By Todd, owner of Windows Plus
When people think about home security, they think about doors, cameras and alarm systems. Windows get overlooked, even though an old window with a flimsy latch is one of the easiest ways into a house. Here’s how windows affect your home’s security, which styles are hardest to get through and what to look for when you replace them.
How windows affect home security
Most break-ins aren’t elaborate. Someone looks for the easiest way in: an unlocked window, a sash that can be pried up, or a latch that pops with a screwdriver. Older windows make that easier because:
- Latches wear out or get painted over and stop locking
- Sashes loosen in the frame so they can be wiggled open
- Rotted frames give a pry bar something to bite into
- Ground-floor and basement windows are hidden behind shrubs
Why good locks matter
The lock is the heart of a window’s security. Modern replacement windows use sturdier locks, and larger windows often have more than one locking point, which makes the sash much harder to force. A lock you can actually operate matters too. Windows so hard to lock that you stop bothering are an open invitation.
The most secure window styles
Casement windows
Casements are among the hardest to break into. When locked, the sash is pulled tight against the frame, and there’s no gap to slip a tool into. The crank operator also makes it hard to pull the sash open from outside. More in what is a crank window.
Awning windows
Same idea as casements, hinged at the top. They’re also often small and placed high, which makes them hard to climb through.
Double-hung windows
Very secure with good sash locks, especially on newer windows where the sashes fit tightly. Some homeowners add a vent stop so the window can be cracked for air without opening far enough to climb through.
Sliding windows
Secure when they have a good lock and the sash fits the track tightly. Older sliders with worn tracks can sometimes be lifted out, which is one of the things we look for.
Picture windows
They don’t open, so there’s no lock to defeat.
What to look for in secure replacement windows
- Solid locks, with multiple locking points on larger windows
- A tight-fitting sash that can’t be wiggled in the frame
- Strong frames that don’t flex or rot
- Tempered or laminated glass where it makes sense, like near doors or in basements
- Full-frame installation, anchored into the framing of the house, not a new window resting in an old, weak frame
Security and safety go together
Bedroom windows are also emergency exits. A secure window still has to open easily from the inside in a fire. That’s one reason I like modern locks: they’re hard to beat from outside and simple to open from inside. When we replace bedroom windows, we make sure the new ones open at least as wide as the old ones.
Simple habits that help
- Lock ground-floor windows every time you close them
- Trim shrubs that hide windows from the street
- Add motion lights near basement and back-of-house windows
- Don’t leave ladders out where they can reach second-floor windows
Can new windows improve security and efficiency at once?
Yes. The same features that make a window secure, like a tight sash, solid locks and a well-sealed frame, also stop drafts. If your windows are old enough to be a security worry, they’re probably costing you on energy too. See signs it’s time to replace your windows.
Which windows to worry about first
Burglars look for windows that are easy to reach and out of sight. When I walk a house, I check these first:
- Basement windows, especially behind bushes or window wells
- Back-of-house ground-floor windows that face a fence or woods
- Windows next to doors, where someone could break the glass and reach the lock
- Second-floor windows over a porch roof or deck, which are easier to reach than people think
- Any window that doesn’t lock, wherever it is
Glass options that help
- Tempered glass: Much stronger than standard glass and breaks into small pieces instead of sharp shards. Required by code in some locations, like near doors.
- Laminated glass: A layer between the panes holds the glass together even when it cracks, making it hard to get through quickly. It also helps block noise.
- Obscure glass: Keeps people from seeing what’s inside, which is useful for ground-floor bathrooms and basement windows.
Window security FAQ
Are vinyl windows secure?
Yes. A well-built vinyl window with solid locks and a full-frame installation is very secure. What matters most is the lock and how tightly the sash fits.
Should I add window bars?
Bars can make it hard or impossible to get out in a fire, so I’d be careful, especially in bedrooms. Good locks, strong glass and lighting are usually a better balance.
Do window sensors replace good locks?
No. Sensors tell you someone opened a window. Locks keep them from opening it. You want both.
Do older homes need extra window security?
Often, yes. Old latches wear out, sashes loosen and frames soften. Replacing the windows in the most exposed spots first is a good way to phase a project.
Get a free window security check with your estimate
We’ll look at every window, point out any that are easy targets, show you options and give you a written price. No pressure, and our own crews do the install. Check our current offers, see our window replacement page, or schedule a free in-home estimate.
