Locks for home windows

Next thing they know, the police are on their way. Also, why would an intruder head right for the front door? Walking right up to the front door is the worst idea an intruder can have. Knowing the types of window locks can help you be more prepared for anything that could happen. Your goal is to make it as difficult as possible for someone to break into your home. Some areas of your home, such as second story bedrooms, are difficult for intruders to reach. However, there are a few rooms that absolutely need window locks.

They make for easy access to your home otherwise. We also suggest any large windows a person could fit through have a lock. They make it much easier for intruders to sneak into your home. There are many types of window locks available for your windows. Mixing and matching locks is beneficial to your safety and we highly recommend it. Window latches are the most common type of window lock.

Window latches are simple locks that should be reinforced by other locks to help fortify your window. Keyed locks, as the name implies, can only be locked and unlocked using a key. Child safety latches allow your window to open to a certain degree. Double hung and sliding windows often have two sets of child safety latches found at 3 and 5 inches. Child safety latches alleviate the problem by preventing your windows from opening too far.

Your kids are safe and you can enjoy a cool breeze. Keyless door locks require batteries or hardwiring for power. It depends. Some of the locks we mentioned on our list are easier to install than others, and it depends on how comfortable you are with tools. The main reason you might need a lock pro is if your locking mechanism doesn't fit your door properly. Services like Thumbtack can help you find someone to lend a hand if you need it.

An ANSI Grade 3 indicates that a product is good for basic residential security, a Grade 2 is a higher level of residential security, and a Grade 1 is considered the highest quality grade for residential or commercial security.

Lock bumping is a technique used by both locksmiths and lockpicking intruders to open a lock using a special "bump key" and a blunt object like a hammer or screwdriver. Once the bump key is inserted into the lock, hitting it at different angles with the hammer will jostle the inner workings of the locking mechanism until it unlocks.

Getting a bump-resistant lock is essential to ensure home security. To choose our top picks for the best door locks, we studied each lock's construction and security features to find locks that were not only built to last but also designed to foil even the most talented lockpicker.

To find out more about how we review security products, check out our full methodology. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon.

About Contact Press Blog. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. This is not a guarantee. SafeWise is an independent review site.

We may earn money when you click links on our site. Learn more. Best Door Locks for Home Security. We compared traditional deadbolts and door locks to find the toughest options for a secure home. Best for security. Medeco Maxum. Unique angled key design. Drill-proof hardened steel. Pick-proof lock. View on Amazon. Read review. Easiest installation. Schlage B60N Low-profile face. Universal latch. Easy installation.

Best for storm doors. Wright Serenade Mortise Set. Attractive design. Universal fit. Storm door deadbolt. No jargon. Pictures helped. Didn't match my screen. Incorrect instructions. Too technical.

Not enough information. Not enough pictures. Any additional feedback? Keyed locks are an excellent deterrent as they are very difficult to break in through. Window bars are extremely effective. Even if the glass is broken, an intruder will still have a hard time removing the bars to fit through the window itself.

However, window bars should always be installed by a professional. If they are installed incorrectly, they could possibly damage the exterior wall or be ineffective to keep burglars out. One of the downsides to window bars is that they can actually decrease the value of your home.

People often assume that the presence of window bars means that the neighborhood is unsafe. Window latches are probably the most aesthetically pleasing option when it comes to securing your windows. Vinyl windows often use a latch that looks and operates much like a window sash. Casement windows, however, often utilize a folding window latch. The folding latch is simply folded down to lock the window. SimpliSafe — Equipment. Although not technically a lock, a home security system with window entry sensors can be another layer of protection for your windows.

They work by sounding an alarm and alerting the owner when the system senses that a window has been opened. This is most commonly accomplished with magnetic contact sensors. The sensors remain close together, nearly touching, while the window is closed.

And when the window is opened, the magnetic sensors break contact and the alarm is tripped. If you want to learn more and find a system that works for you, check out our list of the best home security systems available. Window locks are important because windows can be an easy way for a burglar to enter your home. After realizing that your door is locked, most burglars will head straight for the windows.