When we decide to buy a house, it’s important to pay close attention to the doors and windows.
They are our openings on the world, what allows us to see outside, to get the right amount of light and the right temperature and to protect our privacy and our home.
Choosing windows and doors suitable for our needs can be an effective way of solving maintenance, cleaning or security problems.
The latter, in fact, is a factor of which you should be particularly careful, because there is nothing more important than feeling safe in your own home.
When it comes to window security, we automatically think about armoured windows.
Protect your house from break-ins with armoured doors and windows
Alarm systems are widespread and both useful and important, but they only function when the break-in is already occurring, hoping to minimize subsequent damage and force the intruders to leave.
This is why it is important to install armoured windows, to make the house safer by tackling the root of the problem and preventing a burglar from breaking into it at all.
Often we wrongly think that armouring is only about the front door, underestimating the fundamental role that windows can play, especially for those who live on lower floors.
Armoured windows have systems installed inside the metal structure, connected to alarm systems, which, in case of break-in or tampering, are activated to protect the house, office or shop.
They are made of welded stainless steel with shatterproof glass, which allows lots of light in but is also shock-resistant.
The advantages of armoured windows
In particular, those who live on the lower floors of a building should install armoured windows, because the risk of a possible break-in is higher, especially if located in a bit city with their worrying statistics on theft from homes.
The advantages of armoured windows are as follows:
- superior sound insulation;
- impermeability;
- high wind resistance;
- excellent thermal insulation.
For those who live in cold places, it is advisable to choose sealed outlet double glazed windows, with a thermal break, so that the hot air is not dispersed and there is greater energy saving.
In addition, armoured windows are made with steel or aluminium profiles, executed in such a way as to limit successful burglary attempts.
Armoured glass for windows and doors
Armoured windows have a reinforced structure, very solid and resistant. An important component is the glass.
The special qualities of armoured glass vary depending on its thickness and what you need for your house. The market today offers a wide range with various characteristics.
Armoured windows: resistance classes
The decisive quality of an armoured window frame in terms of burglary protection is the combination of window profile, glass and metal structure.
Armoured burglar-proof glass is distinguished by laminated glass which can have different characteristics:
- accident prevention;
- anti-vandalism;
- anti-crime;
- bulletproof.
For each of these types of glass a specific resistance is recognized, so it is important to remember that the resistance to breakage is closely related to the elastic behaviour of the glass, and therefore the thickness of the plastic interposed between the two pieces of glass.
Frame resistance is regulated by European standard, DIN EN 1627, which identifies 6 classes of resistance, indicated in Italian with the acronym RC (in English WK).
These resistance classes indicate the window’s ability to resist burglary attempts. The higher the degree of resistance, the greater will be the time and effort that a thief will have to expend trying to break through the window frame.
- RC 1 N: has a maximum resistance of 3 minutes in case of burglary, and components of this class offer only basic protection against simple break-in attempts such as kicks and tears. Windows in this class are made of standard glass;
- RC 2 N: (without safety glass) Maximum resistance of approx. 3 minutes. It offers protection when using simple tools, such as screwdrivers or pincers, to force fasteners. Since glass breakage is not covered, this class is made with standard glass;
- RC 2: Resistance of about 3 minutes. It offers the same protection as the previous case, but in this case, according to EN 356, safety glass is provided;
- RC 3: Resistance of about 5 minutes. In this case the use of tools such as a crowbar to break the locks is foreseen;
- RC 4: Resistance of about 10 minutes using tools such as a saw or drill, in the hands of an expert criminal;
- RC 5: Resistance of about 15 minutes, if electric tools such as a drill, saw or angle grinder with a maximum disc diameter of 125 mm are used;
- RC 6: Resistance of about 20 minutes, the only difference with the previous class is the introduction of an angle grinder with a maximum disc diameter of 250 mm.
Classification is ascertained via a stress test that verifies the resistance of the frame.
Feel safe at home, with style
As you will have understood, protecting your home and family from break-ins is very important, especially when you live in areas that are statistically more exposed to these risks.
In addition to choosing a good alarm system, which is definitely recommended, it is also a good idea to install armoured doors and windows, so as to make it as difficult as possible for an attacker to carry out their criminal intentions.
Armoured windows are equipped with double glazing, which also allows you to opt for blinds inside the double glazing. A solution that is stylish and practical.
