Basically all doors can be protected with Door Sensors (hardwired or wireless). These are typically magnetic sensors that create an alarm when the magnetic field is broken (door is opened). Since the majority of break-ins occur through the doors, I highly recommend that you contact EVERY exterior door of your home. Do not compromise on this level of security.
Securing windows is where you will find great debates and differences in what companies may offer, price for installation, and convenience for the homeowner.
There are three main possibilities in securing your windows.
- Window Sensors. Magnetic contacts that are used exactly as a door sensor.
- Glass Break Detectors. The name says it all. They listen for the sound of broken glass.
- Interior Motion Detectors. Used to create trap area against intrusion through windows.
Now let's go over the usages of each item. Then you can decide what is the best type of coverage for your home and family.
Window Sensors: This typically is the most expensive way to cover the windows in your home (but once again, keep price out of the equation in determining exactly what you need. See my blog on March 21st). This is what is considered "perimeter protection". The alarm goes off when the window is opened. However, if your habit is to keep the windows open at night, or during the day to get fresh air, then this type of coverage is not good. Most security systems require you to have all exterior points of protection (doors & windows) closed in order to turn on the alarm. So you will end up not using your security system very much (not much value), or, you will end up having to bypass zones constantly to use the system (not real convenient). Most companies will charge between $60-$90 per window to secure.
Glass Break Detectors: Glass Break Detectors are very good perimeter protection devices and have multiple use value. If you have animals that run around the house, glass break detectors are excellent in combating false alarms as they are not affected by movement inside the house (unlike motion detectors). Also, if you have multiple windows in one room, one well located glass break detector might sufficiently cover all of the windows in the room (cost savings over individual window sensors). Glass Break detectors have a typical range of 15'-25' of the windows you want to protect, depending on some variables such as drapes, type of glass, acoustics of the room, etc... If you like having your windows open to get fresh air, then this is not a good choice of equipment for your home. They only will set the alarm off if someone breaks the window. If the window is already open, no need to break them. Companies will typically charge between $125-$185 to install a glass break detector.
Motion Detectors: By far, motion detectors are one of the more popular devices in providing coverage for windows. They are the most economical way to cover large area's of the home. Typically homeowners only use motion detectors when they are away and no one is present in the home. They are designed to provide interior trap zones. This means that if a person breaks in through a window and proceeds to move through the house, the motion detector will set the alarm off when the burglar walks into its coverage area. If your primary concern is protecting your home WHEN NO ONE IS HOME, then this is a very good device. However, if you have concerns for personal safety when you are at home, this is not a good design product. You would have the motions off while you are at home, thus not having the value of its protection. One downside to using motions is that a person will already be in your home before the alarm will go off. An optimal security system will notify BEFORE someone is physically in the house. Average installed price per motion detector runs $125-$195.
Lifestyle, home layout, and desired protection level will determine which of these devices you use to properly secure your home.
Till next time,
Brandon Firestine
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