flowing into your basement can be a major problem, but with alarm monitoring and the right sensors, you get a faster response 365 days a year. The faster you can get a plumber out to find and stop water intrusion, the less damage it does to your property.