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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

BURGLAR BARS

Burglar Bars

Burglar bars (also known as security bars or window bars) are physical barriers fitted next to windows. They enhance security by preventing unauthorised people from breaking into a home or commercial premises. They usually consist of sturdy bars or grilles that are attached to the wall around the window or door frame.

The main purpose of burglar bars is to stop intruders from getting inside the building by creating a physical obstruction. Because these barriers make it difficult for intruders to break through windows, they act 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.

We offer a variety of burglar bar styles to suit different needs. There is a Trellidor burglar bar design to complement the architecture and décor of every home or office. Whether you prefer fixed, opening, transparent, steel or aluminium bars, our custom-made burglar bars will provide safety you can trust.

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. 

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BURGLAR GUARD

Burglar Guard is a budget-friendly galvanised steel window burglar bar in a clean-lined, neat format for windows that do not need sliding security gate barriers.

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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.

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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.

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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 unauthorised 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 unauthorised 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?

Homeowners looking to fortify their residences against break-ins and unauthorized access can install burglar bars on windows, or other vulnerable entry points. Burglar bars provide an additional physical barrier that helps deter potential intruders and increase home security.

Individuals residing in rental properties can also benefit from burglar bars. With the permission of the landlord, renters can install burglar bars to enhance the security of their rented homes, adding an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Commercial establishments such as retail stores, restaurants, and offices can use burglar bars to protect their premises from break-ins and theft. Burglar bars can be installed on windows, or storefronts to prevent unauthorized entry and secure valuable assets.

Burglar Guards can be used in commercial buildings such as factories. They provide high-level protection against break-in attempts.
Burglar Guards can be used on windows, or even storefronts to prevent unauthorized access during non-business hours or when the premises are unoccupied.

Property managers responsible for securing apartment complexes, housing estates, or commercial properties may choose to install burglar bars as part of their overall security strategy. These bars help protect multiple units or properties simultaneously.

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 unauthorised 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 is vacant for extended periods, burglar bars are essential. Empty properties that are easy to break into are very attractive to criminal intruders. Installing burglar bars adds an additional layer of defence against these attacks.

HIGH-CRIME AREAS

If you live or work in a property in an area with a high crime rate, burglar bars are an effective safeguarding layer. They are highly visible from outside the property and a strong deterrent to burglars because they increase the risk of discovery while attempting a break-in through the burglar bars.

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 unauthorised 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 galvanised steel or structural aluminium burglar bars

Traditional Fixed Security galvanised 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 galvanised 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 galvanised 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.

Three 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

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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