To put burglar bars on aluminium windows, measure the inside of the window reveal, hold the bars level and mark the fixing holes, drill into the surrounding masonry rather than the aluminium frame, then secure the bars with one-way security screws. Fit bars inside, and make sure any window needed as a fire escape can still be opened without a key. Windows are often one of the most vulnerable entry points in homes, so securing them properly matters.
No one likes the thought of an unwelcome visitor entering their home. Burglar bars are an absolutely simple, low-tech home security solution that keeps your home out of danger, offering optimal security and peace of mind.
If you're installing your own burglar bars to protect your family, stick with us to find out what to consider before installation and how to easily install them.
Should You Install Burglar Bars on Aluminium Windows?
Burglar bars are worth considering for vulnerable ground-floor, basement or rear windows, as they are a strong visual deterrent and physically stop entry even if the glass is broken. Choose internal, hinged or removable bars on any window that may be needed as a fire escape.
Burglar bars are an effective way to introduce a high level of security to homeowners in the UK, and installing them has several benefits. The main purpose of aluminium windows with burglar bars is to discourage burglars from breaking into your home and protect yourself and your family.
Burglars don't want to work hard when it comes to breaking into someone's house. Thus, they'll likely resort to breaking into a home with limited security measures.
Adding extra safety measures to your aluminium windows, such as additional locks or window film, can make a difference. But durable, high-quality burglar bars are especially effective in preventing burglaries.
Burglar bars offer more than just enhancing your safety. They're also a bonus for families with two-storey homes as they protect children from potentially climbing or falling out of open windows.
What Should You Consider Before Installing Burglar Bars?
Decide which windows genuinely need protection, check none are needed as fire escape routes, measure the inside of the frame accurately, choose a bar material suited to your risk level and the look of your home, and plan to fix into the masonry reveal rather than the aluminium frame.
Whatever your reason for installing burglar bars on your aluminium windows, know that you're getting an affordable, low-tech home security solution.
Here are a few key things to consider before you begin the installation process.
Which Windows Need Burglar Bars?
Many homeowners make the mistake of overdoing their installation, attempting to cover every part of their home they think could be an entry point. This could result in a costly expense and make your home look more like a prison than a safe space.
This is not an experience many of us want to come home to, nor is it a place where you can relax and feel at peace.
Evaluate your home and examine your windows (and doors) that appear to be obvious entry points for burglars. Ground-floor windows, especially at the back of the house, are the most common entry point for burglars, and they often watch for signs that a house is vacant before choosing where to break in.
If you live in a two-storey home, consider leaving the top floor free of bars if you feel it's more of a paranoid purchase and if the hassle of reaching the top floor is enough of a deterrent for a suspecting burglar.
How Do You Measure for Burglar Bars?
Once you've identified the entry points in your home you'd like to burglar-proof, the next thing to consider is the measurement of your windows. When installing your own burglar bars, you must have the correct measurements.
Do not measure the window itself, measure between the inside edges of the window frame.
If you're concerned about making your own measurements and want to avoid costly measurement errors, consider contacting a professional specialising in installation services to take the measurements.
Which Burglar Bar Material Is Most Secure?
It's important to consider the security risk in your area and choose the product that will optimise your security and service all your needs accordingly. The type of burglar bar material you use will also impact your level of security.
If you're in a high-risk area, a more robust and aggressive design should be installed, while low-crime areas offer more options for protecting your home with polycarbonate or steel bars.
Can Burglar Bars Look Attractive?
Many homeowners feel that having burglar bars over their windows is a bit of an eyesore. We understand that you don't want to sacrifice the aesthetic of your home to protect your home and family.
Today, plenty of options are available to complement your aluminium windows while providing optimal security and safety.
Polycarbonate bars are a popular choice for homeowners because they're transparent. So, you'll benefit from enhanced window security and more natural light. This style of burglar bar is made from the same thermoplastic used in manufacturing bullet-proof glass and aeroplane windows.
Another common choice amongst homeowners is standard steel bars. These come in various styles and can be redesigned to suit the aesthetic of your home.
Can Burglar Bars Block a Fire Escape?
Yes, and this is the most important thing to check. Fixed bars over an escape window can trap you in a fire. UK Building Regulations expect first-floor bedrooms and some ground-floor rooms to have an escape window, so any bars on these must be hinged or removable and openable from inside without a key. Keep the release mechanism within reach of everyone in the household, and make sure working smoke alarms are fitted on every floor.
Should Burglar Bars Go Inside or Outside?
Like aluminium doors, you should install your window burglar-proof solution inside rather than outside. Installing burglar bars inside your home makes them harder to compromise since the burglar first needs to pry open or break the window.
How Do You Install Burglar Bars on Aluminium Windows?
