Did you know that more than one million home burglaries occur annually in the United States? A home break-in occurs every 25.7 seconds, lasting 8-10 minutes. Intruders are very skilled at gaining access quickly, locating valuables in the home, and getting out just as quickly.
Besides the value of goods stolen from properties, which was over $737 billion in 2021, there is also the invasion of privacy. Homeowners view their homes as their safe space, the place they can escape to. If someone gains access to that safe space, homeowners can be left with a sense of uneasiness, fear, and even trauma.
All of this leaves homeowners wondering what they can do to improve home security. Sure, a security alarm system is incredibly important, but they may not have considered installing stronger windows. So, let’s take a closer look at how impact windows can help with home security, offering homeowners greater peace of mind.
Home Burglaries – Breaking Down the Statistics
There is a lot to unpack in terms of home burglary statistics. It can be very overwhelming for homeowners to learn just how high the risk is and how much property can be stolen. As mentioned above, stolen property is bad enough, but it also hits their emotional health. Not feeling safe at home is a horrible feeling that can’t easily be fixed.
Here are some of the most alarming home burglary statistics that we like to share with homeowners so they can be more informed:
- Home invasions often occur during the day, specifically from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Thieves know this is the time of day when most people are at work.
- The most commonly stolen items are money, consumable goods, miscellaneous items, and vehicles.
- A burglary can sometimes lead to damaging the property and even violent crimes should the homeowner be there.
- Property crime isn’t rare, it’s the most common crime in the country.
- Burglary rates are highest in the southern and south-central states. In 2021, New Mexico reported the most burglaries.
Typical Steps Homeowners Take to Increase Home Security
The good news is that homeowners can take several steps to improve home security. While these don’t prevent burglaries from occurring, they tend to act as a deterrent. Remember, the main goal of a burglar is to gain access to the property quickly, easily, and without being seen. The same can be said for when they leave.
Some of the common home security steps that homeowners can take to improve security are:
- Install a home alarm system monitored by the homeowner or a response center.
- Install exterior and interior security cameras that can be accessed remotely.
- Ensure all windows and doors have working locks on them.
- Ensure all windows and doors are in sound condition (no broken glass or frames).
- Cut back greenery and trees near the house that could provide cover for a burglar.
- Ensure the exterior is well-lit and use motion sensor lights.
- Don’t make it obvious when you aren’t home – at work, doing errands, or away on holidays.
All of these are great steps, but none of them are 100%. There is still a risk a burglar will gain access even with all these security measures in place.
How Impact Windows are Changing the Home Security Narrative
What homeowners aren’t usually aware of is how impact windows can positively contribute to home security. They aren’t meant to replace the above-mentioned measures; rather, they are an impressive enhancement to total home security.
Impact windows are incredibly high-tech and use materials that can withstand severe weather—even hurricanes. They can resist breakage against strong wind, hail, heavy rain, blowing debris, and more. So, if they’re strong enough to protect against the elements, the trickle-down benefits are that they are a formidable match for a burglar.
We always warn homeowners that impact windows aren’t completely unbreakable, but they do require a lot of effort and time to break. If a burglar has to take extra steps to gain access to your property, they risk being seen and/or heard, which is the exact opposite of what they want to deal with.
Even if they don’t know at first glance that the property has impact windows, they will quickly realize that breaking the glass will be much harder than anticipated. Burglars are used to smashing glass to gain access, but impact windows don’t shatter thanks to the material used.
Impact windows also have aluminum or vinyl frames, which are much stronger than standard wooden frames. If the burglar has a crowbar they plan on using for smashing glass or prying open the wooden frame, it won’t work on impact windows. Of course, we also recommend homeowners install locks on all impact windows as an added security measure.
Many of these enhanced features are visible to the naked eye, such as the stronger frame and the lock, which could be all that’s needed to deter burglars.
Because they act as a great deterrent, some home insurance companies offer discount rates if impact windows are installed. Home insurance companies may reward homeowners for taking the added security measures since it lowers the risk that a claim will be filed.
Don’t Stop at the Windows – Install Impact Doors Too
As a final note, we also recommend homeowners install impact doors. They offer all the same benefits regarding strength and durability, plus added benefits. A back door is often a common place for burglars to gain access to the home.
Outfitting the entire home with impact windows and doors means you can:
- Improve energy efficiency in the home
- Block up to 99% of the UV light entering the home
- Get a customized and high-end look
- Reduce noise pollution
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re ready to consider installing impact windows to provide greater home security, we’re here to help. We can answer all your questions and offer a consultation on what would work best in your home. Be sure to give us a call at 305 925 0818 so we can help make your home a safer, more secure place to live.
Sources
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/home-security/home-invasion-statistics/#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20over%20one%20million,burglaries%20took%20place%20in%202017.