When it comes to home security, one of the most critical areas to consider is window security. A home's openings are often prime targets for thieves and intruders. Two popular home security options for windows are impact windows and window bars. However, both have their unique benefits and drawbacks.
Let's examine the differences between impact windows and window bars in home security.
What Are Impact Windows?
Impact windows have the specific purpose of withstanding storms. Using laminated tempered glass, they have more durability against strong winds.
In addition, compared to traditional glass windows, they're more robust and more shatter-resistant. Watch how impact glass stands up against blunt force impacts in the video above, and read our blog post about how impact windows are made.
Intruders often look for accessible entrances or exits, and impact windows make it harder to gain access. They don't break as easily when a force is applied to them.
While the glass may crack, it won't shatter, leaving the home vulnerable.
Unique Benefits of Impact Windows
As mentioned, impact windows carry the primary benefit of being more durable against solid winds and blunt force impacts. These products come tested to withstand hurricane-force winds and storms. It makes a home safer against the elements and provides an extra layer of security.
These products accomplish a superior security level while looking great in the process. Unlike bulky window bars, which can ruin a home's aesthetic appeal, impact windows come with solid frames to match your home's unique style.
See the complete list of impact window benefits.
What Are Window Bars?
Window bars provide home security by preventing intruders from entering from the exterior of homes. They're designed to keep burglars out and make it extremely difficult for someone to get in through the window.
Unique Benefits of Window Bars
Removable window bars provide an extra layer of home security that sends a clear message to potential home invaders. In addition, they add a physical barrier that's difficult to bypass and keep home occupants safe.
Unlike impact windows, these home security products are relatively inexpensive. Window bars also don't obstruct light from entering your home and are straightforward to install.
Important Differences to Consider
When investing in home security, it is vital to consider every type of potential danger. For example, one major factor to consider with home security window bars is the potential danger they pose as a means of egress in an emergency.
In an evacuation, bars become impassable objects or require a key to remove them. When seconds count, bars could prevent home occupants from exiting quickly.
Impact windows, by contrast, open in the same way traditional windows would, allowing occupants to make a more straightforward exit in the event of an emergency. Impact products also regularly show up on top affordable home security product lists.
Are Impact Windows Safer Than Window Bars?
Impact windows provide a superior level of protection compared to window bars during harsh Florida storms. Impact windows have a more robust, reinforced frame and shatter-resistant glass. They can withstand hurricane-force winds and flying debris.
Window bars may protect windows from debris as well. But, during a storm, their protection is negligible at best.
Impact windows are the ideal choice for homes in Florida, where hurricane-strength winds are expected. If your home has window bars, consider replacing them with impact glass windows for added safety during storms.
If you don't want new construction, you can always opt to retrofit impact windows.
Looking for Impact Windows Near Me in Florida?
Florida homeowners know how important durability is during hurricane season. That durability can also protect your home from potential invaders. Install a product with a wide range of benefits that reliably boost your home security.
Alco Windows and Doors is the perfect choice for impact windows in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Florida. We offer homeowners a range of impact window and door solutions best suited to your particular needs.
With our expertise and range of product options, we'll help you find the best kinds of windows for your home. Most importantly, our certified specialists guarantee you will receive only the highest-quality installation services. In addition, we ensure you always receive the following:
- Installation services that use superior products, like marine-grade sealants and tap-con screws, when mounting new windows and doors.
- Comprehensive window and door placements, such as filling in any gaps in your home's concrete. This makes way for a more seamless installation of your new products so that they fit better and resist damage.
- An experience aligned with the standards of the Better Business Bureau.
- A full guarantee on our installation work, so you know that your impact products will last for many years.
- Since our beginnings in 2017, we've been committed to strengthening South Florida communities. Our friends and neighbors deserve a better path to protecting our homes and families.
This mission is why we continually focus on two goals: superior product quality and outstanding customer service.
Our communities can be safer and stronger when people confidently understand how best to protect their homes, families, and livelihoods.
Contact Alco Windows and Doors to book a free consultation today! You can also get a free copy of our Home Security Guide for South FL Residents
For doors to be classed as true security screen doors they must meet the requirements of stringent Australian Standards and demonstrate they will withstand attempts at forced entry. The three key Australian Standards are:
AS 5039-2008: Security screen doors and security window grilles
AS 5040-2003: Installation of security screen doors and window grilles
AS 5041-2003: Methods of test – Security screen doors and window grilles
Darley Aluminium National Sales Manager: Ray Kwan said, “The standards mentioned above set out the requirements for security screen door design, testing and performance. The standards are in place to make sure the doors are designed and built to withstand forced entry. These standards also demand that security screen doors are correctly installed to reduce the risk of them being removed completely or tampered with and in some states and territories, the installer and/or security screen provider must hold a building or security license to install security screen products in your home”.
Some flyscreen doors which feature bars or grilles often give the appearance of providing home security and while they may, on occasion, act as a visual deterrent, many will be easily penetrated by an intruder.
When we talk about these doors being able to withstand forced entry by an intruder, they must pass a series of tests to meet AS 5039-2008. These tests include:
The Knife Sheer Test – simulates a knife attack on your security screen
The Impact Test – designed to stimulate an intruder trying to kick their way through a security door or window
The Anti-jemmy Test – designed to simulate an intruder using a lever to get past the security door or window
The Pull Test – stimulate an intruder trying to pull out a security screen
The Probe Test – simulates an intruder, having created a gap and trying to get their hand inside to unlock a door or window
According to CHOICE, many doors don’t meet the standards, : Unfortunately, in most states, a product advertised as a “security screen door” may only secure you against flies: the term is meaningless unless the door can be shown to meet Australian Standard AS5039-2008. There’s also a standard for installation (AS5040), and you should ask the installation company for a written guarantee that its work complies”.
Other things to consider when choosing a screen door, or window, include:
Visual impacts
As mentioned above you will need to consider whether you would like grills or be free from obstructions. You will also need to consider how the design will impact the amount of light and air coming through.
Suitability for your location
Buildings located close to our Coastline should consider security screens that will provide the best defence against the elements. The Australian climate is particularly harsh, with extreme heat and at times, turbulent winds, which can cause corrosion. While you want to choose a security screen door that will protect you against pests and the elements, you’ll also want a security screen door that can withstand our harsh climate. Darley’s ScreenGuard system is well suited to these climatic conditions using corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel mesh.
Fall prevention
The National Construction Code (NCC) specifies various requirements for the prevention of falls from openable windows. The aim is to limit the risk of a young child or other person falling through an openable window divided into two categories:
1. A fixed device attached to the openable part of a window, or
2. A fixed screen across the openable part of the window, or
Simple flyscreens do not prevent potential falls from multi-story windows. A security screen system such as Screenguard should have been tested for impact and force and will prevent the possibility of small children from potential falls These security screens still offer the same ventilation and insect protection as other screens.
Locking systems and installation
A standard flyscreen is unlikely to require a force-resistant locking system. Tested security screen doors must include a suitable 3-point locking system which can withstand forced entry. Secure non-removable hinges should be in place and the overall design should offer a strong frame.
Looks
Choosing a full security door doesn’t mean you have to compromise on looks. For example, ScreenGuard Stainless Steel Security Mesh means you no longer require unsightly grilles and bars to produce a true security door. These types of doors not only look great but they also allow you to take in views without obstructions.
The moral of the story is if you are looking for a security door, not a barrier door, always look for certified products that have passed the relevant Australian Standards.