Any homeowner fears for the safety of their property, but not everyone knows what needs to be done to prevent plastic windows from breaking. Today, experienced thieves use modern tools and effective techniques, but this does not mean that they need to fold their arms and voluntarily give up any additional protection. Properly performed window reinforcement will make it difficult for attackers to break in and will force them to spend a few more minutes on the procedure. Usually this time is enough for others to notice the criminal and call the police. In addition, preventive measures make it impossible for petty fraudsters to enter the premises, who randomly look for a weak link in the protection of the facility. Our article will help you learn how to effectively secure windows and what devices can prevent hacking.
In what situations should you be concerned about window safety?
Basic protection of windows from penetration from the street is always necessary, since height is no longer an insurmountable barrier. Only about 14% of intruders enter premises through entrance doors. All other cases occur on balcony doors and windows. Reputable manufacturers of profile systems and accessories always provide a basic level of security, which can briefly protect against burglary by an inexperienced burglar. However, there are cases when additional reinforcement of profile structures is necessary:
- the premises are located on the first or last floor;
- when glazing a house in the private sector;
- the window is located in close proximity to the loggia or balcony;
- There is a fire escape or a tall tree near the window openings.
If in such situations you do not equip plastic windows with additional devices to protect against burglary, the risk of being robbed increases. Losses from theft usually far exceed the cost of components, so saving on security measures makes no sense.
The most vulnerable windows on the first floor, the protection of which does not always meet modern standards, are the most frequently broken into. Therefore, for their safety, you need to choose the most effective technologies.
How to protect plastic windows from being opened from the outside?
By purchasing anti-burglary fittings, a person significantly reduces the likelihood of intruders entering. If the thief realizes that the window is equipped with anti-burglary fittings, then it is necessary to act in other ways. He can drill out the handle.
How to protect plastic windows from being opened from the outside:
- To do this, insert a small cordless drill into the handle area and drill out this part. Thus, the mechanism fails and it is much easier to open it. But there are special anti-burglary handles, in the area of which a special metal plate made of a heavy-duty alloy is mounted.
- Drilling it is quite difficult using a cordless drill. Therefore, an intruder will not be able to enter the premises. The last option to break into a house is to break out the glass.
- However, only a small number of thieves decide to use this method, since broken glass and loud noise attract a lot of attention, which is unacceptable in an apartment building or a densely populated area. However, this method is a good solution for opening a country house that is located at a considerable distance from other private mansions. Therefore, this method is most often used to penetrate country houses.
How can you increase the burglary resistance of windows?
Currently, sufficient technologies have been developed to ensure the safety of all sections of profile structures. Since protecting a window from burglary is a complex undertaking, it makes no sense to choose only one method. In such cases, the thief, faced with difficulties, will quickly switch to another area and successfully complete what he started. To prevent burglary, it is necessary to simultaneously strengthen the window frame, light openings and the window sashes locking system.
Aluminum roller shutters
Aluminum roller shutters are the most practical solution for a country cottage or office building. Aluminum is not subject to corrosion, so protective blinds made from aluminum profiles can protect their representative appearance and decorate the facade of a building for many years. Aluminum windows and roller shutters attract not only with their durability, but also with such a significant advantage as affordable prices. At the same time, the aluminum profile is wear-resistant, and the rich range of colors of the coating allows you to find color solutions that optimally match the facade of the building. Modern aluminum windows and roller shutters can become a bright decorative element on the facade of a building and in the interior of a room.
Advantages of anti-burglary fittings
The most common method of penetration is through the sash, since the process takes little time and is almost silent, unlike drilling a profile and knocking out a double-glazed window.
This means that the main pressure falls on window fittings. Anti-burglary (reinforced) fittings that will not allow you to quickly press or remove the sash. Only with this configuration will protection of plastic windows from opening be considered effective. Good systems are able to withstand the impact of the pry bar and will not allow the locking joints to be pulled out. To cope with such protection, you will need a grinder or other electric cutting tool. Thieves have no problem acquiring all the necessary equipment, but they are afraid of attracting the attention of neighbors and passers-by. As a result, the use of reinforced hardware stops even experienced burglars. They assess the situation, realize that they will not meet the allotted time and simply stop trying to open the window.
Installing reinforced mechanisms has additional advantages:
- the service life of the door opening system is extended;
- the level of corrosion protection increases;
- ensures smooth opening and closing;
- the tightness of windows improves.
