THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO
BURGLAR BARS
Burglar Bars
Burglar bars, also known as security bars or window bars, are physical barriers installed on windows to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access to a building or property. They consist of sturdy bars or grilles that are securely affixed to the window or door frame, forming a protective barrier.
The primary purpose of burglar bars is to deter potential burglars or intruders from gaining entry into a building. By providing a physical obstruction, they make it more challenging for unauthorized individuals to break through windows, thus acting as a deterrent against forced entry.
Why choose Trellidor
Burglar Bars?
The Trellidor team believes that everyone has the right to be safe, whether it’s at home or work. The company was established in 1976 and we have installed over four million security doors and windows in South Africa and around the world. We design and manufacture our products to protect people and assets.
Trellidor burglar bars are known to be durable and robust. They are manufactured using high-quality material designed to provide excellent resistance & are engineered to withstand forceful entry attempts and deter intruders. For our customers’ peace of mind, we invest in third-party testing and certification of our high-end designs to ensure that our entire range provides the best protection on offer.
Our burglar bars also come in a variety of designs and styles to suit different needs. Whether you prefer fixed, opening, transparent, steel or aluminium bars, Trellidor provides options that can complement the aesthetic of your home or office – enhancing your environment while providing trusted protection.
TYPES OF BURGLAR BARS
FIXED SECURITY
These trellis-patterned burglar bars match Traditional security gates in design and strength. They do not open like gates but remain fixed in place to protect windows.
BURGLAR GUARD
Burglar Guard is a budget-friendly galvanized steel window burglar bar in a clean-lined, neat format for windows that do not need sliding security gate barriers.
COTTAGE GUARD
Premium quality burglar bar system that has few rivals on the market. Can be custom-made for cottage pane windows or to create a cottage pane effect on large glass windows.
POLY GUARD
Poly Guard burglar proofing is popular in complexes and residential estates where there are strict rules about burglar proofing because they are hardly noticeable.
BURGLAR BARS OVERVIEW
How do Burglar Bars Add Value?
Burglar Bars have the following features and benefits that add value to any building, whether residential, commercial, or industrial:
ENHANCED SECURITY
- Burglar bars increase security.
- By acting as a physical barrier, they make it more difficult for intruders to gain unauthorized access to your property.
- They significantly deter break-ins and protect your belongings, providing peace of mind for you and your family.
CRIME DETERRENCE
- Visible burglar bars on windows can act as a visual deterrent to potential burglars.
- Robust security measures like burglar bars are more likely to urge burglars to move on & target a less secure location.
REDUCED INSURANCE PREMIUMS
- Installing burglar bars can often lead to reduced insurance premiums.
- Insurance companies consider properties with burglar bars to be lower risk.
INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE
- Security measures, including burglar bars, can enhance the value of your property.
- Burglar bars can make your property more attractive to potential buyers or tenants, thus increasing its market value.
POTENTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS
- Depending on the type of burglar bars installed, they may offer additional benefits such as energy savings.
- For instance, clear burglar bars can allow natural light to enter while reducing the need for artificial lighting.
LONGEVITY & LOW MAINTENANCE
- Quality burglar bars, like those offered by Trellidor, are built to last and require minimal maintenance.
- Burglar bars are typically made of durable materials.
- Trellidor burglar bars are specially treated to withstand weather conditions and resist corrosion.
- With our burglar bars, you can enjoy the benefits of added security without the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
Where can Burglar Bars be used?
Burglar bars can be used in various locations to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access. Here are some common places where burglar bars can be installed:
Burglar bars are frequently used in residential settings. They can be installed on windows, or any other vulnerable points of entry in houses, apartments, or cottages. By adding burglar bars, homeowners can significantly increase the security of their homes.
Businesses often utilize burglar bars to protect their premises. These bars can be installed on storefront windows or areas containing valuable equipment or inventory. They serve as a physical barrier to deter break-ins and safeguard commercial properties.
Retail establishments often install burglar bars on windows and entry points, particularly in high-risk areas. These bars provide added security during non-business hours while allowing visibility of merchandise, even when the store is closed.
Burglar bars can be used in educational institutions to enhance security. They are commonly installed on windows in classrooms, administrative offices, or areas with valuable equipment to protect against theft or vandalism.