Measure the inside of the window reveal, hold the bars in place and check they are level, mark the fixing holes, drill into the masonry with the correct bit, insert wall plugs and secure the bars with one-way security screws. Allow two to four hours for a typical DIY installation.
Depending on the type of burglar bar you choose, they can be installed by a professional or DIY-er. If you're doing the installation yourself, you'll need a few simple and inexpensive tools before you begin - as well as a bit of patience and careful measurements. If the job feels too technical, a professional can handle it.
Here are some of the supplies you'll need for this project:
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Measuring Tape
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Drill Driver
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Spirit Level
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Pencil or Marker
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Burglar Bars
Step 1: Measure your window frame
The first step is to measure your window frame and ensure that your chosen burglar bars are the correct size.
Be sure to measure the inside edges of the window frame, not the window itself. For accurate height measurement, measure from the inside top to the inside bottom of the window frame; for accurate width measurement, measure from the inside left to the inside right of the window frame.
Compare these measurements to those of the burglar bars.
If you're installing polycarbonate bars, we recommend spacing the bars no more than 10-12cm. Too big of a gap could give burglars more access to valuable items that may be within reach.
Step 2: Mark up the holes for the screws
Place the burglar bars against the window frame and note where the holes for the screws need to be drilled.
Use a spirit level to ensure the burglar bar is levelled. Also, if you are installing them inside, ensure the orientation of the bars is correct and leaves room for opening and closing the windows easily.
Use a marker or a pencil to mark where the screw holes will be.
Step 3: Drill the screw holes
As you expected, the next step is to drill the holes where you marked them. Using your drill driver with a drill head size that matches your screws and burglar bar holes, drill a hole in the wall or reveal. Where possible, fix into the surrounding masonry rather than the aluminium frame, as drilling the frame can damage the thermal break and drainage and may void the window guarantee.
The key here is not to make the hole too deep or too wide to make it easier to drill the screws through the holes of the burglar bars.
Step 4: Install your burglar bars
Place your burglar bars against the window frame, ensuring the burglar bar holes line up with the pre-drilled screw holes. You can use a dowel or a drill head to hold one side of the burglar bars in place while you screw on the other side.
While drilling the screws into place, be sure it's secure enough that the bars cannot pop off but not too much that you overtighten the screws.
Most screws that are supplied with burglar bars are "one-way" screws. This means they can only be screwed in one direction and cannot be easily loosened. This security measure will protect your bars against burglars attempting to remove them.
Are Aluminium Windows and Doors Secure Without Bars?
Modern aluminium windows and doors are among the most secure options available, with strong frames, multi-point locks and internally beaded glazing. Look for products tested to PAS 24 or certified under Secured by Design; for many homes these make bars unnecessary on all but the most vulnerable openings.
We understand the importance of securing your home and keeping your family protected. Doors and windows are the main targets of entry for burglars, so having good-quality, reinforced aluminium windows and doors are key to your safety.
Low-quality window and door parts should never come in the way of your safety and security, and working with a reputable company can help you avoid poor-quality products or fitting.
Our aluminium bifold doors, aluminium French doors and single aluminium doors use multi-point locking for a secure, stylish alternative to barred openings, and our guide to the different types of aluminium windows covers secure window options.
For more on protecting your home, see our guides to sealing aluminium doors and windows and fixing a loose aluminium window handle.
Burglar Bar FAQs
How long does it take to install burglar bars?
It may take anywhere from 2-4 hours to install burglar bars if you do the installation yourself. A professional may be able to install them in half the time, depending on how many windows you're covering.
Can burglars burn through clear polycarbonate bars?
Polycarbonate bars are heat-resistant and flame-retardant, requiring a tremendous amount of heat to burn. A potential burglar would need to hold a blue flame over for an extended period to weaken the bars.
Can you place burglar bars inside?
Yes, you can place burglar bars inside or outside your home - but inside is best. Using a professional installer may increase the cost, but some homeowners prefer it for peace of mind. Many homeowners choose to install their bars inside to retain their house's exterior aesthetic. However, you can choose various decorative designs to suit your home's outside aesthetic.
Do you need planning permission for window security bars?
Internal window bars generally do not need planning permission. External bars or grilles may need consent if your home is listed or in a conservation area, and leasehold flats may need landlord approval, so check with your local planning authority before fitting bars to the outside of the building.
Are there alternatives to burglar bars?
Yes. Key-locking window handles, window restrictors, laminated or security glass, security film, internal roller shutters and PAS 24 accredited windows all improve security without the look of bars. Combining good locks with lighting and an alarm is often enough for lower-risk windows.
Do burglar bars stop children falling out of windows?
Bars can help, but window restrictors are the safer, purpose-made option. They limit the opening to around 100mm while still allowing ventilation, and most can be released by an adult in an emergency, so they do not compromise a fire escape route.
