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

When setting up your home alarms, it’s easy to get confused about which setup is right for your home. Depending on your home security needs, you may need to modify the components of your home security system, in order to ensure that your home is secure. One example of an area where many people have difficulty, is choosing between wired and wireless devices. Here’s a quick and easy guide to the differences between wired and wireless window sensors.

How Does a Wired Window Sensor Work?

A wired window sensor can either be connected to a security system control panel, or have a power supply that requires it to be connected to an outlet. As an integrated part of a wired security system, a window sensor is designed to transmit an alert to the control panel when it’s triggered. This alert is interpreted by the control panel, which then converts it to either an audible alarm, or a signal that’s sent to the monitoring center. For stand-alone window sensors, the alert that’s triggered is usually in the form of an audible alarm.

How Does a Wireless Window Sensor Work?

A wireless window sensor can either be a stand-alone device, or be a component used in a monitored security system. Wireless window sensors are usually battery-operated, which means that they don’t need to be connected to an outlet in order to function. If a compatible wireless window sensor is synced with the control panel of a monitored security system, it can transmit a signal as soon as the sensor is triggered. This signal is then interpreted by the control panel, much in the same way as with a wired window sensor.

To help you decide which type of window sensor is right for your home, here is a short list of some of the advantages/disadvantages of wired and wireless sensors.

Advantages of Wireless Sensors

• Not restricted by wire length when installing
• Not required to be connected to an outlet
• More options for placement
• Installation is cheaper than wired models

Disadvantages of Wireless Window Sensors

• Battery-powered sensors need occasional replacements
• Interference may affect wireless signal
• Unit price per sensor may be more expensive than wired models

Advantages of Wired Window Sensors

• No Risk of wireless interference
• No need to change batteries in some models

Disadvantages of Wired Window Sensors

• Placement is restricted to length of wires
• May require professional installation
• Difficult to relocate when moving

Conclusion

Like with many other home security decisions, your choice should be based on what’s right for you and your family’s home. For example, if you plan to be moving to a new home within the next year, you may want to choose a wireless window sensor, since it will be much easier to reinstall in your new home. If your home has a lot of wireless devices that may cause interference, you may choose to install wired window sensors, in order to ensure that your sensors will work properly. With a bit of research, you can find the type of sensor that fits your specific home security needs.

Here’s a quick video from ExpertVillage that gives you a bit more information about window sensors.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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

Many people don’t realize that their basement windows present a significant security vulnerability. While most people are aware that burglars may enter through a ground-floor entry point, it’s also important to note that basement windows may allow an intruder to access your home by entering through the basement. Here are a few quick tips to guide you through improving the security of your basement windows.

Install Secure Locks
Since the construction of basement windows is usually different from standard windows, you will want to purchase a secure lock that is compatible. Basement window locks need to be durable, secure and impossible to tamper with from the outside. If possible, purchase a lock that will be unable to be manipulated from the outside, even if the window is broken. In many cases, you can find a secure lock for your basement window at your local hardware store. If you are unable to find a good security lock locally, you can always try ordering a product from an online retailer.

Shatter-Proof Glass
To improve the security of your basement windows, it can also be beneficial to have shatter-proof glass installed as a replacement for regular glass. Since basement windows are usually fairly small in size, installing shatter-proof glass can be relatively affordable. Unless you have experience in glass installation, it’s highly recommended that you hire a professional to upgrade the glass in your basement windows. Research professional glass installation services in your area, choosing a highly rated service that has positive customer reviews.

Installing Security Bars
Many people choose to install security bars on their basement windows. Since basement windows aren’t within normal viewing range, security bars can usually be installed without being too noticeable. If you have windows that open inward, install the security bars on the outside (between the screen and the window, if you have a screen). If you have a sliding basement window, you can place the bars on the interior of the window, and leave enough space so that the windows can still be easily opened. Though it is possible to find security bars that meet the specifications of your basement windows, you may have to have them custom-cut. Take an accurate measurement of the dimensions of your basement window, and take these measurements to your local hardware store. Most hardware stores will be able to custom-cut security bars to meet your specifications.

Tactical Landscaping
To help limit access to your basement windows, you can also use tactical landscaping methods. Plant low, thorny bushes around your basement windows, making them difficult or nearly impossible for an intruder to access. If you are worried about the appearance of your home, you can use Hawthorne, Rosebushes or Barberry bushes to create a visually pleasing “barrier” around your basement window area. If you need to have access to your basement windows, you can also use thick, thorn-free shrubbery that still provides limited access.

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

In regards to securing your home, it’s easy to get caught up in elaborate security systems, burglar-proof locks and other sophisticated devices. However, many people often forget that first-floor windows are an entry point for around 20% of burglars! Here are a few quick tips to help you to ensure that your windows are secure.

Glass Break Sensors
Installing a glass break sensor close to your windows can provide a high level of protection against burglaries. While a glass break sensor may be used as a stand-alone device, the most effective glass break sensors are combined with a monitored security system. This often allows you to be alerted (by email, text or a cell phone call) when the sensor is activated. Glass break sensors are usually relatively inexpensive, and may even be included in some home security system package deals.

Security Lights
It’s essential that you install your security lights so that they provide coverage for your ground floor windows. Motion activated security lights can be positioned so that they are activated as soon as motion is detected at or near a window area. When installing your security lights, be sure to take into account their range of detection for motion. If its within your budget, try to purchase high-quality, weatherproof security lights that are able to detect motion within a wide radius of their installation point.

Video Surveillance
Many people have security cameras that capture footage from the door entry points of their home. If possible, you should install your video surveillance cameras so that they provide footage of all first-floor windows as well. If placed correctly, you can also combine outdoor video surveillance with motion-activated lights, in order to ensure you get clear video footage of any movement that occurs near your first-floor windows. If you have video surveillance cameras with night vision, be sure that they can automatically adjust to capture footage in different light conditions.

Window Locks
It may seem like common sense, but a high-quality window lock is a great investment for protecting the security of your windows. Most windows come with a standard locking mechanism that may or may not be secure. Remember, many burglars may smash through a pane in the window, in order to reach through to unlock the window. You can prevent this by having high-quality window locks that aren’t easy to disengage.

Security Landscaping
An alternate method that you can use to increase the security of your windows is to do some selective “security landscaping”. For example, you could make your windows difficult to access by planting dense or thorny vegetation directly below your window. Rosebushes, blackberries and other plants with thorns are useful to help add a bit of security to your first floor windows.

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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.

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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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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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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.

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