What You Need to Know About Security Bars for Windows

Police forces and security professionals strongly recommend paying close attention to window and door security. In this post we look at how window security bars are a cost effective, practical security enhancement.

Statistics and feedback from criminals confirms that over two thirds of property break-in entries are through doors and windows with over 60% of thieves entering properties via unlocked doors and windows. This is why police forces and security professionals continuously highlight the need for rigorous door and window security.

Police advice on how to secure your windows includes the following recommendations.

• When buying new windows, you should purchase those which are certified to British Standard PAS 24.
• Window locks are essential on ground floors and above flat roofs. They can be retro fitted to many windows.
• Replace rotten window frames using items manufactured to BS PAS24-2012.
• Check that the glazing is secure. If the putty or bonding is old and split, it’s easier for a burglar to remove the glazing.
• You can fit sash windows with specialist screw locks and sash stops.
• Consider installing additional locks and security to patio doors and conservatories which may be vulnerable to attack.
• When buying patio doors, ask for the sliding section to be on the inside and for anti-lift blocks.

The security of existing windows can be significantly boosted by paying attention to these recommendations. Another valuable and effective window security enhancement is the installation of window security bars.

What are Window Security Bars?

Window security bars are also commonly known as “burglar bars” or “window grilles”. A wide variety of designs and styles for both internal and external window security bars can be seen on properties throughout the UK.

Internal window security bars are mounted on the inside of the window. Some systems allow the bars to be unlocked and opened while others are fixed. Internally mounted security bars have the advantage that the bar attachment cannot be attacked from outside the property. This type of window security bars are widely recognised as a better security solution as any intruder firstly needs to prise-open or break the window before attacking the internal bars.

External window security bars are fitted over the outside of windows. This form of window security bar is often permanently fixed into the masonry of the building. External security bars have the disadvantage that the external bar mounting system can potentially be attacked by an intruder, possibly equipped with portable power tools.

Window security bars are also known and widely used as safety bars as they also enhance safety for children and others by preventing them from accessing and falling out of open windows. This is particularly important for compliance with health and safety requirements, especially when dealing with windows with low windowsills.

Window security bars present both a visual deterrent to would-be intruders and a formidable physical barrier that’s very difficult and time consuming to breach.

How to Install Window Security Bars

Installation methods for window security bars vary depending on the product. The installation method offering the lowest level of security involves mounting security bars on the outside of a window frame (external mounting) using screws that can be easily accessed and removed.

 A far more robust and secure installation is achieved by mounting window security bars on the inside of windows (internal mounting) using either a face-fixing or reveal-fixing attachment. A “face fixing” securely attaches the security bars to the window frame or surrounding wall from the inside and the fixings cannot be seen or accessed from outside. A “reveal fixing” attaches the window security bars in the window aperture using mountings secured to the windowsill at the bottom and lintel at the top.

Adaptabar Advantages

Our Adaptabar window security bar system is a highly versatile solution suitable for DIY or professional installation. Adaptabar window security bars are now widely used in many domestic and commercial applications, providing both robust security and improved safety. This low cost telescopic security bar system avoids the expense of made to measure window security grilles and can be readily installed using basic tools and skills.

The modular Adaptabar system uses robust telescopic steel security bars in a variety of bar lengths ranging from 457mm (18 inches) all the way up to 2007mm (79 inches). And the versatile, modular system will cope with windows of any width. Adaptabar kits are available in five size options, depending on the height of the window. Lateral spacer bars are available, allowing the security bars to be joined together to form a grille which prevents burglars from prying the bars apart.

Its important to note how the versatile, telescopic design of the Adaptabar system avoids issues that can occur due to inaccurate measurements. Wrongly sized ‘made-to-measure’ window bars can be a costly mistake.

The steel Adaptabar components are all finished in a durable white paint and the ends of all the tubes are sealed to prevent creepy crawlies from moving in.

Examples of where our Adaptabar window security bar system is now widely used include private homes, schools, gyms, sports facilities, public houses, shops, police stations, council buildings and many other locations where there is a need for enhanced window security and safety.

In our regular posts on home security we always recommend window security bars. They are especially useful for beefing up window security around outbuildings, sheds and garages where criminal know they can find rich pickings. Strengthening home security with window bars is an effective, low cost investment that always pays off.

