Bars on your windows?

[Trip20]

Has anyone installed bars on your home's windows in an attempt to make forced entry a little more difficult.

I'm building a house this upcoming spring and have spoken with my lady about having this done. She doesn't care as long as it's "decorative"....

I live in one of those areas where it's not "necessary" :rolleyes: ... But I think I'd feel a bit more comfortable this way.

Just curious if any board members have considered this at all... or maybe even have them installed on their home.

[LAK]

Rarher than bars, look into steel shutters.

It depends on the general construction of the house, brick and or stone being best. But if the windows are set in steel frames, or the shutter hinges can be anchored in brick or stone they can be made to be very difficult to force or cut. As a bonus they will protect the windows during a storm or hurricane.

For cosmetic appeal they can be faced with wood or painted.

[Wendi5000]

My grandparents have bars. I'm terrified of them. Too many people have died in fires because they can't get out of the prison they turned their home into in the disorientation of smoke and heat in the middle of the night. No thanks... I've always said if I lived somewhere that bars were necessary - I'd rather pack my bags and move elsewhere.

On the other hand we have hurricane blinds on our house on the coast. Granted, ours are the el-cheapo type that aren't real attractive, but then, considering the condition of the house that we put them on and the neighborhood in general and our reason for having them, looks weren't a major priority and finances were. However, very attractive hurricane blinds can be installed in lieu of bars while providing a great deal of protection from home invasion with much less risk of becoming trapped in your home.

Hurricane blinds are almost impossible to remove from the outside without making so much noise it would wake your neighbors three houses down. That's kind of the point, so they don't get pulled off in a storm. But here's the catch - unlike bars, they can be easily released from inside the house. Even a young child can be taught to pull the emergency release cord and kick the blinds out for an easy escape from the house.

Granted, blinds don't provide as much security as bars in preventing a person from entering your home. But, in my opinion, the safety trade-off of being able to get out of the home should the need arise is well worth it.

Just my two cents, I'm sure others will have other opinions. I guess it comes down to doing what you think is best for your family situation. :)

[Blue Heeler]

Steel mesh screens are good, and not unsightly. Search Google under home security in your area.

[chris in va]

I work as a residential window cleaner. IMO one of the better things you can do if you have standard wood windows is simply drill a hole in the corner for an eyebolt. It prevents someone from 'silently' trying to lift up the window while still allowing you to easily escape if a fire breaks out. Just pull the eyebolt out and lift the window.

Too many times I've seen these threaded bolts or locks on windows and heard about a family that simply couldn't get out due to not having the key. :eek:

[Mikkel]

Bulletproof glass and iron bars would do it. Keep BGs out and you in house. :)

[PythonGuy]

If you want to live in a jail more power to you, I prefer to die just one death, not a thousand. There has to be a happy medium where fear and paranoia take a back seat to living and enjoying life, it seems so sad to be afraid of life.

[ATW525]

If you're bulding a house, why make windows at all? You can get some plasma TVs in the walls and have them play outdoorsy scenes... and you can even change the views to whatever you feel like. ;)

[RWK]

Emergency egress in the event of a fire REALLY troubles me.

[3 weelin geezer]

If I want bars on my windows or reduced size windows high up the wall, I will just go to that ad in shotgun news for an autosear, buy it and have fun for a little while. Then, when I get my room and new clothes I will enjoy my new accomodations courtesy of all of you taxpayers. Just like those men with cardboard signs on the streetcorners.

No really. If someone wants uninvited access to my house that bad, they may enter. Now how they think I will just let them just leave (with stuff) is another story. ;)

[Jim Watson]

One of Ayoob's books gives a brand of burglar bars with a quick release for fire escape. The Truth About Self Protection, I think.

[swmike]

No bars here. Refuse to admit that the BG's influence the way I live. If someone gets in, the only way out is in a bag.

[Trip20]

Thanks, Jim Watson, for the suggestion.

And thanks everyone else for pointing out the fire-hazard...etc.

To all who feel I'm compromising my lifestyle, or similar comment about giving up some of life's enjoyment:

C'mon. I'm a heavy sleeper, I like to leave the windows open on the cool summer nights, and I'm looking for a way to get a little piece of mind. I'm not trying to build a bunker.

Some of the comments were funny though... and that's definitely appreciated.

[625]

I plan on putting bars on my three basement windows. Too easy to get in right now. I'm not too afraid of a huge fire starting so quickly that my exit to the upstairs is blocked.

To those of you who said you will "greet" anyone who breaks into your house, what happens if someone breaks in while you are not home, hmmmm?

