If your home features a balcony, you’re probably thinking about the best ways to upgrade its appearance and security. While balconies are places of relaxation and can offer enjoyment, they can also be very tempting for burglars. Namely, when unsecured, balconies are the best access point for burglars to commit breaking and entering without much hassle. Furthermore, if you have small children, securing balconies is a priority to make them safe and prevent potential falls and injuries. So, you’ll need to treat the balcony as any other access point to your home and secure it well. For all the essential tips about improving balcony safety, keep reading.
Invest in balcony security gates/screens
One of the first lines of defence is a balcony security gate or a screen that you can install outside the sliding glass doors. That way, you can bolster and shield your balcony door from potential burglary. Need more ideas for feasible solutions to make your balcony sliding doors intruder-free? We have more suggestions up our sleeve. Namely, a glass protection film prevents burglars from seeing through. What’s more, they won’t be able to break the glass easily.
Motion lights for more illumination
Darkness is burglars’ best ally. Therefore, lighting plays a crucial role in your home's security. That's especially true for ground-floor balconies that burglars find attractive. No outdoor lights, shrubbery, and remote pavement make the perfect setting for breaking and entering. Don't make it easy for burglars but install motion lights on your balcony. Set the motion detector to turn the lights on when someone is getting too close to the house. Even if a bird flies by or a cat strolls under the sensor, the light will turn on, letting the burglar know they'd get caught trying to break in.
Install sturdy balustrade and railing
What’s one of the best ways to secure your balcony, you wonder? Making it difficult to climb over, for one. Furthermore, make it almost impossible to sit on because kids find that activity particularly interesting. Installing an aluminium balustrade offers the needed security and added safety too. If you have horizontal railings, replace them with vertical ones or choose a balustrade, instead. Horizontal railing often looks like ladders to kids, creating opportunities for injuries and falls. If your railing and balustrade are installed well, but it's been a while since you checked their condition, do it now. The last thing you need is a missing screw and a flimsy railing.
Consider having safety nets
Do you have pets who like to go out and spend time on the balcony? Cats are particularly fond of jumping and walking on edges without thinking about falling. Prevent potential falls and injuries by installing safety nets. If the balcony is on the ground floor, safety nets will be an additional line of defence for potential intruders as well. So, look into safety nets that will offer enough light to go through but secure the premises well too. Visit the nearest hardware store that will cut the safety net to the size you need and guide you on how to install the safety net on your balcony quickly.
Security locks to prevent break-ins
Balcony doors are usually not well secured. They might have a simple lock that an experienced burglar can easily pick. On top of that, you need a lock that will prevent kids from unlocking the door and stepping out on the balcony without supervision. Locking-bars offer everything you need on your sliding balcony door. Place the locking-bars on the tracks for added security. Furthermore, anti-lift devices can help you prevent break-ins too. Install them, and intruders won't be able to lift sliding glass doors. They use another trick and often force the door to open horizontally. With anti-lift devices, you’ll be fully theft-proofed.
Making a balcony safer doesn't have to be a hassle. All it takes is a few clever tips to help you safeguard your home from burglars and prevent potential hazards. Installing safety nets, checking railings, installing balustrades, installing motion lighting and considering security screens will make your balcony safer. On top of that, burglars will know that your home isn't easy to break into, so you'll have the needed peace of mind.
