As promised at the end of part 4 of this series, in this section I will deal with Patio Sliding Glass Doors. Quite often homeowners install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave their patio doors and sliding glass windows “wide open” to illegal entry.
Burglars love these because they are so easy to open. Usually, sliding doors and windows are at the side or rear of the home so they are more secluded than the front door, this makes a perfect place for burglars to hide and enter.
There are two main risks that need to be protected against.
1. Forcing the lock.
The standard lock that is fitted to most sliding doors and windows is very easy to pry open, an additional stronger lock should be fitted to give more security. Something as simple as lying a broomstick in the runner can offer some protection provided it is a good fit.
However Dead Locks are much better, they will prevent the burglar from using the door or window to remove stolen property unless they smash the glass and that is a very noisy and risky thing for them to do.
2. Lifting Out.
Many sliding doors and windows can be lifted out of their tracks from the outside. You can prevent this by putting two metal screws through the track above the sliding part of the door or window, the screw will need to be adjusted to allow the door to operate correctly.
Double Hung Windows
To lock a double hung window, you will have to drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, and through that into the bottom of the top window being careful to avoid the glass unit, if you have any doubt about your DIY abilities get a professional tradesman to do it. Once the hole is drilled a pin can be inserted, locking the window shut.
To use the window for ventilation, you should partly open it (less that 4 inches) and making a second set of holes, the window can then be used for ventilation.
Remember, open windows and doors, even if secured, should never be left unattended while you are gone or asleep.
This section is quite short but I thought the information was important enough to deserve a section of it’s own. In part six we will be dealing with Burglar Alarms.
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Filed under Home Security System by on Apr 29th, 2009. Comment. 
For the homeowner that likes to do things instead of paying someone else, there are now DIY home security systems available for purchase. Some large general stores and even some home improvement centers carry the systems and provide necessary hardware and tools.
If one wants to tackle this project, they need to use the instructions provided.Sure, the barbecue was put together without instructions, but even the barbecue may be missing a bolt or two, or something wasn’t installed because it wasn’t needed.
With DIY home security systems, everything has to be right or it may not work properly.Following the instructions will make the process take less time and that saves a lot of aggravation. One of the main reasons for buying DIY home security systems is to save money and to do something that will work well.
When the homeowner decides to buy a system, they should do some research in order to make sure that they are getting what’s best for their particular situation. It isn’t rocket science but it is very important to have a security device that will keep both the family and home safe for years to come.
Once the homeowner has educated him or herself, it will become much easier to pick the right system from the many DIY home security systems.
Some Possible Complications
If, while installing a security system from the many DIY home security systems, the homeowner gets confused, there is usually a phone number listed for product support.
Don’t try to be the hero and soldier through the installation. Some parts can break if mishandled and then the owner has to order a new part before the installation can be completed.
If something isn’t working as advertised, then ask someone else to take a look at whatever the problem is. It may hurt one’s pride but, if someone else solves the problem, then the owner can continue with the installation.
DIY home security systems are designed and engineered to be installed by the homeowner. If it seems like the world is against the owner, it might be a good time to walk away and take a much needed break.
If the toddler at one’s feet figures it out then takes credit for it, don’t tell anyone. However it finally gets done can be the homeowner’s secret. When it is done, the homeowner should test the system and then be proud of the completion.
Filed under Home Security Guide by on Apr 28th, 2009. Comment.
If a homeowner has gone to shop, then they have probably been asked to fill out a petition or a survey.Most of the time people try to avoid them like a plague.
There is one survey that can help a homeowner in the long run.Home security surveys are meant to see what level of safety homeowners have. They also want to have someone call at home to make an appointment.
Everyone is busy with daily life and time is precious. But if the homeowner thinks about it, the most important part of life is protecting loved ones.It isn’t a bad idea to take the time to answer questions about the survey. If anything, it will get the homeowner thinking about safety.
Home security surveys will ask questions that will make one think. No homeowner wants to stay unsafe, and that’s why it can be a good thing. Have someone come to the house and look around at problems that they may detect. It doesn’t take long because these people do it for a living.
If the owner decides not to better secure the home then that is a decision they will live with.More often, however, the homeowner will see just how unprotected their assets really are. This usually makes the owner consider what the options for their home are.
Things To Be Careful Of
If the homeowner is approached outside of a store for a home security device survey, they should be careful not to give out any personal information.If the homeowner has a bad feeling, then politely walk away.
While most of the people conducting the surveys are hard working people, there may be some people trying to do more than just conducting surveys. Ask for the card of the company they work for and call them back.This is a much safer way to handle home security surveys.
Never give out information, such as where the home is located or the address or even a phone number. Its better to be safe than sorry and those who do the home security system surveys don’t care. It is sad when we cannot trust those around us but being personally safe is a higher priority than the house.
If the surveyor is calling, it is polite to take the name and number of the individual and call them back. This makes it hard for someone calling to get information about the house.
If the homeowner is still not sure, then he or she should call the Better Business Bureau. They will confirm the time the company has been a member and they will also share any complaints that the company may have.With this information, the owner can call the company doing the home security surveys.
Filed under Home Security Guide by on Apr 27th, 2009. Comment.