Home security isn’t just about locks and alarms anymore. Intruders have become smarter at breaking in, so protection has had to improve to include other layers. But some homeowners are not keen on traditional burglar proofing and are looking for other solutions. Fortunately, there have been some interesting new developments in the design of home security gates to add to the mix. Multi-layered security is the way to go, and we take a look at all this involves.
Why Single Layered Security Fails
Let’s first look at the reasons why one barrier isn’t enough to keep criminals out of your home. Homes today are more vulnerable than ever because criminals have upped their game. They often work in experienced gangs and learn from each other. They observe us and our homes and know that:
- Homes often have many entry points and these are weak points for intruders to exploit.
- We use our smart devices to unlock gates and doors and these can be hacked.
- Properties have blind spots perfect for hiding, waiting for the right moment to break in.
- Our behavioural patterns can be watched and exploited by patient home robbers.
Many burglaries occur because of these security weaknesses. This has been confirmed by Trellidor security consultants over the decades. They are often contacted immediately after home owners have had a break-in. Frequently, they are very shaken and are desparate to avoid a repeat of the trauma.
Some of the weaknesses they’ve found in breached home defences are:
- A door has been left unlocked or even open.
- The garden and back yard are poorly lit.
- There is a lack of visible deterrents to criminals.
- Not all entry doors and windows have barriers to block out intruders.
- The alarm is off because people are at home.
- There has been a power failure and there is no battery back-up for electronic security.
A single barrier creates a single point of failure. If that barrier is compromised, your entire security strategy collapses. For all these reasons, multi-layered home intruder protection is essential.
What Is Multi-Layered Security?
Multi-layered security means using several protective measures. They all work together to deter, detect, delay, and respond to threats. Each layer adds difficulty for the intruder, buying you time and reducing the chance of a successful break-in.
Instead of relying on one system, like a door lock or an alarm, you combine multiple barriers. Each layer strengthens the others and compensates for potential weaknesses. For example, your strong, integrated defence system could include:
- Visible perimeter protection that makes your home less appealing to criminals. Fencing, lighting, cameras. Whatever your budget allows. The idea is to make it risky for someone to even approach your home.
- Outer shell barrier security. Doors and windows are the most common intruder entry points. Protect every single opening with strong barriers. These delay or prevent forced entry, giving you time to respond.
- Interior detection and protection. Your alarm system and motion detectors will alert you that intruders are inside. This gives you time to call for help. A safe zone with a roller shutter door or Trellidor retractable security gate in the passage keeps you safe until help arrives.
- Vigilance and awareness. Join your neighbourhood watch to stay informed. Lock doors and windows even when home. Or leave them open but lock your security gates and burglar proofing. Use strong passwords for electronic security. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to respond to a threat.
With multiple layers of security in place, the chances of all failing at once are extremely low. Intruders typically want quick, easy access. When they face many obstacles, they often abandon the attempt.
More Security Barrier Options for Homeowners
The second reason why one barrier isn’t enough is that people want more choice in what their secure home looks like. It used to be that there was no choice of door and window barrier. The only really strong barriers on the market were trellis-style sliding security gates for doors and steel bars for windows.
Modern lifestyles demand a new approach to protection. Many don’t want their doors and windows cluttered with traditional burglar bars and gates. They look for protection that blends in with the style of their home as well as the way they choose to live.
These lifestyle changes are driven by:
- A growing move into housing developments – perimeter security means less need for high strength door and window barriers.
- Body Corporate and Housing Association rules – a ban on fixtures or fittings that detract from the standard design of the homes in an estate.
- Luxury home developments – homeowners don’t want anything to detract from the open flow and outlook of their property.
- Houseproud homeowners – prefer their security barriers to blend into their home decor rather than attract attention.
New developments in the barrier security industry cater for all these requirements. The barriers add layers of protection to block weak points and keep intruders out. They secure any blind spots like small or high windows at the back of the house. And they don’t need an electronic device to operate them.
Layer-up with New Style Security Barriers
Trellidor Retractable security gates remain the top selling form of barrier protection for many homes. They’re quick to fit to doors and windows in apartments, free-standing homes, and gated community houses. They’re the first choice for homeowners looking for strong layers of protection in an easy-sliding format that locks securely.
But for those prefer something different, or are bound by rules of their estate, there are other options to consider.
- Residential Complexes – these homes are not immune to theft even though there are exterior layers of communal protection. They still need that outer protective shell. Home security barriers like clear guard security screen doors and windows blend in perfectly without offending anyone. They are cost-effective too, because they’re multi-purpose. Use them to block out intruders, insects, monkeys and baboons.
- Luxury Homes – clearview security screen doors work well here because they are see-through and barely noticeable next to doors and windows. They enhance the flow of these homes, allowing in fresh air, offering complete views of the outside, and providing a high level of security at the same time.
Trellidor Roller shutter doors add an interior layer of security in many of these homes. They’re fitted at the entrance to the bedroom wing for added safety at night, either in a passage or on a staircase. If intruders get into another part of the home, the roller shutter creates a safe zone that delays intruders getting to them.
- Suburban Homes – Trellidor retractable security gates are an effective, popular layer for these homes because they’re robust, easy to use, and have strong locks. Homeowners sometimes request a mix of designs all in the same colour for seamless security layers: retractable gates on vulnerable doors and windows; clear guard security screens on openings that look out onto the entertainment area; a roller shutter at the entrance to the bedroom ‘safe haven’.
- Apartments – multi-layered security is a good idea here too. A sliding security gate at the front door is a wise addition any apartment. Clear guard security screens on windows stop accidental falling out of windows. If there is a large veranda, an automated Trellidor aluminium roller shutter will be a welcome addition to a security plan.
Multi-layered home security is about preparation. By creating overlapping defences you make your home a harder target, protect your loved ones, and gain peace of mind. Every layer adds time and complexity for an intruder. That could be the difference between a break-in and a failed attempt. With so many innovative barriers on the market, there is no reason to hold back on home security. Use your imagination to mix and match the different designs to stretch your budget and boost your home security.
Find out more about the many home security gates, roller shutters, and security screens made by Trellidor