There are no obvious disadvantages to such fittings. After all, reinforced systems with a burglary protection function are an improved and more expensive version of conventional mechanisms.
pros
Burglar-resistant windows and fittings differ from traditional ones. The structures are made in such a way as to protect owners from outside influence and complicate the task of a burglar. Their locking mechanisms are larger than standard ones and have an unusual mushroom shape.
In addition to these features, the main double-glazed windows are equipped with external glass that is reliably protected from possible damage. Such systems are highly reliable and will last much longer than conventional glass.
The difference between anti-burglary fittings and conventional mechanisms
Burglar-resistant fittings for plastic windows do not differ in their operating principle from conventional closing mechanisms. When the handle is turned, the eccentrics (trunnions) smoothly move behind the strikers on the frame and lock the sash. The difference lies in the reliability of such a connection. In this regard, reinforced fittings differ from conventional fittings in several ways:
- There is an increased number of locking points
- anti-burglary kits have more pins with strikers on all sides of the sash. To open such a system, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. - The eccentric (trunnion)
has a “cap” in the upper part and is securely held in the locking connection. Thanks to this shape, it is called mushroom-shaped. - Slots in the strike plates
- a continuous recess is made in the plate for the mushroom-shaped eccentric. When the eccentric enters such a slot when closing the window and is caught by the cap on the reverse side, it is very difficult to press the sash. To do this, you have to tear out the counter strip from the profile. - Material of manufacture
- instead of conventional steel or powder alloys, alloy alloys and even titanium are used in the manufacture of reinforced fittings. - Handle with a locking function
- such models are equipped with a special internal lock or lock that holds the entire mechanism in the closed position. This eliminates the possibility of opening the sash through a broken glass unit, switching the fittings from the ventilation mode to the “open” position, or removing the sash. - Plate for the handle mechanism
- an additional element of the fittings is made of super hard steel and is designed to protect the locking mechanism from drilling from the street. - Transfer corner in the area of the lower hinge
- since the sashes are regularly tried to be removed or pressed from below, additional protection is used to strengthen the structure. The corner allows you to install 1-2 more pins in this place, which makes the procedure for removing the sash more complicated.
Anti-burglary locks on plastic windows are sometimes installed in the lower zone of the sashes. However, such devices are ineffective - they are easy to tear out of plastic, so they are used mainly to ensure child safety.
What are the differences between burglar-resistant window systems?
There are no windows that cannot be broken. Burglar-resistant structures differ from ordinary ones in that a burglar has to spend a certain amount of time opening them, during which time the police called by the neighbors or the private security company's rapid response squad (if the house is connected to a security console) has time to arrive.
To ensure reliable window protection in your dacha, you need to take into account all the ways thieves can break into a window:
- press the sash with a pry bar;
- drill a hole in the frame and turn the handle;
- break glass;
- squeeze out the glass unit;
- expose the entire window from the opening.
Protection classes of anti-burglary fittings
Depending on the reliability class, anti-burglary fittings create obstacles of varying levels of complexity for a thief when he tries to open a window. The stability of the opening/closing mechanisms of the doors is regulated by special European standards. The higher the class, the longer it will take to enter the premises.
Window protection class | Recommended area of application | How many minutes does it take to hack? | Tools a burglar needs | Burglar Skills |
WK1 | Window openings to which there is no ground or direct access | 1-3 | Physical strength | No special skills |
WK2 | Residential premises, as well as civil and commercial buildings with security of the first and last floor | About 3 | Wedge, screwdriver, pliers | |
WK3 | Residential, commercial and civil buildings | Up to 5 | Mount | First level |
WK4 | Commercial and civil facilities | From 5 to 10 | Drill, hammer, chisel, hacksaw | Experienced Burglar |
WK5 | About 15 | Grinder, power saw, drill | Experienced Burglar | |
WK6 | Up to 20 | Powerful drill, electric saw and grinder | Professional |
What do you need to learn eyelash extensions?
A beginning leshmaker needs a small set of primary materials. You will be introduced to it during the courses, however, we will give initial recommendations so that you are prepared in advance.
The beginner lashmaker's kit includes:
1 - glue for eyelashes; 2—degreaser/primer; 3 — remover for removing eyelashes; 4 - pads or tape to protect the lower eyelashes; 5 - eyelashes; 6 — two tweezers of different shapes; 7 - jade stone or glass for glue; 8 — brushes for combing eyelashes; 9—neutralizer for glue fumes.
