How to make sure your home is secure this winter

The crime rates in the UK, including for burglary, have decreased in recent years, but that does not mean the risk has disappeared altogether. According to the Office of National Statistics(ONS) there is still an average of 456 burglaries happening somewhere in the UK every single day and as the dark nights draw in, it’s a good time to revisit your home’s security. Better alarms, an increase in the use of video doorbells, and stronger windows and doors are all helpful.

Security is often near the top of the list of priorities when buying new windows and doors but investing in home improvements specifically to improve security is less common. And yet these are the points of entry for any burglar with the ONS stating that approximately 70% enter through a door and 30% gain access to a property through a window.  

Whether you are looking for new windows and doors to make you feel safer in your home, or whether it is time to replace your existing windows and doors for other reasons but you want to make sure they rate highly on the security scale, here are some things to look out for.  

Aluminium is inherently strong

The first thing that is useful to know is that aluminium is one of the strongest building materials you can get, which makes it an excellent choice for windows and doors because it is very unlikely to be cracked or dislodged when under attack. It is also difficult to cut into, which makes it much harder for intruders to access and dislodge the panes of glass inside the window or door.

Another byproduct of aluminium’s inherent strength is that it is a much more stable material that is not affected by temperature in the same way that PVC-U and timber are for example. This means it doesn’t flex or warp in extremely hot or cold weather and therefore keeps its structural integrity for the long term.

Security features of aluminium windows and doors

And finally, when researching your new windows and doors, it is worth taking note of the glazing, hardware and locks that will be used in the final products. Different combinations of these things, along with the material of the frame, can create finished home improvements with entirely different performance levels when it comes to security.

Other safety tips for winter

Installing new aluminium windows and doors with the very latest security technology and hardware is the ideal solution for feeling safe and secure this winter, but if you aren’t able to invest in home improvements right now, or if you already have, there are some other top tips to keep your home safe.

1. Install a video doorbell to deter intruders so that you can check who is at the door before opening.
2. Make sure you have outdoor lighting that automatically comes on if anyone approaches your property.
3. Keep all windows and doors locked, especially when you are out.
4. Let trusted neighbours know if you are planning to take a break so they can keep an eye on your property.
5. Set internal lights to come on and off at pertinent times while you are not at home.
6. Install and make sure you set an alarm. This still acts as a good deterrent.
7. Keep all valuables out of sight to deter opportunistic burglars.
8. And finally, don’t post on social media that you will be out for the evening or that you are going away on holiday – in the wrong hands this alerts people to an empty home.

Secure aluminium home improvements

If you would like some more information about secure aluminium windows and doors, get in touch with a trusted local supplier. We have helped remove the hassle of finding a company you can trust by creating a network of installers that are all required to adhere to a strict code of conduct. Find your local partner here and feel safe in your home this winter.