Home security is a major concern for many homeowners. One of the most vulnerable entry points into a home are the windows. Traditional glass windows can easily be broken by an intruder trying to gain access. This has led many homeowners to wonder: are there such things as break in proof windows?
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What Makes Traditional Windows Vulnerable?
Standard glass windows are designed to let in light and allow people to see outside. However, this transparency comes at a cost when it comes to security. Glass is relatively fragile and can be broken with enough blunt force. Additionally, most window frames and locks can be compromised by a determined intruder.
Some factors that make traditional windows vulnerable include:
- Glass material – Standard glass is breakable with brute force.
- Weak frames – Window frames made of materials like wood or vinyl can be pried open or broken.
- Inadequate locks – Basic locks on windows can often be picked open or forcibly disengaged.
- Accessibility – Windows on lower floors or with access to fire escapes, trees, or other structures nearby allow easier access for burglars to break in.
These vulnerabilities allow intruders to smash the glass and reach in to unlock windows. It also provides them a way to enter homes quietly compared to breaking down doors. This is why many homeowners fear windows as a security risk.
What Features Make a Window Break In Proof?
While no security measure is completely infallible, there are windows designed to be as break in resistant as possible. Here are some features that make a window break in proof or extremely difficult to compromise:
- Laminated or tempered glass – These specialty glass types are much stronger than regular glass and resist blunt force significantly better.
- Reinforced framing – Metal or high-strength polymer framing cannot be kicked in or pried open easily.
- High security locks – Multipoint locks and lock mechanisms made of hardened steel make lock picking very difficult.
- Entry alarm sensors – Sensors that trigger an alarm if the window is broken or opened without disarming the system first.
- Polycarbonate glazing – Nearly unbreakable polycarbonate plastic panes that provide visibility while preventing easy access.
Windows that combine several of these attributes make gaining entry extremely difficult for burglars. The goal is to have a window that can delay or deter forced entry long enough for the homeowner or authorities to respond to an alarm or suspicious sounds.
What Are Some Break In Proof Window Options?
There are a number of window types marketed as break in proof or highly burglar resistant on the market today. Some examples include:
Laminated Glass Windows
Laminated glass uses a multilayer construction with plastic sandwiched between glass panes. When broken, the plastic holds the fragments in place, preventing an opening for entry. It takes repeated blunt force to fully compromise laminated glass.
Tempered Glass Windows
Tempered glass is heat-treated for extra strength. It shatters into small, rounded pebbles when broken rather than sharp shards. Like laminated glass, it takes heavy repeated blows to break through completely.
Polycarbonate Windows
Polycarbonate plastic windows stop most brute force attacks. Polycarbonate is a very tough transparent plastic used for bulletproofing in cars and buildings. High quality polycarbonate can be several times stronger than laminated glass.
Steel Window Frames
Steel window framing is extremely hard to compromise. With high security locks, steel frames create a unified high strength barrier that resists prying tools and brute force.
Multipoint Locking Windows
Multipoint locks engage multiple lock points along the window frame, rather than just one. This makes lock bypass difficult. Multipoint systems combined with heavy duty strike plates offer very good security.
Security Film
Window security film is a polymer coating applied to existing glass. It holds broken glass shards together similar to laminated glass. This is an affordable retrofit option to strengthen standard windows.
| Window Type | Features | Security Level |
|---|---|---|
| Laminated Glass | Glass bonded with plastic interlayer, prevents entry after glass is broken. Withstands blunt force. | High |
| Tempered Glass | Heat-strengthened glass shatters into small pebbles rather than shards. Withstands blunt force. | High |
| Polycarbonate | Nearly unbreakable plastic glazing, very resistant to penetration. | Maximum |
| Steel Frame | Prevents framespreading and anchor failure when under attack. | High |
| Multipoint Lock | Lock engages multiple points along the frame making bypass difficult. | High |
| Security Film | Holds glass fragments together after breaking. Can be applied to existing windows. | Moderate |
What Are the Strongest Break In Proof Windows?
The most robust and secure break in proof windows utilize multiple complementary security features for maximum resistance. Some examples of extra strong options include:
- Laminated polycarbonate hybrids – Combines laminated glass with an inner polycarbonate panel.
- Tempered and laminated glass hybrids – Layers temperered glass outer panels with a laminated glass center.
- Insulated stainless steel framing – Heavy gauge steel frame resists spreading or deforming under attack.
- Hardened steel multi-lock mechanisms – Locks have hardened steel components to resist sawing or prying.
- Anchored frame connections – Window frames bolted into masonry or wall framing with long steel anchors.
Windows incorporating most or all of these design elements would provide extremely formidable security against even determined intruders. They can delay or deter entry for the maximum amount of time it takes for help to arrive.
Comparison of Break In Proof Window Strength
| Window | Glass Type | Frame Material | Lock Type | Anchoring System | Security Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Laminated Glass | Laminated | Vinyl or Wood | Single Cylinder Lock | Toe Screws | Moderate |
| Enhanced Laminated Glass | Laminated + Tempered | Reinforced Polymer | Multipoint Lock | Bolted Frame | High |
| Maximum Security | Laminated + Polycarbonate | Stainless Steel | Hardened Multipoint Lock | Weld/Epoxy Anchors | Maximum |
As shown in the table, maximum security windows utilize multiple layers of glass and plastic, heavy duty framing, high strength locking mechanisms, and robust anchoring for the ultimate in break in resistance.
What Are the Limitations of Break In Proof Windows?
While the strongest windows provide excellent security, there are some limitations to be aware of when relying on them as part of your home security strategy:
- Very high cost – Maximum security windows are expensive, especially for large openings.
- Permanent installation – Most security windows cannot be opened and are fixed in place when installed.
- Potential delays in emergency exit – Polycarbonates and laminated glass can be difficult to break through from the inside.
- Expert installation required – Improper installation compromises the security advantage.
- Appearance – Heavy duty frames and multipoint locks make windows look distinctly more industrial.
Homeowners need to weigh the increased cost and permanence of installation against the desired security level. Windows should be combined with layered security like alarms, exterior lighting, and cameras rather than relied upon as the sole security measure.
Conclusion
Break in proof windows utilize very robust construction to minimize vulnerabilities in traditional glass windows. Multiple layers of glass and plastic, reinforced framing, high strength locking mechanisms, and anchored installation make these specialty windows extremely difficult to penetrate. Maximum security models can delay entry for up to 30 minutes or more, buying time for emergency responders to interrupt a break in attempt. However, homeowners should be aware of the limitations and integrate break in proof windows into a comprehensive home security strategy.