- glue for eyelashes - beginners should choose glue with an average drying speed so that you have time to glue the eyelash and the glue does not dry out prematurely;
- degreaser/primer - cleanses eyelashes before the procedure, also clients spend longer with eyelashes;
- remover for removing eyelashes - there are different types (cream, gel), for a novice artist we recommend using a cream remover, as it is easier to apply, it does not run into the eyes and is more gentle;
- Lower Lash Pads or Tape - Essential for isolating the lower lashes and protecting the lower eyelid. Unlike tape, pads will be more convenient to use and more pleasant to the client’s skin;
- eyelashes - we recommend that beginners buy mix palettes, which is more economical and profitable for a novice artist, and over time (when the flow of clients increases) you can switch to separate palettes with eyelashes of different lengths;
- two tweezers of different shapes - one for separating, the other for grabbing eyelashes;
- jade stone or glass for glue - thanks to the natural coldness of the stone or glass, a drop of glue remains suitable for work longer, which reduces glue consumption during eyelash extensions;
- brushes for combing eyelashes;
- glue fumes neutralizer - breaks down glue fumes molecules, creating a pleasant aroma. Protects the master and client from possible allergic reactions.
This is the basic set. After your first experience working with clients, you will independently choose those materials that will be convenient and comfortable to work with in the future.
Choose only high-quality, certified and tested products, the savings will be reflected in your work and the final result. If your client's eyelashes come off two hours after extensions, she won't come to you again.
Your best bet would be to listen to the instructors at the courses and go to a pro shop they recommend. Some schools even offer to purchase a basic set of materials during or after training.
Reinforcement of PVC profiles
To assemble safe windows, it is recommended to use profiles with an installation depth of at least 70 mm and 5 internal chambers. The frames and sashes of such structures must have closed steel reinforcement. Windows assembled from systems with a minimum number of cameras and a small installation depth are very easy to open. Things are even worse for home owners when plastic products have no reinforcing liners at all.
If the building has plastic windows assembled from reinforced systems, the protection against burglary is at a fairly high level. Dimensional multi-chamber profiles with steel reinforcement have additional advantages:
- reduce heat loss;
- increase the level of thermal insulation;
- increase rigidity;
- eliminate deformation.
Reinforced profiles can only have disadvantages if they are made of low-quality plastic or have a minimum thickness of the outer walls. High-quality systems have no disadvantages.
Automatic roller shutters
Automatic roller shutters enjoy well-deserved popularity all over the world as the most aesthetic and functional solution for ensuring the safety of premises. Such structures have a very wide scope of application; they are installed by owners of private cottages, apartments, office buildings, retail and industrial premises. Protective blinds look organically on the facade of the building, giving it a respectable and well-groomed appearance. Roller shutters can be installed both at the construction stage of a building and on already commissioned facilities.
The production company offers a large selection of roller shutters for installation on buildings for various functional purposes: aluminum, perforated, protective steel, armored, decorative wooden, pickup roller shutters for cars.
Double-glazed windows with triplex
The DIN EN 356 standard defines the dependence of the safety class on the width of the glass unit.
The first (minimum) level is assigned to models with a thickness of 24-27 mm. For products with the sixth class of burglary resistance, this parameter is already 47-50 mm. This classification has a direct relationship with the dimensions of the profiles. After all, a thick double-glazed window cannot be inserted into a window assembled from a narrow profile system with a minimum installation depth of 58-60 mm. In addition, the impact resistance of double-glazed windows must be taken into account, which depends on the materials chosen for their manufacture. It is reinforced double-glazed windows that reduce the risk of penetration through light openings. To make them, they use triplex glass made of two glasses and layers of special film. Triplex glass is produced using both durable and elastic polymer films. They weaken the force of impacts and contain fragments. Thanks to this, breaking in is difficult even when the glass has been broken.
Window customers choose triplex for double-glazed windows, taking into account its additional advantages:
- does not reduce the light transmittance of windows;
- increases the level of sound and thermal insulation of structures;
- makes windows safe for children.
Triplex glass has only one drawback. It lies in the fact that when using it, the mass of double-glazed windows increases. If you do not take this point into account, the active sashes will quickly sag and begin to cling to the frame profile. To eliminate this problem, you need to immediately equip your windows with reinforced hinges.
Features of sandstone masonry
No matter how high-quality the material itself is, only carefully followed technology will ensure its durability. In the case of sandstone, it is necessary to take into account the factor of moisture. The stone and the surface being tiled absorb it differently. Most of it falls on the wall itself. When the temperature changes, poorly executed masonry can fail.
Types of laying sandstone
Maintaining the correct proportions when preparing the adhesive solution will ensure the quality of the installation. The base surfaces for sandstone can be concrete, brick and plasterboard, but not wood due to the different coefficient of expansion. For vertical surfaces there is no need to skimp on glue.
