ᐅ Burglary Protection – Upgrading Windows from Resistance Class WK2 to WK3 – Alarm System?

Created on: 13 Jan 2017 09:52

Hello dear forum community,

Due to recent events, I would like to ask how new and experienced homeowners think about burglary protection and what measures they have installed or are planning to install. Also, whether anyone has had good or bad experiences with certain products.

Now, regarding the current situation: last week, there was a break-in at our immediate neighbors’ houses and then at two houses behind us.

In one case, there was an attempt to lift the front door, but the triple locking mechanism held... then the intruder tried the terrace door (security level WK1), which gave way.

At the other house, an attempt was made at a small window behind the house (WK3), which also failed, and then at the terrace door (WK3). Here, the roller shutter was torn off and the triple glazing was smashed.

In summary, jewelry, electronics, and all small valuable items were stolen, as well as coats and similar items. Larger items were left behind, but everything was thoroughly searched and violently broken into.

The day before yesterday, another break-in occurred a few streets away… all around dusk, about 5-6 pm.

We have WK2 windows, and I will now upgrade them to WK3 (already ordered). But what about the glass? I won’t be able to replace all panes with laminated glass, it’s just not feasible. Has anyone had experience with films that are applied from the inside (300 mil)?

Besides that, we have video surveillance all around... We are now installing ten 20W LED floodlights around the house, which turn on when motion is detected and stay on for a while (directed away from the house).

Additionally, a siren will be installed on the roof, connected to the KNX alarm system, which will activate in case of glass breakage or unauthorized window opening. (I still have to buy the glass break detectors).

For the large windows, I have also ordered rod locks because the weak point is in the middle where there is no central bar.

sirhc16 Jan 2017 17:13

#49

BastianB schrieb:
Then you could just use fixed glazing on the ground floor as well? If you’re not going to open them anyway, you could save yourself the handles altogether

We actually did that in the living/dining area. One sliding door to go outside, the rest is fixed glazing. Air exchange is handled by the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system.

ypg16 Jan 2017 18:17

#50

BastianB schrieb:
So, then you could also use fixed-glass windows on the ground floor? If you’re not opening them anyway, you might as well skip the handles entirely.

No, you can open them, but you don’t have to.
You have the option, but it’s not necessary.

Except for the guest bathroom and the kitchen sink, all our windows are actually doors. I really like being able to go outside everywhere. When the day is over, everything gets locked.

Alex8516 Jan 2017 18:19

#51

Mycraft schrieb:

Of course, what else would the handles be for? You might as well install the simple ones if the key is left in the lock.

I currently live in a rental building (built in 1974/75), and we have lockable handles everywhere. Yes, the keys are left in all the time, but the locks are never actually engaged. Almost every window is opened at least once a day here. It would drive me crazy to have to take the key, lock and unlock every time.
That’s why I’m asking. I’ve thought that the locks are pointless if the keys stay in the lock or the lock isn’t actually engaged. It would be way too much effort for very little risk. So thanks, those things have already been taken off my “must-have” list for the new house, except...

Bieber0815 schrieb:

The key point is controlled ventilation. Most windows on the ground floor don’t need to be opened anyway, so all the keys are stored centrally right near the patio door (in a drawer). Upstairs, the keys just stay in the locks.

... that Bieber0815 posted this. That actually makes sense to me; with controlled residential ventilation, you don’t need to open windows as much. At least that’s the plan.

BastianB schrieb:

Then you could just use fixed glazing on the ground floor? If you don’t open them anyway, you can just skip the handles altogether

Compared to my current rental, the new house will actually have far fewer windows that need to be opened. Why bother otherwise? Fixed glazing is the cheapest and is meant to provide light, while air comes from the controlled ventilation system. Of course, there will be at least one openable window per room, just not like now where there are 2-4.

Curly16 Jan 2017 19:26

#52

Cleaning the windows will be difficult upstairs due to the fixed glazing.

Best regards,
Sabine

Alex8516 Jan 2017 19:34

#53

Curly schrieb:
Cleaning the windows on the upper floor will be difficult with fixed glazing.

Best regards
Sabine

Have you already asked the window cleaner? He usually brings a ladder anyway and prefers to clean from the outside—that results in less dirt inside. It's just a small extra effort for him (getting the rope up), so it will cost a few extra dollars for his service.

Bieber081517 Jan 2017 07:48

#54

BastianB schrieb:
Then you could also just use fixed glazing on the ground floor?

Well, then you would never, ever be able to open it. I’m not sure if you want to make such final decisions. The savings will probably be minimal, right?

ᐅ Burglary Protection – Upgrading Windows from Resistance Class WK2 to WK3 – Alarm System?

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