When would-be intruders target homes, they look for ways to get in quickly without attracting attention. One of the simplest ways to get burglars to skip your house is to secure basement windows with metal security bars. This inexpensive, low-tech solution is available at most home improvement stores. In this guide, you’ll learn how to install bars on windows yourself.
Prepping to Install Burglar Bars
You'll need the exact measurements of each window before you’re ready to install burglar bars. Measure width and height from inside the window, stretching your tape measure between both sides of the frame and from the top of the frame to the sill.
Interior-mounted bars should fit snugly within the window frame with a half-inch clearance. Exterior-mounted bars should be a few inches longer and wider than the window. Non-standard windows may require custom bars. No matter what model you choose, ensure that it conforms to local building codes. Most municipalities require a clear escape path in the event of a fire.
Position the Bars
Photo: Carolin Voelker / Moment / Getty Images
Position the bars in the window and use a spirit level to ensure that they're level both vertically and horizontally. (You may need a partner to help with this step.) With a pencil, mark the position of all holes in each mounting bracket.
Drill Pilot Holes
Use your drill to put a pilot hole on each pencil mark. If you're mounting the bars on brick, stone, or masonry, use a half-inch masonry bit to create a large enough hole for a conical screw anchor. To prevent the bit from overheating, drill slowly and periodically dip it in a bowl of water.
Once your holes are about an inch deeper than the length of your screws, hammer a screw anchor into each hole.
Reposition the bars as you did in the first step and drive non-reversing security screws into each hole to mount the bars securely.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
It may cost as little as $200 to purchase and install window bars for a DIY project. Your actual cost will vary depending on the type and size of bars you choose. You'll save about $150 per window in labor costs by doing it yourself. However, there are several reasons why you may wish to trust a local window installer or security company with your burglar bar installation.
For window bars to be effective, precise placement and adherence to local housing codes are a must. Otherwise, your window may be less secure and far more dangerous. Mistakes can make it difficult or even impossible for people to escape through a barred window during a fire or other emergency. The cost to install bars on windows with a professional is $940 on average.
Frequently Asked Questions
To install window security bars, you have to mount the bars securely to opposite sides of the window frame. A home has structural framing directly behind window frames, so the screws you use to mount burglar bars need to be long enough to reach that framing. With bars installed between these secure anchors, you'll have a barrier that deters intruders.
Yes, bars on windows are generally considered to be one of the most effective ways to secure windows. They are relatively affordable and low-tech, making them easy to install for most homeowners. Window bars deter break-ins by making it more difficult and time-consuming for burglars to enter a home. They also up the likelihood of attracting attention in the process.
Burglar bars can go either inside or outside a window. However, internally mounted security bars provide the advantage of being inaccessible from outside the property without breaking a window. If a burglar were to break the glass and attempt to attack the inside bar attachment, they would risk setting off a glass break window alarm sensor.
Nick has been a copywriter in the home services industry since 2017, marketing for hundreds of flooring and home improvement providers throughout North America.
Nick has been a copywriter in the home services industry since 2017, marketing for hundreds of flooring and home improvement providers throughout North America.
The homeowners guide to Home Security Systems
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