How to Order Your Window Security Bars

Ordering our Adaptabar window security bars is very simple. You just need to answer a few basic questions.

What Type of Bar Fixing Do You Need?

Firstly, what type of bar fixing do you need? As noted, the options are either “reveal fixing”, or “face fixing”.

Reveal fixing uses bar attachment brackets securely fixed to the windowsill at the bottom and the lintel at the top. Its called a “reveal” fixing as the attachments can be easily seen.

Face fixing uses window bar support brackets which are flush mounted to the wall or window frame. This form of fixing cannot be readily seen from outside.

How Many Bars Do You Need?

The second question to answer is how many window bars do you need? For child safety applications window safety bars need to be mounted quite close together at around 100mm or 4 inch intervals. For security applications window bars can be up to 6 inches or 150mm apart.

To determine how many bars are needed find the centre point of the window aperture and measure the distance from that position to one side. Allocate one central bar and then one bar for every 100mm or 150mm to either side.

For example, for a window with an overall width of 110cm (or 43.5 inches) that requires window bars for child safety (100mm or 4 inch spacing) you would need a central bar and 5 bars on either side making a total of 11 bars. The space between the furthermost bars at either end and the edge of the window aperture would be about 5cm.

What Length of Window Bars Do You Need?

The third important question to answer is how long do the window bars need to be? The Adaptabar system is available in 5 x window size options, each suitable for a range of window heights. Face-fixing and reveal-fixing packs are available for each size option. Here are the ranges:

• 18 inches ( 457mm) - extending to 30 inches ( 762mm)
• 30 inches ( 762mm) - extending to 42 inches (1067mm)
• 42 inches (1067mm) - extending to 54 inches (1372mm)
• 54 inches (1372mm) - extending to 66 inches (1676mm)
• 67 inches (1702mm) - extending to 79 inches (2007mm)

What Extras Do You Need?

When purchasing Adaptabar window security bars its important not to overlook the need for appropriate anti-tamper, security fastenings to attach the bar brackets. Our Adaptabar security fixing pack provides everything you need including one-way, anti-tamper screws and wall plugs. 

Another important extra to consider are the low cost lateral spacer bars that add rigidity to longer bar lengths, preventing them from being pried apart. These valuable add-ons turn the window bar installation into a robust security grille. You will need one less spacer bar than the total number of bars required for the window.

Adaptabar Customer Reviews

By far the best way to gain an appreciation for any product is to read reviews from customers who are already using it. We consistently received excellent feedback from our clients regarding our Adaptabar window security bars. As well as the great service they get from Insight Security you can read how these security bars are easy to install, robust and highly effective.

Good robust product. Comes with all fittings and easy to fix.

Very Pleased with my Telescopic Window Security Bars and with the prompt delivery.

The In-Key organizer key cabinet and adaptabars are both installed. I am happy with both products.

Thank you, I was very pleased with the most helpful advice and service I received from Chris, and with the speed with which he got the window bars sent. They are excellent and will keep my 2 year old grand-daughter away from the four-storey high windowsill which was proving too attractive to her!

Thank you so much for the Telescopic Window Bars. We had an attempted break in recently- we now have peace of mind.

The Adaptabars fitted perfectly. I am very happy with them.

Very pleased with my window bars.

I contacted Insight after having searched an item online. We have recently renovated a flat which we are going to rent out. One of the issues is that the window sills are quiet low which has Health and Safety implications especially for a landlord. I identified that the telescopic window bars would make a great safety feature if fitted horizontally but I wasn’t 100% sure. I called Insight and they couldn’t have been more helpful especially Kirsty. I have ended with the perfect solution to the problem with a quality product which was delivered next day.

Thank you for the Telescopic Window Security Bars and the Security Fixings which were easy to fit. Very pleased with them.

First class service, extremely proactive in keeping me informed of where in the chain my order is. Arrived on the day at exactly the time advised. Product exactly as specified, already installed, no problem.

The Telescopic Window Bars are solid and robust. I may need some more.

I am very pleased with the Window Bars you have supplied and will be ordering more.

Installation of the Telescopic Window Security Bars was easy. They are great.

Very pleased with the Window Security Bars. I installed them in an old people’s home-very easy to fit. I have recommended Insight to a colleague in the trade.

For more information on What You Need to Know About Security Bars for Windows talk to Insight Security