Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Louvre Shutters vs. Burglar Bars – Which is Best for Window Security?

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.

What are security shutters?

Shutters for windows can be found in different designs for different purposes. They can be:

  • External, fitted outside the house around or onto the window.
  • Internal, fitted inside the house in the window reveal or onto the surrounding wall.
  • Solid, slatted, panelled or decorative in a custom design.
  • Made from a number of different materials including wood, faux wood (usually MDC with a PVC coating), vinyl or aluminium.

Security shutters are a particular group of shutters, made to enhance the appeal of windows as well as control access into a home through them. Some designs are sold as ‘security shutters’ when in reality they simply have locks and little else that qualifies as genuine security features that make an attempted break-in difficult.

Others are manufactured with thoroughly researched enhancements that ensure that the security shutters provide an acceptable level of resistance to attack.

An image of security shutters in the bathroom

What makes a ‘security’ shutter?

To tell the difference between a purpose-designed security shutter and a shutter that simply acts as an attractive window treatment, look for the following features and benefits:

  • Shutters that are custom-made to fit the window.
  • Preferably fitted to the window inside the house.
  • Slats that are reinforced inside and along their entire length.
  • A patented locking system rather than an off-the-shelf style lock.
  • Locks that are accessible from both sides of the shutter, making it simple to lock or unlock from either side.
  • Concealed operating mechanisms that can’t be tampered with.
  • Shutters that provide protection even when the louvres are tilted open.
  • Shutters that provide access control when closed and locked when the slats are open for air flow and light penetration.

Security shutter benefits

There are several reasons why security shutters may be the best option for your windows. Here are some points to consider whether or not they suit your purposes:

  • They are elegant and attractive.
  • They replace window blinds, curtains and burglar bars in one streamlined product.
  • They are easy to clean and maintain, unlike fabric curtains or blinds.
  • The slats can be tilted to control light, airflow and privacy.
  • They are versatile enough for any room, from kitchen to bathroom to living areas and bedrooms.
  • They can be powder coated to suit a colour scheme.
  • With the correct type of strengthening features, security shutters provide as high a level of protection as top-quality burglar bars.
  • Powder-coated and pre-treated aluminium louvre security shutters weather well in coastal as well as inland conditions.

Note that louvre shutters do not provide a complete black-out in terms of light seepage, no matter what promises a supplier may make. Be aware of this if choosing them for bedrooms or multi-media rooms.

Trellidor franchises offer an excellent range of security shutters in various price brackets that provide dependable access control for windows. Take a look at some of their Trellidor Louvre Shutters installations.

What are burglar bars?

Burglar bars, also known as burglar grilles in some countries, are generally make from steel and are fitted to prevent access into a building by intruders.

They can be:

  • Fitted externally, such as Spanish-style burglar bars.
  • Fitted internally, inside the window reveal or onto the surrounding wall.
  • Varied in design, from horizontal or vertical bars to cottage pane squares or vertical bars with a lattice pattern.
  • Fixed and immovable or sliding, opening in a similar way to retractable security gates.
An image of burglar bars in the bathroom.

Which burglar bars are best?

Burglar bars all have different features and benefits, so the choice would depend on the reason for fitting them to a window.

Important points to consider are:

  • Cheap burglar bars will give you poor protection. If you are only looking for a deterrent rather than serious safety, then this type of burglar bar will be sufficient.
  • Affordable but well-made customised burglar bars provide a higher level of protection. If you are looking for considerable protection, then purchase high quality burglar bars.
  • High crime risk areas require burglar bars designed to withstand an attack for longer than the average product. This type of burglar bar costs more but provides dependable security and peace of mind.
  • Patented, strong locks are essential for burglar bars that can slide open. This type of burglar bar has the added convenience of sliding open for easy window cleaning. They also provide an escape route if there is a fire or a home invasion.

Burglar bar benefits

Burglar bars may be the best protection for windows for a number of reasons:

  • There is a wide variety of designs to choose from.
  • There is also a range of price options, with the price increasing as more security features are added to the design to make them stronger.
  • They can be custom-made to fit tightly, making it difficult for criminals to damage or remove them.
  • They can be fitted to any size window, from small to large.
  • They can even be manufactured to fit curved and bay windows.
  • They can be manufactured to match security gates in terms of design for a seamless visual appearance.
  • They can be powder coated to co-ordinate with a specific colour scheme.
  • When pre-treated against corrosion and powder coated, they are long-lasting and suitable for coastal as well as inland conditions.

With such a variety of burglar bars on the market, it is easy to make an expensive mistake and end up with the wrong burglar bars for your windows. A good way around this problem is to call in a security expert to give advice on the best burglar bars for your windows. Trellidor consultants will perform a free assessment of your security needs and a range of products to solve them.

Take a look at different Trellidor burglar bar designs

Find your nearest Trellidor outlet

the ultimate crime barrier

Get a Free Security Assessment & Quote

Our products are custom fitted for strength and safety, and come with up to 5 years warranty. Contact us today for a free security assessment and quote.