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Burglar Bars: Secure and Simple Tutorial for Your Windows

Nothing feels worse than lying awake at night, heart racing, knowing that a simple window could be the weakest link in your home’s security. Every creak of a latch, every shadow passing the glass—it’s enough to make you wonder if you’ll ever sleep soundly again. Burglar bars offer an affordable, reliable line of defense that transforms your windows into impenetrable barriers, giving you the peace of mind you deserve. At SWB, we believe that true security is more than just hardware; it’s confidence. Our burglar bars are engineered with high-strength steel and precision welding, designed to withstand even the most determined attempts at forced entry. Whether you live in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, our solutions adapt seamlessly to any style of window without sacrificing curb appeal. In this tutorial, you’ll learn everything you need to know about choosing, measuring, installing, and maintaining your burglar bars—step by step—so you can secure your home with unwavering confidence.

Why Burglar Bars Work Better Than Other Window Security Solutions

Many homeowners turn to sliding glass locks or basic window latches for protection, only to discover how easily those systems can be bypassed. A determined intruder can slip a slim jim between panes or jimmy open a latch in seconds. Burglar bars door-style security raises the bar—literally. By installing a physical barrier of heavy-gauge steel across each opening, you eliminate the vulnerability of glass and locks.

SWB’s secure window bars employ galvanized, powder-coated steel that resists corrosion and tampering. Unlike flimsy burglary bar clips or temporary locking devices, our products are welded at every joint and anchored directly into the window frame or surrounding masonry. Even if someone shatters the glass, they’ll confront a solid array of steel designed to stop power tools, pry bars, and drills in their tracks. That makes “burglar bars” the gold standard for home intrusion prevention.

High-quality Burglar Bars installed on residential windows, offering both security and a modern, clean look for home protection.

Choosing the Right Security Solution for Your Window

Before you place an order, pinpoint your primary objective: deterrence, delay, or denial. If you aim to prevent opportunistic break-ins, Slim Line Model A might be sufficient. But for maximum denial—making it virtually impossible for an intruder to enter—you’ll want the rugged Heavy Duty Model B or a combination of secure window bars plus secondary locking accessories like sliding glass locks for double-pane installations.

Start by asking:
What is the crime rate in my area?
How visible are my windows from the street?
Do I need egress windows for fire safety?

Your answers guide the configuration that balances security, design, and emergency requirements. SWB’s technical team can help you evaluate whether a burglary bar system or hybrid approach with reinforced locks and sensors makes the most sense.

Interior view of windows fitted with Burglar Bars, combining security and modern design to enhance home protection.

Accurate Measurement Is the Foundation of a Perfect Fit

Measuring for burglar bars demands precision. A mis-fit can leave gaps that jeopardize security, or an overly tight frame that complicates installation.

  1. Clean and Inspect the Frame
    Wipe down the inner perimeter of your window opening, removing paint flakes, caulk residue, and debris. A level surface ensures the bars sit flush.
  2. Check Vertical and Horizontal Plumb
    Use a carpenter’s level to detect any bowing or settling in the frame. If deviations exceed 2 mm, insert shims to correct the alignment before measuring.
  3. Record the Narrowest Width
    Measure across the top, middle, and bottom of the opening. Use the smallest figure for your order to guarantee the bars fit without forcing.
  4. Record the Shortest Height
    Measure left and right sides, again using the shorter dimension. Keep in mind SWB modules are 40 cm wide; a 1 m opening typically requires three modules (two full modules plus one custom-sized).
  5. Document Wall Thickness
    Knowing the depth of your wall or window jamb helps determine bracket length and anchor type.
  6. Sketch a Simple Diagram
    Label your measurements clearly. This accelerates quote turnaround and minimizes errors.
Precise measurements and layout planning for the installation of Burglar Bars, using essential tools to ensure a perfect fit and security.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Installation may seem daunting, but with the right tools and careful preparation, you can achieve a professional result in under two hours per window.

Tools and Materials

Drill with masonry bits (if mounting to brick or concrete)
1/4″ – 3/8″ steel anchors (depending on wall thickness)
Power screwdriver or impact driver
Metal-cutting saw (for on-site module adjustments)
Carpenter’s level, tape measure, pencil
Safety glasses, work gloves

  1. Lay Out the Modules
    Arrange each secure window bar module on the ground in order. Check that the welded seams and end-caps face up and toward the outside.
  2. Position the Top Bracket
    Hold the top bracket flush to the frame edge. Level horizontally, then mark pilot holes with a pencil.
  3. Pre-Drill Pilot Holes
    For brick or concrete, use a masonry bit one size smaller than your anchor diameter. Drill to the depth of the anchor plus 5 mm.
  4. Attach Top Bracket
    Insert anchors, then secure the bracket snugly—but avoid overtightening, which can deform the steel.
  5. Secure the Bottom Bracket
    Repeat steps 2–4 at the base of the window opening. Confirm vertical alignment by placing a level against the two brackets.
  6. Insert the Bar Module
    Slide the first module into the top and bottom brackets. It should click into place without excessive force.
  7. Connect Subsequent Modules
    Align the tongue-and-groove connectors, then tap lightly with a rubber mallet to lock. For “burglar bars door” models, hinge pins are installed at this stage.
  8. Fasten Side Brackets (if applicable)
    For extra stability or egress configurations, side brackets can be added. Follow the same marking and drilling process.
  9. Test the Fit and Function
    If you have a door-style module, open and close to ensure smooth operation. For fixed bars, confirm there is no lateral play.
  10. Seal and Touch Up
    Apply a thin bead of silicone around the frame perimeter to seal against water intrusion. Finally, touch up any scratched paint with a matching powder-coat spray.
Step-by-step installation of Burglar Bars with clear instructions for positioning brackets, pre-drilling holes, and connecting bar modules securely.

Common Questions About Burglar Bars

Are burglar bars legal in residential neighborhoods?
Most jurisdictions permit bars on ground-level windows, provided emergency egress requirements are met. Always verify your local building codes before installation.

Will burglar bars lower my home’s resale value?
On the contrary, professional installation by SWB can increase curb appeal for security-conscious buyers and may even lower homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Can a burglar cut through these bars?
SWB’s bars are fabricated from grade-A structural steel with ASTM certification. Cutting through them without industrial-grade tools takes so long that most intruders will abandon the effort.

What’s the difference between a burglary bar and a burglar bars door?
A burglary bar is a fixed, non-operable unit. A burglar bars door incorporates hinges and a locking mechanism to allow egress from the inside.

Why choose SWB for my window security bars?
Decades of expertise in steel fabrication and welding
Custom sizing to fit any opening, including arched and sliding windows
Powder-coat finishes in multiple colors for seamless integration with trim
UL-listed emergency release options for code compliance

Installation of hinged Burglar Bars on a brick wall, showing secure attachment, clear design layout, and essential tools for home security.

Burglar Bars: Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Your home is your sanctuary, and every window you secure is a line of defense against the unexpected. Burglar bars deliver unmatched peace of mind by transforming vulnerable glass into impenetrable steel. From accurate measurement to lifetime maintenance, SWB stands by every product with technical support and warranty coverage.

Now that you’ve read this tutorial, it’s time to take action. Measure your windows, reach out to SWB for a personalized quote, and schedule your installation. Rest easy tonight knowing you’ve fortified your home with the best window security bars on the market.

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Window Bars SWB –Installation of Security Window Bars: Secure Your Windows Now! Security Window Bar

Model "A"

Model "A-EXIT"

Model "B"

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Last Updated: 01/01/25