The windows of your home and possessions can be locked to keep them safe. Window latches come in various types, and all have some form of a locking mechanism. You can make your home more secure with extra locks if you live in a crime-prone neighborhood. No one should underestimate the ease of access to a home through the doors and windows. As far as we're concerned, the most vital step you can take to protect your home and family is to lock the doors and windows. That's why it's important to ensure that your windows and doors are properly secured and firmly fastened.
The security of a home should be viewed as a whole, with each component working together to interconnect with others. Having the most expensive and up-to-date home security alarm system will alert you when someone has attempted to break into your home, but it will do no good if you have no effective window locks to prevent someone from entering unlawfully. If you are unaware of how to secure windows properly, they can serve as a convenient access point for potential burglars. Learn how to lock your windows in this guide. The locks on your doors and windows represent among the most vulnerable points around your property, so it is important to periodically evaluate your home security systems to see whether the locks, windows, and any other devices need to be replaced.
Burglars usually enter homes either through the front or rear doors or a first-floor window. The results of an investigation conducted by Pace University in December 2020 showed that "most burglars reported forced entry through open windows or doors." The findings of the study have been corroborated by other groups that conducted interviews with convicted burglars. Smart locks for doors and windows have demonstrated their effectiveness in deterring burglars from breaking in. The likelihood of burglars carrying out a burglary reduces once an alarm is set off. As a matter of fact, most burglars are scared away by an alarm before they have the chance to enter a home. The best burglar deterrent is a window lock since it frightens away the burglar before the crime takes place.
There are several types of window locks
If you want to improve the security of your home, you should upgrade all of your window latches. Many windows come with standard locks that can easily be broken. Burglars have no trouble breaking through standard window latches, so they have such an easy time getting into homes. The burglar will then use the window as the next easy target if the door lock is too difficult to break. Windows can be locked in several ways to make your home more secure.
Sash Lock
A sash lock is the most common type of window lock. Sash locks are sometimes called latch locks as well. This lock provides access to a window and connects it to the opening for sliding windows or hinged windows. These locks are attached to windows. Despite being outdated, this type of window lock is not very secure. It is possible to hack a sash lock open. Its elegant and regal appearance still makes it a sought-after window latch. You need to switch over from sash locks to bolted locks if you're concerned with safety. Additionally, using a window alarm in combination with a sash lock is another option.
Key Lock
Window locks can also be keyed. Because it takes a key to unlock the window, this lock is one of the most secure ones available. It is difficult for an intruder to pick this lock because it is only visible from the outside - from the inside, it is hidden. A lock of this type is extremely difficult to break from the outside because of its design. This type of lock is secure as long as it is locked and closed.
Sliding Locks
Locks for sliding windows are mostly intended for sliding windows. Slide windows move down arches at the bottom of the frame once opened. They slide along a track that keeps them parallel to one another. In the track of the window, a sliding window lock keeps the window firmly in place, inhibiting it from being released. Window locking mechanisms are designed to keep windows locked by means of a knob, lever, or some other type of window latch. A strip of wood will also fit between the window and the wall in the track if you don't wish to purchase a lock for the window. As the window is closed, the wood touches the wall as well as the sliding window. The wood will prevent the window from opening when someone is trying to slide open the window from the outside, especially if the person is trying to slide open the window from the outside.
Ventilating Lock
The window frame is fitted with a ventilating lock, which prevents the window from being fully opened. These locks usually restrict little ones from opening second-floor windows by locking them at a certain height. Locked windows can be accessed from the outside by a burglar if they are partially open. First-floor windows should not use this window lock.
The following examples of window locks are also worth mentioning: angled locks, sliding locks, locking pins, anchor screws, handle locks, pin locks, and rotating locks. Certain locks are better suited for particular types of windows. One should first determine what type of window you have in your home to know what type you should use. If one has a window alarm, one should pair some window locks with additional home security.
What window latches to choose
Latching is an extremely crucial portion of a sash window's security system. Although it is only a piece of the window's hardware, it helps make the windows more secure. There is a choice of metal or plastic latches; metal latches may deteriorate when exposed to water, whereas plastic latches are more prone to rot. From hanging locks to sliding window latches, latches are available in a large variety of styles. Most replacement windows feature high-quality latches, so you can feel confident that your window is fitted with high-quality latches for long-lasting performance. In addition to the style of your window, your choice of the latch will depend on your personal taste.
The different types of windows
You will need to determine what type of windows you have before purchasing the right kind of locks when it is time to replace the locks on your windows. Although it is straightforward, there are many instances of mismatched locks and windows, leading to much higher break-in rates. Below are a few examples of different window styles.
Sliding Windows
Opening and closing sliding windows are quite simple. That being said, they need to be securely locked to keep the house safe. To engage or disengage their locking mechanisms, sliding windows often use a knob or a screwdriver. Modern homes and neighborhoods typically have sliding windows.
Casement Windows
Cranks open and close cement window shutters, making them unique among other windows. They're commonly found in historic buildings. There is the option to restrict the opening of basement windows to a certain point using the cranking system. Casement windows are among the safer window styles due to the sturdy, easy-to-open, and closing mechanism. Different types of locks can be attached to them or integrated around them.
Double-Hung Windows
There are many different styles of double-hung windows on the market today, but one of the most prevalent is the horizontal one. Horizontal windows open upwards from the bottom. They can occasionally appear vertical. However, aging two-paned windows are often not properly locked. Double-hung windows should be secured with locking mechanisms and latches to prevent thefts.
Conclusion
It is essential to secure your homes with window locks because they can be easy entry points for burglars. Many burglars will not bother with your door once they realize that it is locked. It takes hardly any time for a novice burglar to gain entry to an unlocked window or insufficiently secured door. Trying to break through a solidly built window is no easy task. Burglars who break windows are likely to sustain serious injuries from the sharp glass if they succeed in breaking the window. One of the biggest reasons a wise burglar does not smash a window is that the noise the window makes will alert the neighbors. Despite this, we should not forget that these crimes still happen.
