Securing an Older Home
Security of home and property is a critical consideration for any homeowner. A secure home protects personal possessions, many of which may have irreplaceable sentimental value, and brings peace of mind whether you are at home or away. While newer homes are constructed in accordance with modern building codes that address security issues, older homes often have many weak points. Thorough evaluation of your residence and surrounding property can help you identify potential intruder entry points, or security risks that need to be addressed.
Windows and doors are the most common weak points intruders gain access to a home. Older windows may possess a certain charm or character they are far less secure than the newer vinyl or wood clad windows. Flimsy latches or rusty hinges further weakened by years of wear and tear may be forced open with a moderate amount jostling. Look for loose or rotten trim boards and window sills a burglar could easily pry off and remove all or part of the window. Often instead of installing a proper dryer venting system people simply ran the vent out a window which prevents locking it. A regular vent, can be easily installed by drilling a 4” hole through the exterior wall and siding. Be sure to insulate and seal the newly installed vent with caulking and spray foam. Place metal or wood bars in sliding windows and doors. Replacing windows can be done for a few thousand dollars and may even add comfort from drafts in the winter, as well as energy savings.
Doors are another area to spend some time investigating. Look for cracks and dry rot in the door jambs and trim casing the door to determine how easily it can be kicked in. If the door slab is in good condition look for loose or missing screws in the strikes and hinges. Replacing some or all of the screws with 3 or 4 inch exterior rated screws can add security by firmly attaching the door to the surrounding studs. If the door swings out it may simply be popped off its hinges. Add a dead deadbolt if not already present. If there are multiple problems, it may be worth replacing it with a newer metal, fibreglass, or solid wood core door.
Search for alternative entry points. Perhaps access to a crawl space can be gained by removing a porch trellis. An unlocked garage or storage shed attached to the house may provide a secluded area for intruders to work. It is not too farfetched for burglars to cut through siding, sheeting, plywood, and drywall to gain access to your goods when a broken window could alert a neighbour or passerby.
Install a security system. Wireless security systems are quick to install and eliminate the damage caused by the drilling required to thread cables on hardwired systems. In addition to trouble sensors on doors and windows, these systems can include motion sensors, security cameras, and digital video recorder systems. These systems have their own batteries, and can function even if power to the house is lost. Alarm monitoring companies will notify the police and dispatch an agent to drive by your house within minutes of trouble.
About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and digital video recordersystems. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.
Windows and doors are the most common weak points intruders gain access to a home. Older windows may possess a certain charm or character they are far less secure than the newer vinyl or wood clad windows. Flimsy latches or rusty hinges further weakened by years of wear and tear may be forced open with a moderate amount jostling. Look for loose or rotten trim boards and window sills a burglar could easily pry off and remove all or part of the window. Often instead of installing a proper dryer venting system people simply ran the vent out a window which prevents locking it. A regular vent, can be easily installed by drilling a 4” hole through the exterior wall and siding. Be sure to insulate and seal the newly installed vent with caulking and spray foam. Place metal or wood bars in sliding windows and doors. Replacing windows can be done for a few thousand dollars and may even add comfort from drafts in the winter, as well as energy savings.
Doors are another area to spend some time investigating. Look for cracks and dry rot in the door jambs and trim casing the door to determine how easily it can be kicked in. If the door slab is in good condition look for loose or missing screws in the strikes and hinges. Replacing some or all of the screws with 3 or 4 inch exterior rated screws can add security by firmly attaching the door to the surrounding studs. If the door swings out it may simply be popped off its hinges. Add a dead deadbolt if not already present. If there are multiple problems, it may be worth replacing it with a newer metal, fibreglass, or solid wood core door.
Search for alternative entry points. Perhaps access to a crawl space can be gained by removing a porch trellis. An unlocked garage or storage shed attached to the house may provide a secluded area for intruders to work. It is not too farfetched for burglars to cut through siding, sheeting, plywood, and drywall to gain access to your goods when a broken window could alert a neighbour or passerby.
Install a security system. Wireless security systems are quick to install and eliminate the damage caused by the drilling required to thread cables on hardwired systems. In addition to trouble sensors on doors and windows, these systems can include motion sensors, security cameras, and digital video recorder systems. These systems have their own batteries, and can function even if power to the house is lost. Alarm monitoring companies will notify the police and dispatch an agent to drive by your house within minutes of trouble.
About the Author: Mike Ward is the owner and operator of Protection Depot, a leading online provider of security cameras and digital video recordersystems. For more information about security cameras, please visit Protection Depot.
Labels: burglar, digital video recorder, intruders, old homes, prevention, security, security cameras, Security system
posted by Security Cams @ 2:27 AM
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