Security Window Grilles

About Security Window Grilles

The security grilles we see outside or inside the house’s windows may seem like a common décor item, but they have a long history. Their roots can be traced back to medieval Scotland, China, and ancient Egypt. They have been used as a décor item and nothing else, but later, John Wesley Harbert introduced it in 1886 as the ‘Burglar-Proof Window Fastenings.’ 

The grilles once used for decoration now can protect houses from burglars. It was a brilliant idea, people loved it then, and apparently, they still love it. Grilles have come a long way; They were first just an aesthetic aspect and now are used for security purposes. They continue to be an essential part of the house. 

Internal Vs. External Window Grilles

Window security grilles allow for two installations, whichever is preferable. They can either be fitted internally or fixed externally. However, having grilles fixed externally may compromise security. 

Insurance companies and police also recommend that homeowners have their grilles installed internally, whether they have tilt and turn windows or sliding windows. It is more secure and poses more challenges for burglars. 

Despite less security, people still have external grilles because they don’t want to deal with installation hassle. 

More than that, external grilles are usually found attached to bifold windows in retail or commercial places where the focus is not on aesthetics, plus the grilles are fixed using covered screws, which is difficult to break through.  

Types Of Window Grilles

Several types of security window grilles are available for different windows, such as louvre windows and awning windows. It is based on their security level and appearance. 

Stainless Steel Window Grilles

The majority of homeowners favor stainless steel when living in houses near the beach or coastal areas. Due to the immunity of stainless steel from oxidization, it doesn’t get damaged from the effects of humidity.

Windows Bars

Windows bars are typically considered the most proficient type of security grille. These consist of bars welded either vertically or horizontally to the window moldings.

They come in a different range of thicknesses, designs, and styles. These window bars can be fitted to sliding windows, sash windows, and more.

Mesh Grilles 

A mesh grille is made mainly for security. They are usually seen in houses with lower floors because they require more secure windows. 

Mesh grilles are preferred for more security and their intricate design. But, more than that, they are especially effective if those with minor children like to run around here and there. 

The welded mesh grille is unaffected by corrosion due to the galvanized coating, which saves the bars from rusting and other damage. These grilles are also convenient for different window types like casement windows or bifold windows.

What Are The Security Grilles Manufactured From?

The material primarily used for security grills is steel. However, the thickness of steel and quality may vary from product to product. 

For those who want more security, investing in grilles with thicker steel would be recommended. Generally, the internally attached grilles are coated with powder for aesthetical reasons. 

On the other hand, externally fitted grilles need sun protection. That’s why they are mainly galvanized. 

Installation

The installation methods for window security grills depend on the product type and window style. For instance, skylights and roof windows installation requires different techniques. However, there are mainly two types of strategies that are used. 

The first method is to mount the bars from the outside of the window. Then, security screws are used to keep it fixed and making it hard to remove. However, this method is still considered the least secure because all there is between the burglar and access into the house are a few security screws.

The second method of installation is comparatively more secure. In this method, the grills are installed and mounted from inside the house. In this way, even if the burglars can break the window glass, they still have to cut the grills from the outside, which is almost impossible if they do not have special heavy-duty cutting tools. 

One last thing, before installing a particular grill, ensure that it matches the local egress codes. It is essential to allow the occupants to escape in an emergency if the main entrance gets blocked. 

Care And Maintenance

To clean the grilles, first, unscrew and unlock them. After opening them, retract them and put them aside. That will prevent the dust from windows from staining freshly cleaned grilles. Therefore, first, clean the windows, then wash the grilles separately. 

If the grilles haven’t been cleaned for some time, it is better to start by scrubbing them with soap or detergent to remove all those large muck areas. 

After that, rinse them thoroughly using clean water. Cleaning grilles are a lot like cleaning a car. Keep going until fully satisfied with the result. When washing them, leave them to dry or use a blow drier to dry them faster.