If you live in an apartment, the security of your home is important. You should secure your windows and doors to prevent intruders from getting inside your home.
Window locks are the best way to prevent intruders from entering your apartment. They’re cheap and easy to install.
1. Drilled Locks
Drilled locks can be a great way to secure apartment windows and other areas of your home. They’re easy to install and can prevent break-ins, theft, and vandalism.
To drill a lock, you’ll need a power drill and a drill bit. Cobalt bits are often used to cut through abrasive metals, while tungsten ones can work with softer materials.
A hammer and a center punch are also essential tools for this job. A hammer will help you create a point above the keyhole that will serve as a guidance point for drilling. A center punch should be high enough to allow you to drill through the pin tumblers of the lock’s cylinder, but not so high that it will interfere with the lock’s operation.
When it comes to ensuring your safety, you should always wear gloves and goggles. This will protect your hands from shards of metal that may fall from the drill’s head.
Another important tip is to know the type of lock you have. Some types of cylinders can be more difficult to drill through than others, such as tubular locks or locks with ball bearings.
If you have any doubts, contact a locksmith for assistance. They will have a better understanding of your specific lock and can establish where to drill, as well as how to open it with minimal damage.
Rogue locksmiths often begin the process of gaining entry by attempting to drill out your lock. This is a costly mistake that can cause further damage to the locking mechanism inside your door, making it even more expensive than replacing parts.
2. Smart Locks
One of the most effective ways to secure your apartment windows is by using a smart lock. These locks have the ability to automatically lock or unlock your door and send notifications and access log history to a smart phone app, making it nearly impossible for burglars to gain entry.
There are a few different types of smart locks, but the most popular are those that connect to your home network and work with an app on your smart phone or home hub. These locks can be operated and monitored remotely, and you can set up temporary “keys” that you can use to unlock your door.
The best ones are capable of integrating with security systems, smart home devices like Google Nest or Amazon Alexa, and even Apple’s HomeKit to automate routine actions such as locking your door and turning lights off when you leave. They also send notifications and access logs when your door is unlocked or opened, helping to keep you informed while away from home.
Smart locks can come in two configurations: full deadbolt lock sets that replace all of the door’s internal hardware, and smart lock kits that add a smart deadbolt to your existing doorknob or handle. The first type of setup is ideal for apartment owners who want to get the most out of their smart lock.
Smart lock kits tend to be less expensive than standalone smart locks, and they often include all the hardware you need to set up your device. Some, such as the Wyze Lock, also come with a hub to help you connect it to your smart home system. But, if you don’t need a hub, some options, such as the August Smart, can operate without one and use Bluetooth to connect to your home network and the smart lock app.
3. Security Cameras
A simple, yet effective way to secure your apartment is by installing security cameras. They can record footage in real time and allow you to keep tabs on your home even when you are not there.
Moreover, many cameras have built-in motion sensors that alert you when someone’s near your home or door. This way, you can catch intruders as they come close and call the authorities if necessary.
If you live in a high-crime area, it’s also recommended to install bars and grilles inside and outside your windows. These prevent intruders from getting through your window and causing damage to your property.
Another useful tool is a video doorbell. This can detect motion and send you an alert if someone enters your building, or raise an alarm if it’s a security guard on patrol.
You can also opt for a camera that has cloud storage, which allows you to see live video remotely. This can be especially helpful if you live in a remote area, or if your home has poor Internet coverage.
Some of these systems are also connected to your smartphone, so you can immediately receive a notification if someone tries to tamper with your window. This can help you avoid break-ins and protect your family.
Aside from being an excellent way to monitor your apartment, security cameras can help you track down stolen property. If the camera is equipped with cloud backup, it will allow you to download the video files so that you can send them to the police if needed.
4. Sliding Door Bolsters
If you live in a condominium or apartment, it’s vital to secure your windows. They’re a common entry point for burglars, and can allow intruders to easily access your home. Keeping them locked is a good first step, but there are plenty of other things you can do to beef up your window security.
A good start is to install sliding door bolsters, which are metal bars that attach to the track and brace against the doors when closed. They are easy to install and can make it harder for intruders to open your door.
These bolsters can be installed with the use of a drill or screwdriver and are a quick and cheap way to increase your apartment’s window security. They come in sets of eight and are less than a dollar each, so they’re a great way to secure your windows without breaking the bank.
Some of these bolsters also come with a built-in lock. This makes it hard for burglars to get in and out, but you’ll have to keep the key in a safe place that’s outside of the building.
Another good way to protect your sliding doors is to add a glass break detector. These sensors sound your alarm if glass breaks, which can scare off burglars and give authorities more time to respond.
A glass-break detector is a relatively inexpensive way to secure your sliding doors, but it’s not as strong as a security lock or window film. In fact, you may need to invest in both to fully protect your windows and sliding doors.
Burglars often break windows in an attempt to gain entry. The most effective way to prevent this is with a locking mechanism that can’t be opened by children or adults.
5. Window Rods
Window rods are an easy and inexpensive way to secure your windows. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and finishes so you can find the right one for your home.
These rods allow you to easily and conveniently hang curtains or other treatments. They are often paired with other hardware like clips, grommets and hooks to give them a finished look and help keep them secure.
Curtain rods also come in a variety of materials, including metal and wood. You can select a rod that combines a modern, clean-lined style with a rustic or natural finish to give your space the perfect blend of elegance and simplicity.
The length of the rod is another important factor in ensuring your drapery looks its best. It should be positioned high enough to cover the top of the window by a few inches. This allows you to create the illusion of a taller or higher ceiling while still allowing plenty of light in.
If your curtains are heavy, choose a rod that is designed to support the weight. These heavy-duty options are usually more expensive, but they are designed to last and ensure your window treatment stays secure.
A telescoping curtain rod is an excellent choice when hung with lightweight curtains. It can be adjusted to fit the size of your window and works with a variety of curtain styles and accessories.
You can also opt for a double curtain rod. These are available in a variety of styles and colors, and they can be used with both sheer and blackout fabrics.
These rods are a great option for apartments because they don’t require drilling holes into your walls. They also come with rubber tips on both ends to minimize scraping or damage.