Public facilities, such as government offices, libraries, or community centers, may opt to install burglar bars to secure windows and doors. These bars help prevent unauthorized access and protect valuable assets or sensitive information.
Manufacturing plants, warehouses, or storage facilities often require robust security measures. Burglar bars can be used in these settings to secure windows or other access points, protecting valuable goods and equipment.
Hospitals, clinics, or medical centers may employ burglar bars to enhance security, especially in areas where medications, sensitive equipment, or confidential patient records are stored.
Who can use Trellidor Burglar Bars?
When to use Burglar Bars
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
Burglar bars are commonly used in residential properties to protect homes, apartments, or residential estates. They can be installed on ground-level windows, basement windows, or other vulnerable entry points. Residential properties often benefit from the added security and peace of mind that burglar bars provide.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Burglar bars are also applicable to commercial properties such as offices, retail stores, warehouses, or any business premises that require enhanced security. They can be used on windows, or even storefronts to prevent unauthorized access during non-business hours or when the premises are unoccupied.
HOLIDAY HOMES OR SEASONAL RESIDENCES
If you own a holiday home or have a seasonal residence that remains unoccupied for extended periods, burglar bars can be valuable. These properties are often more susceptible to break-ins due to their temporary vacancy. Installing burglar bars can provide an added layer of protection during the property’s unoccupied periods.
HIGH-CRIME AREAS
If you live or operate a property in an area with a high crime rate, burglar bars can be particularly useful. These areas are often targeted by burglars, and having visible security measures like burglar bars can act as a strong deterrent and increase the overall security of your property.
GROUND-LEVEL OR EASILY ACCESSIBLE WINDOWS
Any windows or entry points that are easily accessible from the ground, such as basement windows or windows near trees or flat roofs, are potential targets for burglars. Installing burglar bars on these vulnerable points can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry.
PROPERIES WITH PRIOR SECURITY BREACHES
If your property has experienced a previous security breach or break-in, installing burglar bars can provide a proactive security measure to prevent future incidents. It serves as a visible reminder that the property is secured, deterring potential burglars.
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Fixed Security vs Retractable
for your Windows
Fixed security gates for windows are permanently attached to either the window frame or to the wall around the window and does not move. These burglar bars can only be removed by unscrewing them. If you do this, you are left with no protection from criminals.
Retractable security gates for windows are burglar bars that can be opened without being removed. They do not have to be unscrewed or weakened in any way. The frame stays attached to the wall around the window but the burglar proofing inside the frame can be unlocked and opened or closed and locked as needed. READ MORE
Steel Burglar Bars vs Transparent Burglar Bars
Polycarbonate is a virtually indestructible material, which is the primary reason why it is used in high demand applications such as cockpits of fighter jets, shields used by riot control police, Formula One cars, and high-speed trains. Polycarbonate boasts a high tensile strength and its burglar bars are also flexible and highly impact resistant. Even cutting the bar at a single point won’t provide access, as the part will snap back into its place.
Steel bars, arguably are the most common type of burglar bars. Steel bars feature a simple design, are durable and inexpensive. Unlike many other materials, steel does not easily twist, bend, or break. Steel bars are a potent deterrent for burglars. The more time a burglar spends on a property, the higher their chances of getting caught. Cutting and removing a steel bar takes time, which is why an average burglar would prefer targeting a home with unsecured windows. READ MORE
Cottage Guard vs
Burglar Guard
Cottage Guard is made from square aluminium tubing reinforced internally. They have horizontal and vertical square bars that cross each other. They look similar to cottage pane windows. Each unit is fully framed, meaning the frame is on all four sides of the burglar bar.
Burglar Guard is made from galvanised steel oval shaped tubing. The tubes are joined together in one of three ways: a single trellis pattern; a double trellis pattern; or flat bars without trellis, which can be installed horizontally or vertically. The units are semi-framed, meaning the frame is on two sides of the burglar bar. READ MORE
Louvre Shutters vs
Burglar Bars
Window security product choices today are far more varied than they used to be in the days of plain metal bars attached to steel window frames. Nowadays there is a wide range of material and style, which can be confusing. What you consider the best for your window security will depend on whether you are looking for the best price, the best protection or both.
