Insights > Category > Posted: 2025-Jun-10, Updated: 2025-Jun-11

Window Options
Window Security

When it comes to protecting your home, doors often get all the attention. But statistics and police reports show that windows are frequently used as entry points during residential break-ins, especially in homes with outdated or poorly maintained windows.

In this article:

Whether you're in an urban neighbourhood, a rural community, or somewhere in between, understanding how window design, materials, and technology influence home security can make a big difference in your safety and peace of mind.

Break-ins, in the Ottawa area

In Ottawa, police have warned about the rising incidence of residential break-and-enters where intruders bypass alarms by entering through second-storey or less-visible windows. Criminals are known to use ladders, patio furniture, or even unlocked basement windows to gain entry, often in less than a minute.

Many homeowners; especially those with older homes, tend to overlook window security. Most break-ins don’t happen because someone was determined to get in; they happen because it was easy. Weak windows, which can be easily spotted, create an opportunity for intruders; that’s often all it takes.

Common weak points in older windows

Many older or builder-grade windows weren’t designed with modern security in mind. Here are a few vulnerabilities that could be putting your home at risk:

  • Simple latch locks that can be jimmied open with a pry bar or knife.
  • Rotting or warped frames that no longer close tightly or resist force.
  • Sliding windows or patio doors that can be lifted out of their tracks from the outside.
  • Single-pane glass that shatters easily with minimal noise or resistance.
  • Unmonitored basement or bathroom windows that are frequently overlooked.
  • Garage door windows, which, when broken, allow access to the quick-release mechanism in the garage door opener.

While adding external alarms or security cameras is helpful, addressing these core weaknesses at the window level offers a stronger, more passive layer of protection.

How modern windows are designed for security

Today’s window technologies have evolved far beyond aesthetics and insulation. Many now come equipped with built-in features to actively deter break-ins and withstand forced entry attempts. Some of the most effective advancements include:

1. Laminated and tempered glass

Laminated glass consists of multiple layers, including a tough plastic interlayer that holds the glass together if shattered, similar to car windshields. 

Tempered glass is heat-treated to be much stronger than regular glass and breaks into duller, pebble-like pieces, reducing injury and delaying forced access.

2. Multi-point locking systems

Modern casement and tilt-and-turn windows can lock in multiple places at once, typically top, side, and bottom, making it far harder to pry them open from the outside.

3. Self-locking windows

Self-locking mechanisms for hung and slider windows are built-in hardware systems that automatically engage the lock when the window is fully closed. 

Designed for ease of use and added security, these mechanisms eliminate the need to manually lock the window, helping prevent accidental oversight while maintaining a clean, low-profile appearance.

4. Reinforced frame materials

New vinyl, fibreglass, or composite frames are more rigid and secure than older wooden options. 

Some are internally reinforced with steel or aluminium for added resistance to forced entry and warping.

5. Security screens and window grilles

Ideal for basement or side-facing windows, modern security screens and grilles offer strong, discreet protection without compromising your home’s appearance. 

Made from durable materials like steel or aluminium, they deter break-ins while still allowing airflow and light. Many models feature sleek designs and optional quick-release mechanisms for emergency exits, making them both secure and practical.

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Tip: Strong locks and glass help, but a weak frame is an easy target. Choose windows with long structural screws and ensure they’re securely anchored into the home’s framing, not just the siding. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent break-ins.

Note: Modern windows greatly reduce vulnerability, especially when combined with smart installation and added security layers, but they’re part of a broader home security strategy, not a stand-alone solution.

Small upgrades that make a big difference

Even if you’re not ready to replace all your windows, there are several things you can do right now to improve security:

  • Add secondary locks to sliding windows and patio doors.
  • Install anti-lift blocks to prevent panels from being lifted out of the frame.
  • Apply shatter-resistant window film to existing glass panes.
  • Place thorny shrubs or motion-sensor lights beneath accessible windows to deter entry.

Security and energy efficiency go hand in hand

An added benefit of upgrading to modern windows is that many security-enhancing features also improve energy performance and comfort levels:

  • Laminated, dual and triple-pane glass helps insulate better.
  • Reinforced frames improve air sealing and reduce drafts.
  • Modern locks ensure tighter seals in both cold and hot weather.

Summary

Windows are an essential part of your home's design and daily life, but they shouldn’t be a weak point in your security. Whether you're building new, replacing old windows, or just looking to make a few smart upgrades, understanding how materials, glass types, and locking mechanisms work together can help you make choices that protect your home and everyone inside it.

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Need help?

At Bayview Windows, we work with homeowners across the Ottawa region who are upgrading their windows for a variety of reasons, including energy efficiency, style, ventilation, and increasingly, security is becoming a priority as well.

If you're concerned about the strength, age, or safety of your current windows, our team is always available to offer advice and practical upgrade options that suit your needs and budget.

For more information on modern window security options or to speak with a window expert, reach out to Bayview Windows. We’re happy to help.

Request information | 613-838-2211 | Request a quote

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