This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In the future, it’s easy to imagine a home security system that works perfectly. A full scan of a home would allow the system to detect any unknown or unwanted intruders before they were even able to cause any damage. Cameras would be able to pick up movement even in low-light and nighttime conditions. Monitored security systems would be able to run even if a theif attempted to scramble their transmission signals. Also, every entry point (windows and doors) in a home would be under 24/7 surveillance of an intrusion.

You may not realize it, but some of this technology already exists. To detect a breaking window, many monitored security systems have the option of installing “glass break sensors”. Glass break sensors (also commonly called “window break sensors”) are designed to be activated when certain parameters are met. Depending on the type of sensor, these parameters may be designed around specific sound pitch requirements, or a vibration signaling that a window has been broken. They are classified as being “perimeter devices”, since they function to help alert you of unauthorized entry around the “perimeter” of your home.

How do Glass Break Sensors Work?

Acoustic glass break sensor units are usualy placed in an area where they are within a specific “detection range”. The sensor is designed to monitor for special frequencies that usually occur when glass is broken. The frequencies monitored are usually from the infrasonic level (which is defined as being 20 hertz or less) to the ultrasonic level (which is above 20 kHz. Because many of these sensors have a “range”, they may not need to be placed directly in front of the window that is being monitored. This can allow a single sensor to monitor several windows, as long as they are within range of the sensor. However, this only refers to glass break detectors which have a built-in microphone that monitors for sound.

Seismic glass break detectors, on the other hand, are installed directly onto the pane of glass that is being monitored. This type of window break sensor is able to detect a break-in by monitoring for special shock frequencies. In most cases, these shock frequencies will be between 3 kHz and 5 kHz. The sensor is able to detect these shock frequencies, which usually will travel though the glass pane, window frame and sometimes the surrounding wall paneling. Once a break is detected, the seismic window break detector will alert you of the break-in.

Wired vs. Wireless

Depending on the type of home security system that you have, you can choose to either install wired or wireless devices. In most cases, having a wireless glass break sensor offers you the greatest advantage. Wireless sensors have flexible placement, allowing you to install them in an optimum location without worrying about the length of a connecting wire. Though wireless window break sensors may be affected by some interference, this can be avoided by placing them within a designated radius of your security system’s control panel. Be sure to account for any other types of interference, such as thick walls or other wireless signals in your home.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

As recently as the 19th century, glass windows were a luxury only allowed for the rich and famous. Antique glass windows in the 16th century were made by a unique process called the “crown glass” method. This involved blowing a bead of molten glass mixture until it formed a hollow globe. This globe was flattened while the glass was still hot, and spun until it became a large disc. These discs were then cut to fit into a window. In many cases, the glass was cut into diamond pieces, which were then fitted into a metal frame. The crown glass method resulted in the glass being of uneven thickness, since the glass in certain areas of the disc didn’t spread evenly as it cooled. This is the main reason why antique windows may feel rough or uneven when touched.

Today, glass windows are manufactured on a large scale, using a complicated process involving many ingredients, stabilizers and additives. For security windows, added features help to make these windows more “burglar proof” than regular windows. Here is a quick guide to help you understand how security windows are made.

Step 1 – The Glass Mixture

There are many ingredients involved in creating security windows. Each of these ingredient is essential in order to ensure proper production of the window.

• Silica – This is the foundation for the glass mixture. It provides the glass with its form, as well being a strong base ingredient that interacts well with other additives.
• Sodium Carbonate – Since Silica has a melting point of over 2300 degrees Celsius, sodium carbonate is added to reduce the melting point to 1500 degrees Celsius. This makes the manufacturing process much easier.
• Lime - The main problem with adding sodium carbonate to lower the melting point of the glass, is that it also makes the glass water-soluble. Adding lime allows the glass to have better stability, and also helps to make it not water-soluble.
• Magnesium Oxide – This is a stabilizing agent, which is also the ingredient that allows glass to be clear in color.
• Aluminum Oxide – This ingredient helps to maintain chemical durability of the glass, and also helps with oxidization.

Step 2 – Mixture Preparation

Once the glass mixture is formed, it is then melted and mixed. When the mixture is ready, it then undergoes a refining process. This involves removing all of the tiny bubbles that have formed in the mixture.

Step 3 – Glass Pane Construction

Modern security glass windows are made by a process called the “float glass” method. The molten glass mixture is slowly poured over a pool of molten tin. Since the glass mixture is lighter than the molten metal, it floats on top. However, since molten tin is highly reactive with oxygen, this process is carried out in a controlled atmosphere of hydrogen and nitrogen.