Two of the most popular options are burglar bars and security shutters, each of which have particular benefits and features. Take a look at the pros and cons of both types before you make up your mind about which is best for your home. READ MORE
FIXED SECURITY FEATURES & BENEFITS
Fixed Security
These trellis-patterned burglar bars match Traditional Trellidor security gates in design and strength. They do not open like gates but remain fixed in place to protect windows. There is a choice of galvanized steel or structural aluminium burglar bars
Traditional Fixed Security galvanized steel burglar bars gates are custom manufactured and fully framed.
This ensures they fit the window space properly with no gaps or weaknesses for burglars to exploit.
There are different models and prices in the Traditional Fixed Security range, with one for all levels of security risk, from low to extremely high. The different models look similar but differ in terms of strengthening features.
Powder coated galvanized steel and aluminum trellis-style burglar bars
Custom made to fit each window
Engineered with in-built strength
Fully framed for strength under attack
Corrosion and UV resistant even at the coast
Several models to choose from according to risk profile and budget
Choice of internal or external installation
Choice of face-on fit or fitted into the window reveal
Carry warranties against defective workmanship, materials and corrosion
BURGLAR GUARD FEATURES & BENEFITS
Burglar Guard
Burglar Guard is a budget-friendly galvanized steel window burglar bar in a clean-lined, neat format for windows that do not need sliding security gate barriers.
There is a choice of window burglar guard design options, all of which can be powder coated to blend in with their surroundings.
Four burglar guard designs to choose from.
Made from attractive and practical oval shaped tubing that is easy to clean.
Semi-framed for strength plus other strengthening features.
Tamper-proofed for increased resistance to attack.
Competitively priced and very affordable.
Suitable for medium to high security risk locations.
Can be fitted internally, externally, face-on, in the reveal, horizontally or vertically.
Carries warranties against defective workmanship, materials and corrosion.
COTTAGE GUARD FEATURES & BENEFITS
Cottage Guard
Cottage Guard is a premium quality burglar bar system that has few rivals on the market in terms of strength. It is manufactured using square aluminium tubing reinforced with a threaded steel rod through the centre of each tube.
It provides exceptional window protection in terms of strength under attack. This burglar proofing can be custom-made for cottage pane windows or to create a cottage pane effect on large glass windows.
Fully framed and fixed to substrate on all four sides
Aluminium square tubing reinforced with a threaded steel rod through the centre provides unrivalled strength
Installed without welding
Suitable for high corrosion areas
Custom made for best fit
Openings comply with insurance specifications
Easy to clean and maintain
Suitable for residential as well as commercial premises
Carry warranties against defective workmanship, materials and corrosion
POLY GUARD FEATURES & BENEFITS
Poly Guard
Poly Guard burglar proofing is popular in complexes and residential estates where there are strict rules about burglar proofing because they are hardly noticeable. This means that these burglar bars usually comply with estate rules about burglar proofing styles.
Most clear burglar bars are simply strips nailed to window frames, but Trellidor has designed a framed version that is neat, attractive and strong, providing enough protection for a low crime risk home.
Made from lightweight yet strong, transparent Polycarbonate panels
Strong extruded aluminium frame provides neat finish and improved strength
Installed using unique tamper-proof fixing system
Installed by fixing into surrounding substrate for improved strength
Panel size options including 90 mm pitch and 130 pitch
Effective in keeping out monkeys and baboons
UV resistant
Ideal for estates with strict rules about burglar proofing
Custom made to fit by Trellidor and professionally installed
PRODUCT WEB STORIES
Explore Our Product Web Stories
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Burglar bars, also known as security bars, are steel grills or bars installed over windows to create a physical barrier and prevent unauthorized entry
Most burglar bars are made of metal, such as steel, aluminum, or iron. Some modern options use polycarbonate material for transparency and added strength
Yes, there are various types of burglar bars available. Common types include metal bars, transparent bars made of polycarbonate, and interior/exterior options. Each type has its advantages and suitability for different needs
Yes, installing burglar bars can potentially lower home insurance premiums because they enhance security and reduce the risk of break-ins
Traditional metal burglar bars may obstruct views, but there are transparent options made of polycarbonate that allow clear visibility while maintaining security
