Making Basement Windows Secure

[Mark42]

Basement windows have always been a weak link in a homes security. Mine are no different. In fact more than once I have let myself into my house when locked out through the basement windows. Just pressing on the frame with your foot usually will pop the latch and makes no noise. In you go. Especially with the egress size windows required by code now, it's easier than ever. <br /><br />I want to secure the windows but because it is now a living area and guests will stay over on the sleeper sofa I don't want to put locked bars on the windows. It has to be easy to exit in an emergency.<br /><br />So I'm looking for ideas to secure the windows (single pane Anderson about 22 high x 32 wide hinge at top or bottom). <br /><br />I don't live in a high crime area, just want to make it difficult for anyone to get in without making a lot of noise.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

Replace them with better windows. "Cheap" windows flex too much.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

Thanks for the suggestion, but replacement is not an option at this time.

 

[one more cast]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

since they are hinged maybe a slide bolt would work for you.

 

[Ben Konopacky]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

screens that are tied into an alarm sys.(if the screen is cut or removed) sys. will alarm.windows do not need to be closed.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

Mark,<br />There are a couple of ways of doing what you want, each has it's advantages,drawbacks.<br /><br />You can install mag contacts on each window (very small in size by the way), this would show by a zone light when one or more are open. It's best to have all of the basm. windows on the same dedicated zone. As for protecting the glass of those windows, a GBS, Glass break sensor, could be used. The GBS has a detection radius of approx. 30 foot. Any windows within that radius will be protected if the glass is shattered. So the windows will be protected against opening by the mag switches and against breakage by the GBS.<br /><br />If you opt for only the GBS sensor, you will have to make sure that each window is closed and locked before leaving the house, for it to be effective. It would be possible to arm the system and have a basment window wide open, which is not a good idea. <br /><br />I personally would want both. The mag switches need 2 wires each for the series protective loop with an EOL (End Of Line) resistor for supervision if your control panel is setup that way. The GBS needs a 4 conductor wire, 2 for power (12VDC), 2 for the protective circuit. The GBS should be on their own zone as well. If you are home with the system activated, the GBS circuit can be programmed as an interior zone, and will be turned off. This will allow you to use the basment area while the alarm is on, without the worry that any stray high frequency would set off the system. Since the windows are contacted, they would naturally be on when the whole system is on.<br /><br />If you leave the house with the system turned on, the interior zones (GBS zones)would be ON as well.

 

[cjones4@hvc.rr.com]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

A dog is the best burglar alarm/deterrent available.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

Rose bushes work pretty good on keeping unwanted animals and people away. Do you have room to plant anything around them? Natures barbed wire in a plant... <br /><br />mooner, my step daughter and SIL have 2 dogs and 3 cats. They still got broken into at 3am while they were asleep. The one little dog only started barking after the SOB thieves made off with DVD's and the grandkids Playstation, plus other items as well. Some of the DVD's were my wifes and mine.<br /><br />Mark, If you remember, I had trouble with stuff being stolen. Since I have working cameras on all 4 sides of the house plus 3 highly visible in the front of the house, No more problems...... Or could it be the "Winchester Theft Control and Alarm" sign is working?

 

[jamesgreen]

Re: Making Basement Windows Secure

Xcusme hit the nail on the head. I sell commerical and residential security, fire, cctv and a host of other services and products that go along with low voltage stuff. What he is saying would be the best way to handle those windows.