I'm more worried about someone burglarizing my home when I'm not there. ;)

I don't live scared. I sleep very well, thank you. What's wrong with being prepared, or feeling secure?

[cuate]

Our hearts go out to you who live where BGs roam at will and Window Bars are a consideration. Being way out in the sticks in the Cross Timbers of our State has its rewards but having lived in Dallas, Ft. Worth, and Grand Prairie we know the insecurity in those like places.

We are 100 yds. from a major highway where all manners of BGs might pass. A Model 1897 12 guage by the door, barking dogs (house dogs) and Texas laws "after dark" provide peace of mind as well as other shootin' irons around and handy. Paranoia doesn't even enter the picture.

[John_W_L]

I build schools here in California. All of the windows that we install bars onto are required to have a "Push Button Release" that opens from the inside.The bars install in 2 or 3 sections and one side is hinged.Hit the "PBR" and the bars open wide. Great for any emergency.Thanks

[7.62]

You said that bars were not "necessary" in your neighborhood. Then why do it? You have a gun, be happy with that.

Not trying to be mean, but it must suck to be scared of the entire world.

[Rangefinder]

If you aren't sure if you need to go so far as bars on the windows, here's an alternative plan.

Make sure the parimeter of your house is clear of obstruction against the exterior walls (bushes, hedges, anything big enough to hide in or behind that would provide instant concealment to a would-be BG.) If you want parimeter decore, choose something that has dual-purpose (looks good and protects too--rose bushes are great! Anything thorny, especially under windows.) Then install motion-sensor lights. Then make sure everything is locked (windows, doors, etc). An unlocked window can be opened, entered, and closed in seconds and no one would know the better. A broken window draws quick attention. The whole idea here is overlapping deterrance without living in a fortified dungeon.

[Dre_sa]

here in south africa we have 15 foot walls with electric wiring on top.gates with electric motors so we dont have to get out the car. lights with motion sensors arround the perimeter of the house and bars on all windows (covering entire window not just the opening part). this is all neccessary to keep out BG's. but still they find a way in. hope u find wht youre lookin for. could come here for a week to find it all.

[Trip20]

You said that bars were not "necessary" in your neighborhood. Then why do it? You have a gun, be happy with that.
Well, I haven't done it yet. It was something I've been considering and was looking for opinions here at TFL. Thank you for yours.

I don't want to have a false sense of security because I happen to live in an area where supposedly bad things shouldn't occur. And realistically, the town I live in isn't that small... it's in a direct path between Milwaukee, Chicago, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Believe it or not a lot of drugs run through this town.

Correct, I do have a gun... the "be happy with that" part doesn't sit well with me. The gun only does me good if I am able to use it. All the training and marksmanship in the world will not do much good if you can't wake up and be alert in time to impliment your training. Maybe you sleep standing up, one eye open, in a ninja suite, with the trigger barely out of the trigger guard... I don't.

As previously stated, I am a heavy sleeper, I like to leave the windows open during the spring/summer and do not like the thought of any would-be BG being able to easily slip into my home. I don't know if this sounds freakishly paranoid as some seem to imply. I seems to happen every day all across America - so is it that hard to understand where I'm coming from?

A few months back, there were over 50 B&E's in this area. Some while people were home sleeping, some during the day while people were at work. They caught'em, but still...

Not trying to be mean, but it must suck to be scared of the entire world.
:rolleyes:

Can someone please explain how we get from what I just said above, to being scared of the "entire world"?

7.62... I'm not scared of many things - and no it's not because I'm a tough guy.

I do worry from time to time, however, of falling victim to a home invasion. I couldn't bare to look into my loved ones eyes and see the fear that I may have been able to prevent with something as simple as security bars on the windows.

What am I sacrificing if I were to choose to use them? About .05% of my view? Or maybe my neighbors will think I'm nuts (that ain't so bad sometimes)?

Anyway, thanks again for the tips (especially you John_W_L).

[stephen426]

Wendi5000's post is great. The fire hazard should be the greatest concern. I happen to think they look ugly as heck as well. Here are a few soultions that may or may not work for you.

Get a good alarm that has the following:
- central monitoring (otherwise its just noise)
- the ability to set the alarm while at home (motion sensors not active)
- the ability to set the alarm to instant-on (no delay)
- battery back up in case the power is cut
- cell phone back up in case phone lines are cut
- properly zoned out so you can tell what zone is tripped
- motion sensors over possible entry points (criss crossing)
- shock sensors and/or glass break sensors on the windows
- alarmed screen panels if you like to open your windows.

Sound a little extreme? Thats what I set up for me previous house after I got broken into (while not at home unfortuately).

