Upgrades that will improve your home security, Homeowner security product advice
Upgrades That Will Improve Your Home Security
7 February 2024
Each year, our belongings are becoming more and more vulnerable to theft. Between 2022 and 2023, 191,490 home burglaries were reported across England and Wales – equalling around 525 intrusions per day.
While you may not be able to stop them, there are things to do to reduce your chance of being singled out. The key is to make your home less of a target.
Interested in learning more? In this article, we are going to talk about eight upgrades that will improve your home security.
8 Upgrades That Will Improve Your Home Security
Consider Roller Shutter Doors
Securing your home against intruders requires reinforcing the most common entry points: your doors and windows. While sturdy door frames, robust hinges, and secure mail slots are essential, one often overlooked upgrade is the installation of roller doors. Roller doors, which can be fitted over both doorways and windows, offer an additional layer of security.
For all your roller needs, be sure to check with a reputable roller manufacturer. Crafted from high-strength materials like aluminum, roller doors provide a formidable barrier that is challenging to compromise. They come with the dual benefit of not only enhancing security but offering better light and temperature control over traditional curtains or blinds.
Modern aluminum roller doors are designed to be sleek and visually appealing, ensuring that your home’s appearance is not sacrificed for the sake of safety. Crafted from high-strength materials like aluminum, roller doors provide a formidable barrier that is challenging to compromise. They come with the dual benefit of not only enhancing security but offering better light and temperature control over traditional curtains or blinds. Modern aluminum roller doors are designed to be sleek and visually appealing, ensuring that your home’s appearance is not sacrificed for the sake of safety.
For homeowners concerned about the visual impact, rest assured that these roller doors come in a variety of styles and finishes that can be tailored to suit the look of your home. They can blend seamlessly with your exterior, maintaining curb appeal while offering peace of mind.
In addition to securing doorways, roller doors can also be installed over windows, providing a consistent security solution across your property’s vulnerable points. This versatile application means that you don’t have to compromise on style or visibility while ensuring that your home remains a safe haven.
Locks
Locks are fundamental to home security, and upgrading them is a practical step toward safeguarding your property. As some locks age, they become more susceptible to tampering and breaking. To maintain security, it’s advisable to explore newer, more robust options.
A vast array of lock types are available, catering to different security needs and preferences:
- Deadbolts remain a top choice for their reliability and resistance to forced entry, making them a standard in home security.
- Euro Cylinder Locks are commonly used in many modern doors; however, when selecting a euro cylinder, opt for anti-snap varieties designed to prevent a common burglary method known as lock snapping.
- Smart Locks offer advanced features with various access methods:
- Wi-Fi-enabled locks let you control access remotely, provide access notifications, and integrate with smart home systems.
- Bluetooth locks offer convenience with proximity-based unlocking features.
- Keypad and Combination locks remove the need for keys and allow you to easily change codes for security.
- Fingerprint locks utilize biometric technology for personalized access control.
In addition to these, there are other lock types to consider:
- Mortise Locks, which are set within the door itself, offer a high level of security and are quite common in older properties.
- Multi-point Locks engage the door at multiple points with one turn of the key, often used in uPVC doors and becoming more popular due to their enhanced security features.
When choosing a lock, it’s not just about the type but also the lock’s grade and certification. Look for locks that meet or exceed industry standards for strength and durability. A consultation with a professional locksmith can provide insights into the best locks for your specific needs, taking into account your door type, lifestyle, and security concerns. By diversifying your lock types and embracing both mechanical and digital advancements, you can create a comprehensive security system that’s robust, convenient, and adaptable to future innovations.
Security Cameras
If you have the extra money to spare, it’s worth investing in some high-quality security cameras. Most burglars will steer clear of your property out of fear of getting caught.
You can also choose to be more discreet with your placement if you don’t want them to be destroyed. Just be sure to get a professional to install them as the process can be rather complicated.
Alarms
If you do choose to invest in security cameras, you may as well look further into a complete home security system. Alongside surveillance, they contain alarms that will trigger if someone enters the home without your knowledge.
Again, there are a lot of models available, and you may not need all of the latest bells and whistles. Browse around and ask a home security expert for their advice. This way you can choose something that will be the most beneficial.
Motion-Activated Lights
As you may already know, most burglaries will avoid well-lit areas. They don’t want to be identified, especially by neighbors and other people passing by.
Motion-activated lights are a great investment as they will only turn on when triggered. This can scare them away and will also alert you of any unusual activity outside.
LEDs are recommended as they use less power. There are also solar-powered designs that will reduce your energy usage even further.
Glass Break Detectors/Window Contact Sensors
Glass break detectors are small devices that will alert you if a window has been broken. They sense both the sound and vibration of breaking glass and can trigger an alarm to scare off unwanted guests.
Contact sensors on the other hand will work if someone tries to raise a window. The smart device will send an alert to your mobile whenever it is opened or closed.
Safes
If on the off chance, an intruder does manage to make it inside, it’s good to have a place to store all of your most valuable belongings. Small safes are inexpensive and can easily be placed out of sight.
For added protection, opt for a design that alerts you via mobile when it’s opened. You should also check out the best smart places to hide a safe too.
Landscaping
Finally, while there are so many great gadgets that can improve your home security, don’t overlook the normal upgrades. Landscaping is an excellent and effective way to make your home less of a target and also adds value to your property.
For instance, eliminating bushes and other hiding spots will make it difficult for somebody to enter your home without being seen. You could also opt to plant thorny shrubs around plants around your windows for additional protection.
Final Words
While nobody wants to think about someone coming into their home uninvited, it’s still important to be prepared. By enhancing your home and making the necessary improvements, you can reduce the chances of theft and protect your precious belongings.
What do you think? Are there any other upgrades that you would add to this list?
Comments on this guide to 8 Upgrades That Will Improve Your Home Security article are welcome.
Architecture
Rowanbank Gardens, Corstorphine
Rowanbank Gardens Edinburgh Housing
West Town Vision
image courtesy of architects practice
West Town Edinburgh Property Vision
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