The stone looks best in combination with contrasting dark-colored seams. This effect can be achieved by adding a special pigment to the solution, or by purchasing the appropriate grout. The width of the seams should be from 5 to 30 mm.
Laying stone requires the master to have artistic taste. Sandstone looks advantageous when the “natural pile” effect is achieved. If you don't feel confident, seek professional help.
When working with an angle grinder, you shouldn’t get carried away. The stone must be trimmed so that it does not lose its natural attractiveness. Crushing large stones and then placing them in the same shape is a bad idea. Sandstone laying technology requires patience and skill. If you take into account all the listed nuances, you will get a result that will please you for many years.
Additional hardware devices to protect windows from burglary
Since any opening of a window for ventilation increases the chances of a successful break-in for attackers, it is necessary to minimize the risk.
Since it is not easy to protect windows from penetration when the sash is folded down, it is necessary to create conditions for air circulation when the windows are closed. This can be done in several ways:
- embed supply ventilation valves into the profile;
- supplement the fittings with a micro-slot ventilation device.
If it is not possible to organize ventilation with the shutters fully or partially closed, you can equip the windows with electric drives. Their use will allow you to open the sash minimally and will not allow the gap to widen by several minimeters.
When purchasing automatic sash openers to protect windows, it is not recommended to choose chain drives. The running mechanism of such models is often unable to hold the sash in a given position, so they are unable to prevent break-ins during ventilation. Rack and rod drives are much more effective in such cases.
Popular window lock manufacturers and approximate cost of the device
There are many companies involved in the production of window accessories. Here are the most popular manufacturers of high-quality window fittings:
- Austrian company MACO. All of the company’s fittings undergo additional anti-corrosion treatment. The manufacturer's warranty is 10 years or 40 thousand cycles of use. The company mainly produces window handles with a lock or a push-button interlock as security devices. The average cost of one mechanism is 550 rubles (at the time of writing);
- German company ROTO. Specializes in the production of various security locks for any windows. The average cost of the mechanism is 300 – 500 rubles. The company’s specialists can develop an individual design of fittings at the request of the customer. However, such products will have a high cost;
- The European company Baby Safe Lock specializes in devices that protect children from various troubles. The BSL window lock differs from similar products from other manufacturers by additional protection in the form of a red key. This aspect allows you to control the presence of a key in the lock and remove it during the process. The company produces a large number of window locks, the average cost of which ranges from 450 to 1000 rubles;
- The English company JACKLOC mainly produces window stops or cable locks. The average cost of products from this manufacturer exceeds 1,500 rubles. Window locks with stops are available in a variety of colors. The length of the cable is 200mm, which allows you to open the window to a maximum of 150mm. The products fully comply with Russian standards and have a high safety margin.
Deciding on the need for additional window protection, as well as choosing the design and type of product, is a priority for the residents of a house or apartment. These simple devices, which are inexpensive, can reliably protect the home and small children from big troubles. All window locks can be installed without the help of specialists.
In addition, you can also familiarize yourself with the types and features of anti-burglary window fittings in our next article.
Other methods of protection against hacking
To protect windows, you can use other effective devices: grilles and roller shutters. It is generally accepted that they can replace special fittings, reinforced profiles and impact-resistant double-glazed windows. However, this is a controversial statement, since grilles with roller shutters also do not guarantee 100% safety. Therefore, they are recommended to be used as additional means.
Roller shutters
Protective roller shutters are installed on windows most often in cases where it is necessary to increase the safety class of structures without the use of bars. These devices are typical roller blinds that are wound onto a casing-covered drum. The cassette with lamellas is located in the upper part of the light opening and does not take up much space. To prevent roller shutters from being bent away from the wall, they are equipped with side guides into which the edges of the slats are inserted during installation.
Such devices can be installed inside the premises and from the street. It is necessary to take into account when choosing roller shutters for windows - external modifications additionally protect double-glazed windows and profiles from damage. Therefore, most often these modifications are chosen for protection. Regardless of the installation location, these devices have a number of advantages:
- allow you to darken rooms at any convenient time;
- protect windows from dirt, wind and rain;
- insulate the premises.
The main disadvantage of roller shutters is the need to constantly raise and lower the slats, so it is recommended to purchase models with an electric drive. Additionally, these security devices do not blend with all architectural styles, which is why they are increasingly being banned in historic districts of many cities.
To increase the safety of windows, it is not recommended to install plastic roller shutters on windows - metal structures are much more effective. Products with PVC lamellas are designed to protect against dirt, wind, sun and provide privacy. They cannot be used as a reliable barrier.