Other option that may or may not work:
Fence in your property and get a guard dog. You can use an electronic collar to contain the dog when you open the gate to drive your car into your drive way. I know dogs can be shot or poisoned but it will probably bark and warn you before it get taken out. Besides, a dog is a great deterrent and only someone who is seriously after you will mess with a mean dog. The flip side is dogs require time and attention as well as food and vet visits. They are great companions when properly trained. My dog covers my whole back yard 24/7. My alarm covers the rest since no one has their house completely fenced in in my neighborhood. The police response time is incredible here.

Good luck!

[Blue Heeler]

7.62 - Some of us leave our houses from time to time. Good passive security means you have more chance of your stuff still being there when you get back.

[LAK]

If you plan, design and have fabricated and installed your own steel shutters, escaping a fire shouldn't be a problem. They can be made to open from the inside, and this need not include a lock and key.

[powerstrk]

There is a company down here in Florida that manufactures windows that will withstand a impact of a 6 foot 2x4 shot out of a air cannon at 30 mph. Do a Google internet search on it. They are expensive and custom made to the house. They are also advertised for home security.

[7.62]

I understand. I am just used to my country area with not much crime. If I were in your situation, I would install motion detecting lights in your home. One aimed at your bed, with the sensor aimed at the hallway would be a good idea.

I do have to leave my home a lot, but I don't worry about it. I do love my community and am thankful for the location I was brought up in. Give the motion sensor thing a try. I would.

Good luck.
No hard feelings meant ;)

[Trip20]

7.62 - No hard feelings at all my friend :)

[Para Bellum]

consider that bars can trap you inside your hous e.g. if
- you want to run from an intruder (which is better than confrontation),
- you need to escape from fire.

[Trip20]

Yep, the fire thing has been pointed out by the other posters. Apparently there are ways around this worry.

I'm not running from anyone in my house. 99% of the time I have one or all of 2 children and a woman I love in that house. Can't really ditch the family just to avoid a confrontation.

[stephen426]

7.62,

Most motion sensing lights are designed for outside use. They have the motion sensor built in right over the lights. I don't see the point of putting one over the bed. If you have kids, their getting up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water will set off the lights and wake you up. Another thing is you will be lit up while the intruder is in the dark. You will be temporarily blinded while the intruder has a great sight picture of you from his dark hallway.

Try the alarm approach with an instant on function which will wake you up as soon as the alarmed are is breached. Sleep with your door locked and make sure you have a good solid door to give your sleepy head a few seconds to clear up.

[GodofWar]

I dont like the bars on window thing,seen to may instances where good people die in fires...better to have a good trained dog in house..

[joab]

Most burgler bars today, by code, have quick release mechanism easy enough for a child to operate.

My cousins had some that were activated by a foot pedal

[joab]

I just read through and am a little surprised at the number of people making comments about be paranoid for installing burgler bars.
How many times have we heard this about carrying a gun for security?

As far as not needed them in good neighborhoods.
Mickey Thompson and Nicole Simpson lived in good neighborhoods.
A lot child abductions are from good neighborhoods. How many times have we heard of a child being stolen from their bed at night?
Didn't Elizabeth Smart live in a good neighborhood
Many murders are committed in good neighborhoods and if I was gonna rob someone's house I would go to a good neighborhood over the projects.

As long as you are not seeking a taxpayer paid grant to do it, why not

[progunner1957]

We are 100 yds. from a major highway where all manners of BGs might pass. A Model 1897 12 guage by the door, barking dogs (house dogs) and Texas laws "after dark" provide peace of mind as well as other shootin' irons around and handy. Paranoia doesn't even enter the picture.

How about a sign, small enough so as to not be obnoxious, yet large enough to not be missed - maybe 4"x6" posted on the inside of each window facing outwards, stating simply:

Home invaders and looters will be killed without mercy.

Perhaps with the "Jolly Roger" skull and crossbones illustration as an added touch. :D

[GodofWar]

It is my personal opinion,im not telling you to do it or not...but if you like living behind bars,go for it....I'll trust my place to my dogs and guns....many of each....

[Garand Illusion]

If you're building the house and still have options, check into higher security windows. Somebody mentioned some ultra high security windows, but there are many windows that do a good job of keeping people out.

Also look into ways to lock them while open (slide blocks or whatever) because I think the biggest danger is windows left open to catch the breeze at night.

And then ... get either a burglar alarm system or a dog. Either will do a good job of both keeping somebody out/waking you up if they decide to ignore it and keep coming.

