12 Common Door and Window Mistakes That Let Burglars In

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Doors and windows serve as the primary security layers when it comes to home defense. This means plenty of homeowners are making mistakes that put their safety at risk. These secure entry points are also paramount; however, often overlooked aspects that weaken your home’s defenses, such as old-fashioned locks or flimsy frames and sometimes… forgetfulness.

If you can understand and fix these common mistakes, you will almost certainly reduce the chances of a break-in. Well-secured doors and windows mean the safety of rooms and minds. Here, we discuss 12 common door and window security mistakes that can make you an easy target for a burglar and provide strategic tips to improve your home safety.

Weak Door Locks

Many homeowners make the biggest mistake of installing inferior door locks, which can be easily picked or broken. Many standard locks can be bypassed in seconds, letting intruders right in. Regular carpentry keys to deadbolts can be upgraded by installing high-security brand models or investing in smart locks.

Unsecured Sliding Doors

The problem with sliding doors is that many of them only have a tiny latch lock, which is not very secure. Without any other security, they can be picked up pretty easily. Installing a security bar and shatterproof film is one option that can significantly improve the resistance to break-in.

Flimsy Window Frames

Window frames weaken over time, making them easier for burglars to access. Wood frames can rot or warp over time, leading to a lack of structural integrity. Substantial materials such as metal and regular maintenance can further strengthen a window’s defense.

Forgetting to Lock Windows

During the summer, Mosler said people open their windows for fresh air and forget to close them when they go to bed. This is the perfect opening for robbers. Make a habit of checking to make sure all windows are closed and secured before you turn off the lights each night or leave your residence for the day.

Poor Door Frame Reinforcement

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Weak door frames are a weak point, even with solid locks. A flimsy frame can easily be kicked in with force. Longer screws, along with reinforcement plates, can make it a lot harder to kick in.

Lack of Security Lighting

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Doors with dark corners attract burglars who prefer to remain unseen. When you do not have adequate lights, it becomes extremely difficult to detect any odd activity. Adding motion-activated lighting in key areas illuminates their activities, sending boors scurrying.

No Glass Break Sensors

Unprotected glass windows and doors are the most fragile. If the glass is shattered, many security systems cannot directly monitor this. Glass break sensors, or alarms can immediately warn of an attempted intrusion.

Ignoring Peepholes and Cameras

Another weakness is that the entry points do not have peepholes or security cameras, so residents would not know who comes to their houses. These tools give critical pre-approach visibility. Other ways to improve security are by installing wide-angle peepholes or video doorbells, which allow you to observe who they are safely.

Misplacing Spare Keys

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Spare keys can be difficult for some homeowners to secure, considering the most common hiding places are beneath doormats or inside flower pots. It is intended to highlight a stupid mistake that enables burglars with an easy entry. Choose namesake entry systems or a loyal neighbor to ensure your keys fail to slide into the incorrect arms.

Ignoring Alarm System Updates

As powerful as they are, alarm systems are often outdated and lack security features. Over time, users will almost certainly also be careless about maintenance and battery replacements. Keeping your alarm system up to date and adequately serviced maintains its effectiveness and safeguards you.

Neglecting the Second-Story Window

Ladders or another climbing method can make even second-floor windows accessible. This can be a key vulnerability to overlook. These windows should also be reinforced with locks and additional security tools like window bars.

Inconsistent Security Practices

Inconsistently applying security measures can create vulnerabilities. For example, doors can be randomly shut and windows left open, or vice versa. As long as the basics are possible, a comprehensive security strategy will make the home more powerful, with no loopholes for thieves to sneak into.