There are many ways that a home owner can keep their home insurance costs lower. One ways is to implement a strong home safety plan. If your home has large easy to access windows on the ground floor then you will need sash window security locks and catches, as your insurance may not even be valid without them! A very simple way to do reduce you risks can be by the installation of a burglar alarm, motion sensor lights, and secure locks and bolts. DIY kits and wireless alarm systems are widely available online and in store, with some even having the capability to call your mobile if triggered. Go into any hardware store and check out the variety of window locks that are available on the market but make sure that what you plan to buy is actually recognised by your insurer before you make the purchase. It is clearly stated with most insurers that if you install proper recognised security then you will have lower fees but always make sure you have proof of installation. Take photos of devices and personal belongings and keep them on record along with any sales receipts. It is always a potential that a robber can break in directly through the glass in your windows even if they are locked up, but then the thief will be taking the risk of injury and maybe leaving his/her DNA behind at the scene. One way to prevent this is to replace the glass with laminate or toughened glass although if this is done on a balanced sash window you will need to remember to increase the weight of the balances, as laminate can be double the weight of 4mm glass. The sash window will not stay open and will simply slide down again or worse still the top sash may open on its own should the catch fail! Take a good look around the exterior of your building and imagine that you are a burglar, what do you see? Make a note of all the security spots that are potential for thieves and think of something to deter the robbers before they even have a chance, remember most burglaries are not exactly planned operations, most are opportunist situations, remove the opportunity and you reduce the risk. Even a simple timber trelace above a garden gate is going to make things more difficult for someone to climb over. I once locked myself out of my house a few years ago, I initially was quite worried about how on earth I would gain entry without paying a locksmith. I was very shocked after the event at how easy I managed to get in, I actually got through a window left open on the first floor. All I needed was a ladder and a strong stomach! Since this time I religiously lock every window before leaving the house. Burglars do not only target the lower floor of a home they also go after the upper level windows. This is why locks are so crucial all over the house. Make certain that only the house hold members have the keys and always keep things locked when you are away. Always inform you neighbours if you are going away for more than a day, even if you do not know them that well if they see something "not quite right" then the will call you or even better the police. Be wise when dealing with the insurers and take all measures that they suggest, remember insurance is not there to give you a false sense of security it is there to protect you if you are subject to an attack. Should you need to make a claim it would be very hard to hear that the insurance was infact invalid due to you not having the minimum security installed. If you would like assistance with window security the please visit our main site here |
 |
|||||||
 
|
|
 
CategoriesDIY advice and tipsEnvironment Home Improvement Guest Posts London areas and History Press releases Replacing sash windows with double glazed sash windows Sash Window Articles 2011 Sash window draught proofing and insulation sash window draught proofing London sash window repairs sash windows London Trade window information and services Windows General News |
|||||
    |
|||||||