I recently lost my dog to old age, and like yourself I'm a little concerned because I'm a deep sleeper and don't have an alarm.

But when I think about taking extreme steps like bars, it just occurs to me that a fire is as likely -- or more likely -- to happen than a true home invasion.

As long as I'm awakened before they're on top of me ... well ... as SWmike said ...

If someone gets in, the only way out is in a bag.

[stephen426]

Joab,
I understand your post but our self defense actions can be taken to various levels. I'm sure none of us are at the level where we barricade ourselves in our homes and never leave for fear of having someone break in while we are away or risking getting mugged, raped, or murdered while out on the streets. Everybody is entitled to respond to threats and possible threats in the manner they want. Some of us are only trying to show the possible down side of installing bars

Progunner1957,
I hope you are joking about the sign. If someone does come on to you property and you are forced to shoot him, I think you boost your chances of prosecution or a civil law suit exponentially. Our legal system doesn't always make sense. :rolleyes:

Garand Illusion,
Have you looked into the price of high security windows? Those things are EXPENSIVE!!! I live in Miami and considered them to getting shutters. Let me tell you. They cost a pretty penny, especially if you like a lot of windows.


For me, I would get a good alarm system first. Make sure the alarm is connected to a central monitoring service. Otherwise it is just noise. You can also start a neighborhood watch if you see the neighborhood heading down hill. That way someone will always keep an eye and ear out for you and yours. I would then consider getting bars if I lived in a higher crime area, especially if police response times are poor. I live in a gated community in a very good area (yes I know people still get broken into) and the police response time is incredible. Property taxes are outrageous but its worth it. If you do get bars on the windows, make sure it is the quick release type. Good luck.

[3 weelin geezer]

I don't worry about someone coming in to my house because my dogs live there too. I bring them into my room at night so even though I leave the window open, the only thing I fear is mosquitos coming in to make a meal outta me. I h8 bugs.

[joab]

I'm sure none of us are at the level where we barricade ourselves in our homes and never leave for fear of having someone break in while we are away or risking getting mugged, raped, or murdered while out on the streets. Not sure that that is what Trip or I were advocating.

Installing security bars on windows are a far cry from being a shut in.
I have a feeling that it is the image of being in a cage that is most offensive to some, more than the idea of overboard security measures

[Trip20]

Not sure that that is what Trip or I were advocating.

Installing security bars on windows are a far cry from being a shut in.
I have a feeling that it is the image of being in a cage that is most offensive to some, more than the idea of overboard security measures

+1

I'm far from a shut in (unless you consider REALLY loving my recliner, and not wanting to leave it for extended periods of time, a shut in). I do not wear a tin-foil hat (I look better in gold). And, I sleep very well at night (too well, hence the original post).

I didn't know you would construe that I was a shut in or a fear monger, from the fact that I was considering security bars for windows.

I have a dog, and like the idea of the alarms... but sometimes those things do not deter BG's determined to do something wrong. Also, I hate to rely on electronics.

And, personally, I think if a BG broke into my home and had a bag of dog biscuits, my dog would probably help him carry my 36" TV out to the van. :D

You all have given me a lot to think about. Thanks for the alternative suggestions, I'll look into each of them.

[63Belair]

As an alternative to bars, thorn bushes below your windows are also a fairly good deterrent for BGs while still allowing you and your family to escape incase of an emergency. Sure landing in a thorn bush sucks, but it sure beats dying in a fire because you couldnt get out.

[joab]

but it sure beats dying in a fire because you couldnt get out. That's already been addressed with quick releases inside the house. But in my childhood home dad planted something called Spanish bayonet plants under all the windows. they were very popular around here for awhile. They were very effective

My sister got one almost all the way through her hand and I carried the tip of one in my left bicep for about a month.

For some reason it happened to both of us right at 16 years old and neither could remember how it got there.

[wayneinFL]

I've seen neighborhoods in Miami where bars are so common, you'd almost think they were required by code. As long as you're not welding something at home out of rebar and angle iron, they're safe and can be quite attractive.

Paranoid? Half the guys on this forum carry guns to Walmart, and they call you paranoid? :rolleyes:

Busted window easy to notice? on the back of the house?

Alarm system is great. Itr will keep people from staying long and taking a lot of stuff. The cops will show up and give you a report which you can give to your insurance company so you can get your money back less deductible and whatever amount is over your exclusion limits.

Rural areas with little crime are great as long as they aren't within 100 miles of a major city. In a rural area convenient to a big city the crooks will back a truck up to the house, knock down a door or bust a window and fill up the truck. Neighbors can't see it, dog barking or not.

