Home security checklist

If you have a minute you should make a list the most valuable possessions in your home, are they insured and do you have photographic evidence of your possessions.

It’s likely to include at least some of the following high value items and personal possessions:-

• Flat-Screen TV’s
• Jewellery
• Record/video collections
• Garden machinery
• Desktop computer, laptop, tablets or mobile phones
• Photographs
• Entertainment systems

Now, imagine how you would feel if any of those objects were stolen, sentimental items are not easily replaced and the sentimental value is much greater than the monetary value

What should I do?

If you suspect that you could do more to protect your home from unwanted intruders, take action now and follow key points to a more secure home:

Install a proper burglar alarm

A dummy alarm box is not the answer; burglar-bill can usually spot them a mile off. There is a big choice of systems out there, ranging from DIY install wireless kits to professional monitored systems. Investigate the market and seek professional advice for what is best suited to your home. Fitting a quality burglar alarm should also cut the cost of your home insurance.

Install a CCTV system 

This goes hand-in-hand with the alarm system, think about installing CCTV. Many systems enable you to monitor your property via your handheld device such as your mobile phone or tablet. Think about it businesses frequently use it so what’s stopping you from installing it in your home?

Unwanted intruders and nuisance callers will think twice about wondering down your path or drive  if they see an installed CCTV system. It’ll also obviously increase the chances of identifying these unwelcome guests.

Do you leave a spare key out?

Are you one of those people that’s leaves a key under the door mat, or under the flower pot, or on a string behind the letter box. Then join with the rest of the nation, burglar-bill will look for keys in such spots and you’ll be giving them an open invitation into your home. How are you going to explain that to your insurers?

Have house sitters or frequent visitors whilst you are on holiday

Heading off on holiday this summer?

Ask a friend or neighbour to pop in first thing in the morning and last thing at night to draw or pull your curtains open, turn a few different lights on and off. Any mail/local papers hanging out of your letterbox should also be taken away as it’s a clear sign that you’re away from home. Ask them to move the car, if it’s left on the drive to a slightly different position.

You could also think about joining the local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Remember to refrain from publicising your holiday on social media too as this could be useful to wannabe thieves. Luggage bags should not have your name and address plastered all over them, thieves work around the check-in queues in the airports!

Gates/Fences

Lock and try to deny entry to any gates/fences that lead to the rear of the property, this is where burglar-bill would like to do his work, where he is not seen!

Hot and sunny days

Have you left your windows open, if so this is an open invitation to all, seems a simple piece of advice, but one we all frequently ignore.

Have the latest windows and doors installed

Modern day window and door systems have the latest and most secure locking systems, with locking handles. Euro-cylinders commonly installed in doors in the 80’s & 90’s are much easier to snap than modern day anti-bump and anti snap cylinders. Investigate your options and go for secure-by-design windows and doors. KJM in Andover Hampshire have a range of window and doors that meet these standards. 

Advantages of new windows & doors

Double glazing windows or even triple glazed windows will provide you energy efficiency to your home while adding security to it. New windows and doors also add aesthetic appeal to your home. They can drastically reduce your energy bills on cooling and heating. 

The main feature which attracts most to invest in double and triple glazing is its cost saving benefits. Since there are many installers that supply windows and doors, you want to make certain you choose the correct windows for your home as well as the right contractor. Remember if energy efficiency is the key then a good quality triple glazed window with a 44mm sealed unit will provide over 40% better insulation than a double glazed ‘A’ rated unit.

Advantages of New Windows

Having energy efficient windows in your home will allow you to rest at ease in knowing you made the right decision with regards saving the planets precious resources. There are many advantages of double glazing windows and one of them is noise reduction, secure locking systems, uPVC windows is low maintenance and easy cleaning.

Warmer in winter

Double glazing is the ideal form of insulation, with up to 50-70% of home heat lost through single-glazed windows.

Cooler in summer

Double glazing insulates your home against extremes of temperature, trapping some of the summer sun’s heat gains and minimising the heat that enters through your windows on sunny South elevations.

Reduces energy usage

Energy efficient windows mean less need for heating and cooling systems so you will be reducing energy consumption, which saves on your power bills and helps the environment.

Better locking mechanisms

This will discourage unwelcome intruders for safety and security. It's more difficult for intruders to break in through new windows and doors, particularly if you include laminated glass.

Reduces condensation

Condensation can be a serious problem, particularly in older homes, as it causes mould and mildew, and in some cases it will also rot timber window. Energy efficient glazing works to reduce excess moisture on your window panes.

Reduces noise

New acoustic windows will reduce the amount of sound entering your property. Using acoustic glass reduces noise further for a calmer, quieter home. High performance acoustic glass like Stadip glass can reduce outside noise by up to 60%, making it a great investment if you live by a busy street, near a railway line or beneath a flight path. Secondary glazing is one of the best ways to reduce sound entering your home

Enhances your homes resale value

New windows and doors is an excellent way to increase the resale value of your home. With energy efficient glazing and maintenance free frames an older home can be just as desirable to the purchaser who wants to ensure that the house they buy is efficiently insulated.

Reduces interior fading

Reduces the damaging effects of UV light on carpet and furniture (laminate glass is required) Reduced interior fading by using glass combinations that reduce the transmission of UV radiation.

New windows and doors conclusion

Choosing to purchase energy efficient windows is an investment you will not regret because these windows will last for a long time and have a warranty for at least 10 years with most companies offering an insurance backed policy.