double glazing security

wazza

No i don't want to know how to break into a house which has double glazed windows and doors. All i want to know is it possible for someone to break in?

Couple of years ago my house was fitted with double glazed windows and doors. Is it possible for someone to break into my house while i am away? Heard of stories where they kick in the bottom panel of the door. Just concerned about the back of the house. thinking of putting a metal gate in front of the back door.

By the way if your double glazed windows are very old check if the beading for the windows are inside or outside. On early designs windows were put into the frame from outside the house and a strip clipped in. Burglars were able to remove the strip and remove the window. If you have this design then remove the strip and apply silicone sealant and put the strip back on. When set its very hard to remove the strip.

has anyone had their homes burglared via double glazed windows/doors when they are locked?

albertross_2

It's always possible, it's glass, which breaks easily..

Two layers makes it a bit harder though.

wazza

they will make a loud noise when trying to break through the glass

albertross_2

If they put a sledgehammer through it at 4am, it would be loud, but would last half a second. At that time, most people are in a deep sleep, and wouldn't notice. Do it on a windy night, even less chance. Do it during the day when everyone is at work, or when you are on holiday, no-one would notice.

I'm sure you could get most DG out with a crow bar, without much noise (but I've never tried) .. I hope you aren't a burglar hehe..

DG is a bit of a deterrent, but I wouldn't rely on it as your only means of defence. An Alarm, window locks, door bolts, dog, CCTV, prickly hedges, good patio door/french door locks are all good deterrents.. But nothing will stop someone from getting in, if they really want to.

My best bit of advice would be to take all your house and car keys to bed with you (if you don't already). Or you may wake up with the car gone.

Hope you sleep well after all that..

wazza

i know if determined they can break into anything. was just wondering how secure the DG doors are. I have seen a house with DG door and a large metal frame door like a big gate in front giving extra security. cant help but feel that the occupants may be druggies wanting extra time to flush their stash down the loo ;-)

albertross_2

Saw a programme on TV recently about a student area that had these type of burglar bars in front almost every door and window. They looked horrible, and several people had died in house fires, because they couldn't get out through them in time. Sad that we have to go to such lengths to protect our property, but it's not worth losing your life over..