Polycarbonate bars are those see-through strips of plastic that people are using on their windows for various reasons. They have become popular because they offer entry level security that is hardly noticeable at a good price. They help prevent a low to moderate level of opportunity break in and restrict access into homes by monkeys and baboons.
Many people are unclear, however, about what Polycarbonate bar is and what it can be expected to do for you in your home or office. So here Trellidor answers five questions you need to ask about Polycarbonate bars.
1. What are polycarbonate bars?
Polycarbonate bar is a see-through plastic with many uses in product engineering. It is used to make burglar proofing because it has high impact resistance, is UV resistant and stable in very low and very high temperatures and does not rust or corrode like metal. It is not as strong as metal burglar proofing, so should not be used in high crime risk locations.
Polycarbonate bar burglar proofing is growing in popularity because:
- The Polycarbonate panels are lightweight and transparent.
- They are strong and UV resistant.
- Window handles and hinges are easily accommodated.
- They are see-through and virtually invisible once fitted into the window.
- They are cheaper than most other forms of burglar proofing.
- They are very effective in keeping monkeys and baboons out of homes.
- They help to prevent petty theft by human intruders.
2. Are Polycarbonate bars safe?
Polycarbonate bars are not a new concept in window protection. Strips of Polycarbonate bar have been on the market for several years. They are usually rivetted into the window frame in a horizontal pattern, often by DIY enthusiasts, who purchase them at hardware stores.
This form of burglar proofing can never be as strong under attack as steel and aluminium products designed, manufactured and fitted by experts.
For this reason, Polycarbonate bars are generally recommended for low crime risk locations only. These include secure estates, apartments above the ground floor, and homes with other layers of security such as burglar alarms, external motion sensor beams etc.
Polycarbonate bars are often sold as a humane mechanism for keeping monkeys and baboons out of homes. They work very well in this scenario, but they are not as good at keeping people intent on robbery out of homes because they are easier to break through than other types of burglar bar.
If you are choosing window barriers for security reasons, not just to keep primates out, it is important to consider all your options. For example, you need to know that the barriers you choose will be strong enough to do their job, which is to make it difficult for intruders to break through and get into your home.
When security barrier manufacturer Trellidor entered the Poly Guard market, they created an updated, redesigned product with additional strengthening features. This was to improve the strength of Polycarbonate bar as burglar proofing, but still recommend it for low to medium crime risk areas only.
3. Where to use polycarbonate bars?
Polycarbonate bar is the ideal window protection for estate homes and others where looks count and security must be unobtrusive. This is because the bars are see-through and don’t look anything like conventional burglar proofing.
It is most suitable for low crime risk locations such as hard to reach windows, upper storey windows, high rise apartments, hotels, lodges and homes in cluster estates.
Polycarbonate bar is a good choice for windows in low risk locations that have lovely views that you don’t want to block with cluttered metal burglar proofing.
It is excellent protection for windows in areas where monkeys or baboons have become a pest. The bars stop them from getting into your home and trashing it while looking for food.
4. Polycarbonate bars prices?
Like all Trellidor security barriers, Trellidor Poly Guard is custom-made to fit the opening and its specific requirements, so there is no standard price.
Trellidor security barriers are available through authorised Trellidor franchises countrywide and they will gladly measure the opening for you and provide a quotation for you to consider.
5. How to maintain polycarbonate bars?
All burglar proofing must be cleaned regularly, especially if it carries a warranty from the manufacturer. This is to make sure that pollution, dust, acid rain and other pollutants don’t cause any deterioration in the product or affect the way it works.
In the case of Polycarbonate bars, cleaning is very easy. Here is a guide.
- Never use abrasive materials to wipe down or clean the Polycarbonate slats.
- Clean with a soft cotton cloth and a premium quality (salt free) car wash liquid, mixed with water as per manufacturer’s directions.
- Clean hard to reach areas with a soft nylon bristle brush such as a dishwashing brush.
- Dry the unit with a soft cotton cloth or chamois.
The advantages of Trellidor Poly Guard
When used in the right locations, Trellidor Poly Guard have many benefits. Here are some to consider.
The Trellidor version of Poly Guard has an extruded aluminium frame on all four sides. The bars are fitted into this frame and secured with tamper-proof fixings to make it stronger. The framed unit is installed into the wall around the window, not to the window itself. This makes it far more difficult to remove than Polycarbonate strips rivetted to the window frame.
This type of construction gives the Polycarbonate bar a neat finish and improved strength, making it more than just a ‘monkey bar’. They are custom-made by Trellidor to fit the space as tightly as possible, again adding to its strength. It is installed by trained technicians that make sure it fits properly and securely.
Trellidor Poly Guard has an excellent lifespan because our manufacturing process includes pre-treatment for enhanced corrosion and UV resistance. This process helps guard against one of the most common complaints against Polycarbonate bars, which is yellowing and discolouration of the Polycarbonate panels due to exposure to UV rays from the sun.
Polycarbonate bar is not as strong as traditional steel trellis-style burglar proofing so it should only be used in low to medium security risk locations.
Find out more about Poly Guard at your nearest Trellidor franchise.
