Secure Home

When our homes were built there were less stringent regulations regarding design, energy efficiency, security and safety and so it's no surprise that the modern new builds use these improved features as selling points.

If you have read the Home & Away Security article then you might now be wondering if simply closing your windows and locking your front door is going to be good enough to secure your home.

We might have changed its colour but what about the locks?

Most of us still have the original house door and window locks but these are 10, 20, 30+ years old. Burglars have now had that many years experience in opening them.

What can you do?

You could go through the expense of changing doors and windows but there’s a far more economical solution and to find out what is involved we found a recommended local Johnstown business.

Clear Window Repairs is operated by Con Walsh, a self-employed long term resident of Johnstown, who provides more services than we'll cover in this article but he does have considerable experience upgrading home security within County Meath.

A recognizable brand name in the Johnstown Community.

Is our home secure?

"For most homes the door and window locks are very old and out of date. Some doors rely on one locking point which can be overcome by a burglar by shear force. Some windows simply have a turn lock handle without a lock and most people are unaware that most of these can be opened from the outside too."

Front Doors

"The barrel lock in most doors can be removed and upgraded for a modern secure design from a reputable brand such as 'CISA' that has both anti-tamper and anti-bump features. If you did see the videos on YouTube you’ll know how this is done.

The new barrel can be changed quickly and has considerably more security features than the normal euro barrel that is fitted in most households. Clear Window Repairs can fit these barrels with turn thumb on the inside that conforms to current fire regulations.

When Clear Window Repairs fit these to all external doors it can have the convenience of 'one key fits all' and limiting the number of keys on your key ring."

A secure brand with the enhanced security features and a turn thumb to allow quick exist.

Patio Doors

Patio sliding doors are a significant weak entry point.

"We install simple key-less 'Shoot Bolts' on all patio doors. Again adding a turn thumb lock instead of a key means you have a safer quicker exit and you’re not chasing after the kids to find tiny keys. "

Window Security

The final point of entry is through windows so what security enhancement do they need?

"Although double glazing units are resistant to breaking and smashing glass is very noisy windows have always been a favourite easy point of entry.

The installment of a security sash jammer will enhance the security of all openings of ground floor windows. These can also be installed on all external doors in 2 colour brown and white."

Security sash jammer.

What about children’s safety?

"Clear Window Repairs install a hook lock which will restrict the amount that the window can be opened but can be easily opened by an adult in an emergency.

Building Regulations mean that key locks are not advised in bedrooms in case of needing to escape in the event of a fire. This leaves them as a weak spot, so we can fit these hook locks which are discreet and secure for children."