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AR15.COM
10/29/2011 8:19:59 PM EDT
The worst spot for me to have someone try to get in my house is through my basement.  I have 3 exposed basement windows and that is also a main location for my prep goods.  I have tilt in windows that only tilt a bit but could be easily knocked out and let someone climb in.  What types of security have you tried on your house or better yet how have you removed this issue all together?

Thanks
10/29/2011 9:37:43 PM EDT
[#1]
Steel bars on the outside and insulation covered by 1/2" plywood on the inside works, or you can just brick them up and not have the problem at all
10/29/2011 10:04:47 PM EDT
[#2]



10/29/2011 10:39:14 PM EDT
[#3]
Glass Block.
10/29/2011 11:00:49 PM EDT
[#4]
Landmines. Claymores. GSDs. Lots of simple options here OP.

10/30/2011 2:24:42 AM EDT
[#5]
The trick is to secure the windows while not creating a fire trap for yourself. Here is one idea:
http://www.locksmithcharley.com/firesafety.html
10/30/2011 2:58:49 AM EDT
[#6]
Unless somebody lives/sleeps in the basement, I'd cement a steel bar across the window.

We had a break-in when I was a kid, and that's how they got into our house.  

Never been a big fan of basement windows.
10/30/2011 3:03:33 AM EDT
[#7]
myold place outside DC had a slider on the walkout basement



I used to a drop bar and had a 2x4 that i added when I was out of town.




IR Motion lights, timers, a fence and a loud dog are what kept the yoots away.
10/30/2011 5:49:02 AM EDT
[#8]
put that window film on them that is break in proof. 3M among others make it. Its good stuff.
10/30/2011 6:00:40 AM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
The worst spot for me to have someone try to get in my house is through my basement.  I have 3 exposed basement windows and that is also a main location for my prep goods.  I have tilt in windows that only tilt a bit but could be easily knocked out and let someone climb in.  What types of security have you tried on your house or better yet how have you removed this issue all together?

Thanks


how big are those windows? I could not fit through mine.
10/30/2011 6:55:09 AM EDT
[#10]
In my business, I sell these (with an alarm)
Barrier Bar Alarm Device
10/30/2011 7:15:00 AM EDT
[#11]
You can make your own security bars out of 1/2 or 3/4 conduit, either inside or outside. Moderate security at best but most likely it'll make a would be burglar look for an easier entrance or just go away.

The glass block suggestion is what I'd start with if you can afford to replace.
10/30/2011 10:01:33 AM EDT
[#13]
For the guys who suggest glass block...couldn't you just kick right through them?  Also, yes you can fit through these as long as you are not overly large.  I may have to come up with a barrier system but no there isn't anyone sleeping down there.
10/30/2011 12:13:34 PM EDT
[#14]
I have somewhere between 75 and 100 of the bar grills mentioned....they work....thru bolt or epoxy anchor.....tack weld nuts.

And from the inside....I'd make a sliding metal panels.....one that locks.
10/30/2011 12:43:15 PM EDT
[#15]
If it were me I would just sit there day and night making sure nobody breaks in. Is that an option?
10/30/2011 1:10:04 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
Glass Block.



I used this strategy as well in our last house and was happy with the results.  It kept the weather out better than the windows did and you'd need a sledge hammer to try to get through into the basement.
10/30/2011 2:37:22 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
In my business, I sell these (with an alarm)
Barrier Bar Alarm Device


So it's not an independent device? Meaning it has to work with an alarm system?
10/30/2011 5:45:55 PM EDT
[#18]
Quoted:
put that window film on them that is break in proof. 3M among others make it. Its good stuff.


This is what I did. I had it installed on all of my ground floor windows and my two basement windows.
10/30/2011 6:37:57 PM EDT
[#19]
Quoted:
Glass Block.


I know exactly what kind of windows the OP is talking about because we had them on the house I lived in as a boy, and they are quite popular in this region of the country on houses built in the 1950s - 1970s era.

I have noticed that many owners of such homes have, indeed, replaced those windows with glass block.

In fact, I visited my boyhood home two years ago and got to meet the new owner, who invited me inside.  He had replaced the original basement windows with glass block.

ETA: Typo.
10/30/2011 6:41:37 PM EDT
[#20]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Glass Block.


I know exactly what kind of windows the OP is talking about because we had them on the house I lived in as a boy, and they are quite popular in this region of the country on houses built in the 1950s - 1970s era.

I have noticed that many owners of such homes have, indeed, replaced those windows with glass block.

In fact, I visited my boyhood home two years ago and got the meet the new owner, who invited me inside.  He had replaced the original basement windows with glass block.



Yep, every house in my neighborhood has them as the whole area was built from 1950ish to the late 1960's.  I hate them and will be checking into the glass block.  Any suggestions from anyone how to reinforce it?

thanks
10/31/2011 3:42:37 PM EDT
[#21]
reinforce glass block? put the 3M anti shatter film on it lol.

Otherwise if you're that worried about someone spending their time being very noisy to bust in the block... Put expanded metal on the inside bolted to the foundation as a second layer of protection.
10/31/2011 7:59:10 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
For the guys who suggest glass block...couldn't you just kick right through them?  Also, yes you can fit through these as long as you are not overly large.  I may have to come up with a barrier system but no there isn't anyone sleeping down there.


with a sledge hammer, yes.  In that case, you may as well just go through the wall...
11/1/2011 4:38:51 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
how big are those windows? I could not fit through mine.


The windows can be easily fit through if you have a 1950s/1960s era house. Back in high screwl I used to leave one unlocked if I was gonna be out past curfew. The parents went to bed before my 11:30 curfew, so I was golden as long as I didn't wake them up sneaking in.
11/1/2011 4:42:21 AM EDT
[#24]
I have been thinking about filling mine with concreate, but was told it may be a building code issue.

I think I may do it anyway. I want to build a shelter in the basement and those windows have to go.
11/1/2011 6:15:47 AM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I have been thinking about filling mine with concreate, but was told it may be a building code issue.

I think I may do it anyway. I want to build a shelter in the basement and those windows have to go.


Go with the glass block.  It keeps it clean and tidy and although the block can crack, you will be loathe to not have any light in your basement if the power is out.

Unless you have egress windows, the GB is 100% the way to go, IMO.
11/1/2011 7:22:56 AM EDT
[#26]
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have been thinking about filling mine with concreate, but was told it may be a building code issue.

I think I may do it anyway. I want to build a shelter in the basement and those windows have to go.


Go with the glass block.  It keeps it clean and tidy and although the block can crack, you will be loathe to not have any light in your basement if the power is out.

Unless you have egress windows, the GB is 100% the way to go, IMO.


how well does glass block stop radiation compared to concrete?