Lattices
To choose the right metal grilles for windows, it is necessary to take into account fire safety requirements. These structures should not interfere with unhindered evacuation through openings from burning or smoke-filled rooms. To fulfill such conditions, they are equipped with opening mechanisms and locks. Depending on the customer’s wishes, grilles in openings can be stationary or removable and are divided into decorative, security and decorative-security. For burglary protection, only the second and third types of metal products with a reduced distance between the rods are suitable.
The easiest way to satisfy safety requirements, maintain the aesthetic appeal of windows and ensure convenient operation of windows is in cases where the metal bars on the windows are sliding. This modification allows you to quickly free up the light opening and does not require additional space when opening. Regardless of the modification and method of opening, all types of grilles have several common advantages:
- do not darken rooms, unlike roller shutters;
- have high resistance to mechanical loads;
- do not require special maintenance or regular restoration;
- allow for complete ventilation of the premises;
- provide a high level of protection.
The disadvantages of bars include difficulty in cleaning windows from the street side and the impossibility of installing structures with sashes that swing outward. In addition, many welded models negatively affect the aesthetics of the facade plane. It is recommended to install wrought iron grilles on windows so as not to spoil the appearance of buildings.
When installing grilles on first floor windows, it is necessary to provide for increased reliability of fastening. Burglars sometimes attach such structures to the car with a cable and tear them out of the wall.
Transparent grilles
Recently, instead of metal grilles, protection made of durable polycarbonate has been used. The device is a set of vertical or horizontal strips (lamellas) about 50 mm wide and 6 mm thick, which are securely fixed in metal guides. The characteristics of these structures meet the requirements of GOST R 51242-98. They are 250 times stronger than float glass and have increased elasticity. Thanks to this, the lamellas are very difficult to break even with blows from heavy objects. Most often, transparent bars are installed on windows in cases where they want to increase their light transmittance and avoid the “prison effect”. Such products have many advantages:
- simple and quick installation;
- long service life;
- modern design;
- high resistance to combustion;
- Problem-free change in the number of lamellas.
Contrary to the expectations of some buyers, transparent grilles refract and absorb light waves. This is their main drawback. You also need to take into account the need to manufacture one active sash with polycarbonate slats in order for the product to meet fire safety requirements.
Measures to ensure window safety must be comprehensive. Using only a reinforced profile or reinforced glass unit cannot guarantee security if anti-burglary fittings are not installed. The maximum effect is achieved when all means are used simultaneously. And to minimize any risks, it is recommended to install an alarm.
Grilles on the windows of the first floors
Grilles on windows from the outside or inside are one of the most common methods until recently. But if you look at it, window bars have few advantages compared to modern methods of protection.
Advantages of window grilles
Protection. Often people are forced to save money and purchase the most ordinary grille. It is attached to the wall with anchors, which can be easily removed from the wall using a crowbar or crowbar.
- There are a number of more reliable options for attaching grilles, but they are 5-6 times more expensive. For example, an option when metal rods are passed through the wall and attached from the inside. Then the grate is welded to the rods, or put on them, and a weld is welded onto the rod.
- There are grilles that are installed inside and before you can get to them, you need to break the glass unit, then they are easily knocked out with a kick.
- There are also opening grilles, but you will have to open and close them daily. This is hardly a good solution for apartments on the first floors.
Photo: even beautiful bars on the windows depress the nervous system, “I’m sitting behind bars in a damp dungeon...” Reliable window bars are expensive and take a lot of time to make, and installation and operation require a lot of labor.
Disadvantages of window grilles
- Living behind bars is extremely unpleasant, constantly experiencing negative emotions; seeing bars on the window every day depresses the nervous system.
- The light opening is covered with ornate patterns, and there will be less light in the apartment.
- And most importantly, a closed grill on a window in the event of a fire blocks the only way of escape; the statistics of tragedies due to closed grilles are sad.
Price for gratings:
- The cost of the grille and the work to install it on one average window of 2 m2 starts from 4,000 rubles, but such a grille is easy to break.
- The cost of a grille with reliable fastening starts from 15,000 rubles, and with the function of opening it from 20,000 rubles.
Perforated roller shutters
Perforated roller shutters are a functional and beautiful security solution. Prices for structures of this type are higher than for roller shutters made of aluminum profiles. As a rule, perforated roller shutters are installed as garage or hangar doors in rooms that require constant ventilation. Security shutters of this type are especially in demand for protecting large storefronts from thieves. Perforated roller shutters reliably protect display cases from unwanted actions, while the displayed goods remain visible to the buyer.