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Filed measures for Windows.
Windows
Window Locks Are the Weakest Point on Most Homes
ThreatOpportunistic break-ins through ground-floor, basement, and accessible second-floor windows, especially unlocked or single-pane units with worn latches.
CostBasic supplemental latches and pins: $5–$40 per window. Keyed locks or upgraded sash hardware: $20–$80 per window. Professional installation, if needed: $75–$200 per window plus parts.
InstallMost surface-mounted latches, pins, and wedges are DIY-friendly with a drill and screwdriver. Replacing integral sash locks or routing new mortises may require a carpenter or locksmith. Electrical or alarm integration requires a licensed professional.
DetersDeters or delays forced opening, prying, and lifting of sashes. Does not deter smashing glass, cutting screens, or a determined intruder with unlimited time and tools. Alarm contacts detect opening but do not physically stop entry.
Windows are the most common secondary entry point in homes, and they are often the easiest.
Windows
Shatter Film and What It Actually Buys You
ThreatOpportunistic smash-and-grab break-ins, forced entry through glass, and smash-through attacks on doors or windows with glass panels; also incidental glass breakage from accidents or weather.
CostMaterials: roughly $6–$12 per square foot for DIY safety/security film, $15–$30 per square foot installed by a professional. Full-house or large-pane projects often run $1,000–$5,000+ depending on square footage, film type, and labor.
InstallModerate to high for a clean, lasting result. DIY kits exist, but proper surface prep, wet application, and edge sealing are critical. Professional installation is recommended for large panes, tempered glass, or any film meant to hold glass together under impact.
DetersDeters or delays forced entry by holding shattered glass in its frame, increasing noise and time required to break through. It does not deter determined attackers with tools, and it does not detect or alert; it only buys time and reduces flying-glass hazards.
Glass is the weakest point in most home envelopes.
Windows
Sliding Glass Doors Need More Than a Latch
ThreatOpportunistic break-ins that exploit the sliding glass door's weak latch, lift-out panels, and large glass panes; also addresses forced prying and smash-and-reach attacks.
CostParts range from about $20 for a basic secondary lock or pin to $150–$400 for reinforced strike plates, shatter-resistant film, or a security bar; professional installation, if chosen, typically adds $100–$300 per door.
InstallMost add-on locks, pins, and bars are DIY-friendly with basic tools; reinforcing strike plates, replacing rollers, or applying security film may require a handyman or licensed contractor, especially if structural or electrical work is involved.
DetersDeters or delays forced entry, panel lifting, and prying; does not deter a determined attacker with power tools or unlimited time, and does not record activity.
Sliding glass doors are a popular feature in modern homes because they let in light and connect indoor and outdoor spaces.