An example of the layers in some types of security glass. (Source)

Step 4 – Security Glass Features

A simple glass window does not include extra security features. However, for security windows, the panes of glass are layered and fused with a special laminate mixture. The ingredients in this laminate mixture are very specific, and often change depending on the company that manufactures the security windows. There may be one layer of laminate on the window, or several layers “sandwiched” in between thin panes of glass. This makes the window much more difficult to break, preventing the window from being broken by a potential burglar. Some security windows also use a middle layer of a substance (such as polycarbonate) that further prevents the glass from shattering. Security glass can also protect your windows from being shattered by flying storm debris, which is useful if you live in an area that is prone to strong storm systems.

Security Film

You can increase the security of an existing window with security film. Security window film is usually sold as a stand-alone product that can be installed on regular windows. While it may not provide as much protection as purchasing a polycarbonate-reinforced security window, it can still be an inexpensive measure to help protect your windows. Some types of security film have added benefits, such as screening out UV radiation, or reducing the amount of heat produced by sunlight, which can cut energy costs in the summer months. You can install security film on your windows on your own, or have them installed by a professional.

Videos demonstrating how effective security windows and security film can be in protecting against burglars:

Security Film Demonstration on Global TV (Video will start at 2:58 into it)

Another Security Film Demonstration

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s estimated that 23% of burglars gain entry to a home by using a first-floor window. Installing window sensors can alert you to any unauthorized access. If your window sensors are equipped with an audible alarm, they may even be effective at scaring off potential burglars. Here is a quick step-by-step guide to installing window sensors.

What Are Window Sensors?

A window sensor is usually a small device that consists of two parts. One of these parts is attached to the window, while the other is attached to the frame. A window sensor either operates by using passive infrared technology (PIR), or a simple magnetic connection between the two sections of the sensor. When the connection is broken, the sensor is triggered. This install guide is designed for magnetic sensors.

Step 1 – Ready Your Materials

You may be installing a stand-alone window sensor, or one that is designed to be integrated into your monitored home security system. Before you begin, first map out the windows in your home that are most accessible to burglars. Be sure that you ready enough sensors to cover all of these windows. Depending on the design of the sensors, you may need adhesive, double-sided tape, screws, a screwdriver, connective wiring or other materials.

Step 2 – Plan Your Placement

Ideally, a window sensor is most effective when installed 6 or 7 inches from the bottom of the window. If they open outward, it’s important that you place the sensor contact points on the part of the frame closest to the side that has the hinges. Be sure that both the sensor contact points are aligned correctly, as stated on the directions that came with your sensor.

Step 3 – Installing Wiring

If your sensor is designed to work with a monitored home security system, and your system isn’t wireless, you will need to make sure that the sensor is securely connected to the control panel. Depending on the layout of your house, this installation may be slightly difficult. In an ideal situation, you should run the wiring internally through the walls of your house. If this isn’t possible, you can run the wire down the frame, and run it along the corner of the floor. Extend the wiring until you reach the control panel. Most hard-wired security control panels have designated port(s) where you can attach the wiring for your window sensors.

If you have a wireless home security system, you will most likely need to program the sensors directly into the control panel. Some wireless home security systems come with charts to help you to properly sync the sensors with the control panel. A wireless window sensor may also come with a separate transmitter.

Step 4 – Maintaining the System

It’s extremely important that you let your family or other members of your household know which windows have been installed with a sensor. Be sure that the sensors maintain a good connection, and keep a strong attachment to the window and frame. Try to avoid ever triggering the sensors by opening the windows when the system is armed.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

There are many steps involved in protecting your home against natural disasters. While it’s impossible to have 100% protection from hurricane damage in your home, there are certain steps you may take to improve the overall level of protection of your home. Installing impact resistant windows is an effective method which can decrease the chances that your home will incur damage from hurricane-force winds. While even impact resistant windows aren’t 100% effective against high winds, they can be important for securing the structural integrity of your home during severe weather conditions. In addition to this, they may also provide a level of protection against burglars, since they are much more difficult to break.  Here are some simple steps that you may take to properly install impact-resistant windows in your home.

Step 1 – Understand how Impact Resistant Windows Work.
The most common method that impact-resistant windows utilize to increase durability is a combination of thick laminate film and tempered glass. The laminate can coat the outside of the glass only, or may be sandwiched between two layers of tempered glass, with two more layers of laminate covering the outside of the glass panel. To be certified as impact resistant, most of these windows undergo testing against certain wind speeds and debris impact. An impact resistant window will still break, though will not shatter like a normal one.