Alarm systems, dogs, guns, cameras, and barred windows are all reasonable deterrents, IMO. All of them have their place. Neighbors will whine about bars, but their stuff will get stolen first 'cause they weren't "paranoid".

[ted murphy]

In my old house I put bars in the basement windows. It was a weak point in the house and I figured a daylight break in was more likely than a home invasion. We had a run of daylight break ins in the neigborhood, so I decided to install them. The bars I had were easily opened in an emergency but could not be opened from outside.

In my new house I'm considering barring the basement window. Alarms would cover it well but bars reduce the tempation a bit.

You can tell if your new neighbor is from the city. First thing they do is install a new screen door that is heavy guage steel with deadbolt locks. Then the alarms, then the bars on the windows.

[blackmind]

Here's another consideration:

If yours ends up being the only house in the neighborhood with bars on the windows, isn't that a signal to would-be burglars?

"Hey, there's GOOD STUFF in here, stuff worth protecting with bars on the windows!"

-blackmind

[63Belair]

its just like car anti theft devices.

there is no "thief proof" car out there. But if your car is in a parking lot and there is another one that is the same make model and everything, but yours has an alarm, club, or whathave you, it makes your car less desirable to steal.

Bad guys are just as lazy as you and I. Why go through 3 steps to steal a car (or break into a house) when there is another one just like it a few feet away that only requires 2 steps?

Nothing is 100%, all you can do is make your item (car, house, etc) less desirable than the ones around it.

Something is better than nothing basically

[cracked butt]

why not plant some sharp prickly things under and around the windows like large rose bushes? Works kind of like barbed wire, but much more pleasant to look at.

[Russ538]

Bars aren't a bad idea in basements or lower levels of the house. Also, white bars seem to be less noticeable.

I generally keep the blinds closed where anyone can see into the house at ground level. It makes the dwelling more of a mystery box for burglars. I'm sure they'd rather take the stereo and big screen tv they can see in my neighbors house than go for the "mystery box". Not to mention, all they might find in my "mystery box" is a Browning Hi Power 9mm next to a very ****** homeowner who was disturbed while watching tv. Then there's trouble. I don't think that is a risk most burglars want to take.

A security system is a great idea. However, if you want to save some money, just put up a couple of "brinks security system" stickers on your windows. If you can't afford the system, might as well bluff the BGs into thinking your house is secure with those stickers.

[mark8252]

My home has decorative bars on all windows and doors. It came with the house when I bought it. Had nothing to do with the reasons to buy the house.
Now...four years later I am glad they are there.
The bars are just another reason for the bad guy to go look elsewhere and I may not have to kill anyone because they did. Just because I can does not mean I want to.
My family tells me they feel much more secure when I am not home at night too.
Add the fact I have an alarm system with it I have learned to like it very much. I also live in a neighborhood that should not require it.
But then those are the neighborhoods the bad guys look for...where they have something worth stealing. Like my room full of firearms........
The bars are just the first line of defense. Nobody gets hurt line of defense.

[kymasabe]

Might I suggest a dog. I have a dog that alerts me to anyone in the yard or pulling in the driveway. Small dog, BIG bark. No one is coming in without thinking they're gonna get mauled by some big dog. Also have Holly bushes planted by the first floor windows. Roses or thorn bushes work well too. Thieves want an easy in and out, they don't want to climb thru thorn bushes and get bitten by a dog.

There ARE alternatives to turning your home into a prison.

[butch50]

I lived in a house with bars over the windows for 3 years. After the first day, never thought about them again. Not one break in during those three years either, so they must have worked. :)

[rugerfan1]

F I R E ????

[butch50]

In case of fire, walk out the door. If the door is blocked by fire, remove the bars from the window and climb out the window. In fact, having bars that you can remove in case of a fire is preferable to climbing out the window onto a bayonet plant, rose bush or cholla cacti.

[Russ538]

Agreed. Several designs of bars are easy to remove from the inside, but difficult to remove from the outside. My friend had bars in his apartment building, ground floor. They lock into place but can be unlocked(not sure how), pulled up and swung out of the way if he ever had to get out.

[leadcounsel]

If you live in an area where bars are necessary, then you might consider moving.

If moving is not an option, Bars may be necessary. They allow sunlight in at least, but I think the Hurrican shutters are the way to go because bars are unsightly.

Consider this option:
Get a trained dog that will bark if there is an intruder. Less expensive than bars and more enjoyable. Spend the money that you would have spent on bars to buy a good floor safe, where you can store all of your valuables. Bars won't protect you from a fire, but a safe will protect from a fire or burglarly.