In this article, we’ll be going through a few ways that will help you to secure and make your basement windows as safe as the rest of your house. Most people completely forget about this part of the house when it’s actually very crucial to secure, in my opinion. So without any further adieu let’s get into it.
Install Security Grills On The Inside Of The Window
While security grills aren’t very nice to look at, having them installed on the inside of your basement window will most certainly secure them, as just one look at the bars will deter any thief.
Firstly, because it’s more work to get through, secondly because they can’t pry out the grill from the outside unless they break the window in which case they would have either been spotted or been heard trying to get in. They would rather just pass by and look for an easier target.
Security bars that are bolted into the wall are the strongest way to secure your basement window.
Replace Standard Window Locks
The standard locks we get today on our windows are usually pretty weak, they are easily broken or cleverly opened by thieves.
This is why I’d suggest you replace these standard locks with stronger locks that you can trust to do the job of securing an area that is easily broken into.
These are a couple of my personal recommendations:
The JQK Casement Window Latch Lock
This window lock is made of 304 stainless steel, which is a very strong, rust-proof metal.
It’s suitable for out-swinging windows. Tough screws are included for a complete installation.
Here’s how it looks on Amazon.
Defender Security Sliding Window Lock
These locks are perfect for sliding windows not only for locking in a closed position but also to lock in a ventilating position.
They will fit most vinyl windows with a rail frame thickness ranging from 1/16” to ½”.
Here’s how they look on Amazon.
Apply Window Film On All The Basement Windows
A window security film can be bought in pre-cut pieces or in rolls depending on how much you require.
It’s simply stuck to the window on the inside. This will prevent the glass from shattering, which also makes it more difficult to get out of the frame if it is broken.
It will cause the thief to make more noise and take more time as they would have to hit the glass repeatedly in order to break the glass out of the frame to get into your basement.
This is definitely one of my most recommended ways to secure a basement window in addition to installing a security grill. Combining these two methods makes it nearly impossible to get into the basement as they add so much time to get into the basement.
There’s also the option of a reflective film which has the added benefit of the thief not being able to properly plan the break-in because of not being able to see what’s waiting for them on the inside of the basement.
When a burglar doesn’t know what the potential reward is for breaking into a house they’re less likely to take the risk, a privacy film like this will help keep your possessions a secrete.
Here is a roll of the shatterproof film on Amazon that I think will cover almost any type of basement window.
Install A Grill on your Window Well
If your basement windows happen to have window wells, there are a couple of options to help secure them. Once again, security bars should be installed, covering the well from the ground to the wall.
Transparent plastic covers that can easily be placed over the window well are also an option but just not as strong as metal bars.
The most effective way will be the grill as it would get bolted down on the window wall with bolts and will not be easily removable from the well.
As we know intruders do not like wasting any time when trying to get into a house they want to get in and out as quickly as possible without making too much noise or drawing any unwanted attention to them.
The plastic covers have the same function when it comes to adding time to the break-in but cutting or breaking some plastic is definitely less of a challenge for the thief.
Plant Smaller Plants At The Basement Window
When it comes to plants in front of basement windows, you should rather look at smaller plants like mint, especially when the house has window wells or a big bush that will give the intruder a good place to hide as he goes about getting into your basement window.
A more visible window is a more secure window at the end of the day because thieves don’t want to be seen. Exposed windows make any burglar think twice before targeting your house as they don’t want to be caught by people passing by.
If you really want to have bushes in front of your basement windows, a thorn bush will help prevent break-ins, like rose bushes for example. These will be very painful to work through and I don’t think an intruder will want to make things more difficult for themselves by cutting away parts of the bush to get to the window.
Keep in mind the thorn bush has to be fairly close to the window in order to be as effective as possible and the added benefit is you’ll have a few beautiful roses to look at every year.
Use Motion Sensors And/Or Motion Sensing Cameras
Using motion sensors or smart cameras is an excellent way of keeping track of what’s going on in your basement and even on the outside of your basement.
By getting alerts on your smartphone when there’s any movement, you’ll be able to take action within seconds of the intruder entering, whether you’re at home or out for the day.
If you’re not there, you can call the police, if you are, you can lock the basement door and scream to the intruder that they should leave immediately.
Being alerted as soon as a burglar enters will give you the opportunity to make a more clear-minded decision before they place you and your family in a life-threatening situation.
In the event that you’re home and have to defend yourself, this might just give you a couple of minutes to prepare yourself for the situation. Lock the basement door and call the police, scream at the intruder to tell them to leave.
There are sensors for both day and night for 24-hour surveillance.
Here are some well-suited cameras and a motion sensor on Amazon.
You’ll need to position the camera facing the window, this way you can get an alert as soon as someone is on the other side. If you installing the camera outside, place it facing down from under the roof lip.
GE Personal Security Window Burglar Alert
This contact sensor is attached to the window and window frame, it will alert you with a loud 120-decibel alarm whenever the window is opened.
You can however flip a switch to turn it off when you just want to open the window for fresh air. It’s good to use reflective film when you install these so that burglars don’t see them until they sounding off.
Conclusion: How To Secure Basement Windows
Securing your basement window is best done by covering it with steel bars. However, privacy film will prevent thieves from seeing valuables inside. The majority of burglars don’t like to struggle with a break-in, they want to be as quick as possible so adding an extra hurdle for them to jump over deters them well.
Smart cameras and motion sensors will give you early warning protection which is especially useful for when you’re at home and in potential danger. If you’re not at home you can call the police and report the burglary immediately while it’s in progress.
Replacing the locks of your windows with strong, durable locks like the ones above, it will also be harder for the thieves to break in without making a racket by breaking the window in.
Remember, the longer the thief thinks they’ll take getting in, the more they’ll want to avoid the situation.
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