Is your home safe in the summer months? A Security Checklist: Windows and Doors
Police officers are called out more regularly to burglaries in the summer because people become far more lax over their security – giving thieves the perfect opportunity to strike!
With the summer months upon us home-owners naturally have their windows and doors open more often, and the amount of time that we all will spend in the garden, perhaps entertaining guests with Barbeques, will grow.
Here, Mark Cooper, Managing Director of Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk, highlights how an investment in new windows could help home-owners to protect their homes from thieves.
Why does the amount of burglaries that the Police are called out to in the summer grow? Answer – Because people are less cautious when they are out in the garden having fun.
A report just issued in May this year by leading insurance organisation, Endsleigh, highlighted that in some UK cities, the chances of a home being broken into have more than doubled. ‘Burglary hotspots’ – the cities most at risk – include Nottingham, Leeds, Hull and London. People living in Guildford, Swindon and Dundee on the other hand were the least likely to be broken into.
With so many security products available on the market today, it’s often quite overwhelming when deciding what to buy. But there are many simple and cost-effective ways for home-owners to protect their property which will ensure that you don’t become a burglary statistic.
Be Cautious!
Windows and doors that are left open offer an easy access route into your home for thieves. Make sure that you are cautious and shut your windows and doors when going out, even if you are just in the garden for a long period, perhaps gardening. It could mean the difference between losing and keeping your valuables. However, it is not always the only option, as any thief will tell you! Many have perfected the art of breaking in through closed doors and windows – it sometimes only takes a brick and/or a screw driver.
Many homes already have modern windows but if you are thinking of updating your windows and doors it’s always worth asking about the security features of the products. All reputable double-glazing companies will be able to tell you what security standards their products meet and with all companies having to comply with general British Performance Standards, such as making sure that the products are wind and water tight, enhanced security features will be an additional incentive to buy – so any salesman will enjoy discussing them with you! Here’s a few to think about.
Check your locks meet standards
The double-glazing industry has come a long way over the last 15 years. Most companies now fit sophisticated locks as standard onto both windows and doors. In the past, windows were fitted with cockspur handles which were inefficient and easy for burglars to crack open because they did not have secure internal locking capabilities.
The industry then went on to use Espagnolette handles – favoured over the cockspur ones for their internal locking mechanism – that have a push down lock which could be opened with a key.
The lock that is most favoured today however is the sophisticated shootbolt lock. Again fitted with an internal locking mechanism, the shootbolt lock is often fitted as standard by some of the UK’s leading double-glazing companies. Some even combine the Espagnolette handles with the shootbolt lock to offer more comprehensive window locking functionality.
Check the type of Glass available – and the fitting
In addition to locks, it is vital that when selecting your new windows you ensure that the glass used by the company meets not only industry standard FENSA regulations concerning light and heat consumption, but it is also advisable to ensure that the glass is beaded internally. This means that all glass is fitted and held in from the inside which stops people gaining entry into the property externally.
It is also wise to check with your manufacturer what type of glass panels are used in the double-glazed doors. Many people opt for PVC doors – most are internally beaded and look attractive on the front of your house. However, although the door may look quite striking, it is worth looking into what type of material the company uses for the glass panel as this also presents would-be burglars with an entry point into your home.
Composite doors are also becoming increasingly popular with UK home owners – this is because they are low maintenance, look attractive and offer an enhanced level of security as they are made from tough fibre-glass.
Doors have standards too!
In addition to the FENSA regulations that govern window manufacturing, door manufacturers also have strict criteria which they must meet. Recent talks between door users, manufacturers, industry bodies and standards institutions have resulted in two new standards being developed.
1) PAS 23 – General Performance Requirements – A performance standard for door sets, which certifies that a particular door set is fit for purpose. Tests at this level could include scratch resistance and checks to see whether or not the door is watertight.
2) PAS 24 – Enhanced security performance requirements for door assemblies – Tests are conducted on the door to show that the door, frame, lock and hardware can withstand the common methods of burglary. If the door passes this test, it is know as a ‘door with enhanced security’ and is accepted to be the minimum police requirement. Tests at this level can range from human body impact to test resistance against a range of different forces, as well as human tampering using a range of typical ‘house breaking’ tools.
Installing new windows and doors comes at a price so it is always advisable to shop around. Remember that you always get what you pay for – what you are spending on products you will reap in rewards, knowing that your home is safe. You may also be able to benefit from reduced home insurance premiums – saving money whilst avoiding the ever growing burglary statistics!
For More information please visit www.Homeimprovementquotes.co.uk
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