Keeping Your Home Safe This Winter
Now the nights turn dark earlier in the winter days, our thoughts turn to making sure our homes are safer with enhanced security. Your doors, windows and lighting are important considerations to ensure you maximise safety
If you are leaving your house early or returning when it is dark, there are a few lighting options to consider. As properties are engulfed in longer periods of darkness, lighting is crucial. There are many options on the market…
Motion sensor lights will turn on when movement is detected. Different motion sensor security lights will have various read ranges and wider or narrower fields of view, so these are things to look out for.
Solar powered lights can be powered even on cloudier or darker days which makes them useful throughout the year. Many have long life batteries and of course, need no wiring.
Timed security lights offer the option of switching on for a set period so can be on all night for a six-to-eight-hour period, though neighbours may need to be considered.
Mains security lights are wired to your home’s electricity. Additional power consumption needs to be considered, but you can often customise these lights more and have stronger bulbs in them.
Hybrid security lights are a combination of features. These lights could be timed, solar powered, through the mains, motion sensored or a mix of them. They will often cover the best aspects of each of the different types they are a hybrid of.
One of the most effective ways to make your entire home more burglar-proof is securing your external doors and windows. Again, there are many options on the market with a host of security features and come in a wide variety of materials including wood, uPVC, aluminium and steel.
Doors and windows are always going to be the most vulnerable entry points around the property, and it is important that you conduct regular inspection to test whether you need to upgrade the windows, doors, and any locks to make them stronger and harder to break. Replacing old external doors and windows can not only enhance security but also save you money on heating costs by helping to increase your home’s thermal efficiency.
Made of metal, aluminium and steel doors and windows naturally have more strength, are durable and resistant to corrosion which ensures longevity. When it comes to security, many elements contribute to a window frame’s ability to resist break-ins. When combined with quality glazing and hardware, aluminium and steel windows and doors are secure. Solid and strong, aluminium and steel are metals that are difficult to damage.
Composite doors are made up of several different materials. All have a reinforced frame core with a thermally efficient layer, meaning they’re strong and efficient and can come with a multi-point locking system. Similarly, uPVC doors and windows are low maintenance and can come with a choice of locking systems.
Traditional wood doors, often kept in place as a period feature are long lasting and sturdy. With maintenance they can last a long time. A variety of locks can be fitted fairly easily to add extra security.