Step 2 – Purchasing Impact Resistant Windows.
Impact resistant windows are commonly sold in home renovation supply stores, though may also be available from retail companies that specialize in windows. When choosing to purchase one, be sure to evaluate the impact rating of it to ensure that it will meet your home protection needs. Be sure to measure your existing windows before you make your purchase, which will help you to be certain that the new ones that you buy will be an exact fit.

Step 3 – Pre-Installation Preparations.
Before installing an impact-resistant window, there are some preparations that you need to make. The first, and most important is the removal of the existing one that you will be replacing. Be sure to preserve the integrity of your home’s structure while removing the window, in order to ensure that the impact-resistant window will be secure. In order to help enhance the protection of your home, you may also choose to reinforce the area which will surround the frame of your impact-resistant window, using sturdy materials.

Step 4 – Installation.
Installing impact-resistant windows is a job which requires at least two people. After the original window is removed, fit the new impact-resistant window in its place. Using thin wedged blocks, also called “shims”, you may hold the window in place while securing it to the frame with nails or screws. Once the window is secure in its frame, you may begin sealing it with silicone caulk. This will prevent air or drafts from entering your home, which is an effective way to reduce your heating bill. Once the caulk is dry, you may also choose to add insulation before covering and painting the area around your new impact-resistant windows.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Keeping your family safe during home season can seem like a challenging task, especially when faced with the destructive effect a hurricane can have on your home. This is made much more challenging by the number of myths about the best way to prepare for a hurricane in your area. Being informed about which information can aid you in protecting your home, and your family is essential.

One of the most frequently asked questions by many homeowners is, “Should I leave my windows open during a hurricane?” The answer to this question is NO. Though some people may recommend to you that opening your windows during a hurricane will help to equalize the pressure of the air in your home, it can actually result in more damage to your home from hurricane-force winds. Enough air leaks out of your home naturally to contribute to equalized pressure during a hurricane. The idea that closing your windows during a hurricane can cause your house to “explode” is a complete myth.

Why isn’t it recommended to open my Windows during a Hurricane?

Opening your windows allows the outside wind to enter your home, often at extremely high speeds. Once air enters your home with a significant amount of force, it will seek out a way to exit. If the force of the wind is strong enough, such as wind speeds that occur during a hurricane, it may blow off the roof of your home. Other damage can include blown out windows, doors, and even damage to your home’s structural integrity. In reality, a large percentage of homes that lose their roof during a hurricane have been victim to high-speed winds that entered through a broken or open window.

During a hurricane, wind will be traveling over the top of your roof at extremely high speeds. If wind is also inside your home, putting pressure on your roof, this causes an effect similar to the force which allows airplane wings to generate lift. To best protect your home, it is highly recommended that you tightly shut all widows, doors, skylights and garage doors. If you aren’t able to evacuate your home during a hurricane, be sure to stay away from the windows. Even if you have storm windows, there is still a chance that large debris can have enough of a force on impact to send glass shards flying.  The best way to keep you, and your family safe during a hurricane is to either move to a basement area, or to evacuate along the route designated in your town.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Maybe you’ve had those days were you sit and just stare out your windows. You can watch it snow outside while you stand next to your fireplace. Maybe you drink your morning coffee while looking out over a city or the ocean. Windows let us view the world outside but make our homes vulnerable to burglars.

Windows, especially on the bottom floor, can be easy to break through. In order to keep your house secure, you may want to install windows with reinforced glass. There are different options as to what kind of windows you can have installed. Some windows make it impossible for others to see into your home but you can still see out. Other windows are simply reinforced with carbon fiber or wire mesh to make it harder for burglars to break the glass.

Sliding glass doors can be the most vulnerable part of your home. Not only can a burglar break the glass, but the locks aren’t as strong as locks on regular doors. Sliding glass doors can even be lifted off their tracks and removed. In order to protect your home, use anti-lift devices to keep burglars from lifting sliding glass doors off the track. Put up blinds or curtains to prevent burglars from seeing into your home. It may also be a good idea to get window sensors or glass break detectors.

One simple thing to do is keep your valuables away from windows. If burglars can’t see something valuable in your home, they won’t be tempted to break in. Another simple thing you can do is always lock your windows.

When you stare out your windows, have confidence that your home is secure. Hopefully the only thing that ever disturbs your windows is the occasional bird that flies into them.