Bars for Garage Windows/Door?

[CJM8515]

Call me paranoid, but I recently had my ATV stolen and recovered thankfully (its usually someone you know!) and now recently purchased a home with a detached garage.



I googled around a bit and found some cheap looking solutions, but need something that covers 2 windows and a door with a large window in it. I was hoping for something I could mount inside that was unobtrusive as there are already blinds on the windows which id like to keep. I didnt want to be tacky and just but some metal mesh and flatbar and bolt it on there lol


I found these, they seem to be the only brand home depot carries https://www.homedepot.com/p/Grisham-AWG-5-Bar-Window-Guard-in-White-95922/202016113



Suggestions?

 

[driftpin]

I made some burglar bars for windows in the single-car detached garage, out of square steel stock. I added more members when a particularly-skinny friend came-over, and when I showed him the new bars, he said, "I can fit between those," and then he did-it! I think the only person who could fit between them after the added cross-pieces is T.H.E. Cat (anyone recall that 1960's show?)

My friend welded them up for me from a design I made. One-half inch square steel bar stock, and 2" X 1/8" steel plate, welded.

Since my building is small, I don't have to-worry about means of egress, where the windows were an escape route. It's < 20 ft to the OH door or to the exterior impact-rated door, from any point in the building.

The burglar bars are bolted to the steel framework of the building.

 

[abachman]

This is Garage Journal, build yourself a set! That way you will have exactly what you want and will be happy with them.

 

[CJM8515]

This is Garage Journal, build yourself a set! That way you will have exactly what you want and will be happy with them.

Wish I could but I dont weld and dont know anyone who does.



I will figure something out for sure and the place is getting cameras for sure as well.

 

[theundermount]

just get two different sized stocks of metal so one slips inside the other that way they are adjustable and then lag bolt them to the studs around the window frame... if you're extra paranoid round off the heads so they cant be unthreaded. no welding required just a drill

 

[CJM8515]

just get two different sized stocks of metal so one slips inside the other that way they are adjustable and then lag bolt them to the studs around the window frame... if you're extra paranoid round off the heads so they cant be unthreaded. no welding required just a drill

That works well for the windows. The door IDK. Its nothing fancy so drilling into it shouldnt be a big deal if its wood. If its metal Ill see.


Good ideas!

 

[matt_i]

A friend of mine's Dad used 3/4 black pipe and sandwiched them in between drilled 2x6s so that if a grinder was used the pipes would just spin. Eventually a person could get thru but it would take a long time.

 

[driftpin]

A friend of mine's Dad used 3/4 black pipe and sandwiched them in between drilled 2x6s so that if a grinder was used the pipes would just spin. Eventually a person could get thru but it would take a long time.

Wouldn't a battery-powered reciprocating saw make quick work of the 2x6's? Cut 'em-up & pull-out the wood & bars.

 

[greg13]

If someone is determined enough they WILL get in. I heard of a guy that went to his pole barn and found the back wall had been removed by thieves that emptied it.

 

[Shiftless]

My sister in law used to live in rural northern CA where the noise of a chainsaw is nothing unusual at all.
One of their neighbors who had elaborate protection on doors and windows including burglar alarm switches lost a lot of stuff from their garage when burglars just cut through the wooden wall with a chainsaw and made a big opening to waltz right in and out with all the goodies.

When they rebuilt the wall they put chain link fencing over the studs under the siding.

 

[theundermount]

Exactly, you're only going to stop the opportunist who isn't well prepared to get in. That's where the cameras and alarm system step in

If someone is determined enough they WILL get in. I heard of a guy that went to his pole barn and found the back wall had been removed by thieves that emptied it.

Sent from my SM-P610 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[theundermount]

Whats your budget? Could you replace the glass with that wire security glass

That works well for the windows. The door IDK. Its nothing fancy so drilling into it shouldnt be a big deal if its wood. If its metal Ill see.


Good ideas!

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[CJM8515]

Whats your budget? Could you replace the glass with that wire security glass

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I could I suppose. Im not gonna go nuts, this is a residential close house neighborhood and someone that doesnt belong will be picked up asap. thankfully there is not much room to drag items out the windows or the entry door-but the garage door is an issue. Keeping someone out would be best or making it quite hard.



Im gonna look into better windows perhaps, bars, etc. Got some time really and since Im a bachelor I can do whatever with whatever I want and no one can nag me lol.

 

[toolmiser]

Isn't there vinyl coatings that can be applied to the glass so if they are broken, they still maintain some security. Hopefully it would slow them down. Just an idea.

You could add Polycarbonate over the windows (inside) and that would also slow someone down.

 

[nadogail]

You could glaze your windows with polycarbonate, watching the TV news coverage of riots Baseball Bats were shown bouncing back as rioters attempted to loot local stores.

Window bars might provide a deterrent but they will only slowdown the truly determined.

A visible armed guard. IMHO, would be more effective. I truly believe the loudest, most attention getting sound in the world is somebody pumping a round into a 12 gauge shotgun.

 

[driftpin]

The old saying: locks keep men honest and delay thieves.

 

[Viper98912]

The best deterrent is normally things that are visual (cameras, lights, and bars) but at the end of the day, if someone really wants something they will get it - doesn't matter how many theft deterrent devices you have. That's where insurance is your next best option after you've put in the right visuals.

And to all the folks who will discuss about taking it into your own hands and being armed - yes, but do it to protect yourself, because also don't forget nothing is worth your life... in the event the intruder is also armed and scared when you come upon them.

 

[steve308]

A drawback to window bars is that they might keep you from getting out if something should happen that would trap you when you are inside. (Fire / smoke) Some insurance companies do not allow window bars and will cancel coverage. I know there are some security bars that are designed with an internal release. Maybe look into reinforced glass with wire inside and a loud motion alarm for the interior.

 

[rburke65]

Steel or aluminum mesh. Conduit.

 

[theundermount]

In your home yes, I highly doubt that would apply to a detached garage especially when the door will be open when you are in there

A drawback to window bars is that they might keep you from getting out if something should happen that would trap you when you are inside. (Fire / smoke) Some insurance companies do not allow window bars and will cancel coverage. I know there are some security bars that are designed with an internal release. Maybe look into reinforced glass with wire inside and a loud motion alarm for the interior.

Sent from my SM-P610 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[CJM8515]

^ Yes there are onyl 2 real ways in, an entray door the the garage door. the 2 windows are nice but I doubt you would be climbing out of them in an emergency

 

[astroracer]

Doing anything but insuring the structure and contents AND locking it up, is a waste of time and money. If they want in they WILL get in. Kicking in the OH door (or pulling it down with a chain on a truck) is a very simple way to bypass any window bars...
Nothing is fool proof and it makes no sense to worry about it.
Mark

 

[NUTTSGT]

How about something simple and easily made ? All you're going to is create a deterrent.


Grab a sheet of 3/4 plywood, some hinges and a hasp. Make some shutters to cover the windows on the inside. To the casual thief, it'll look boarded up when it's closed. When you go out there to work, undo a lock and open them up.

Something like I made for my garage.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6167851&postcount=2310

 

[rockcrawler]

I got one of these.

http://www.exitsecurity.com/products.html

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

I like this idea. I did something similar with my walk through door. I used a couple of brackets, one on each side of the doorway that a 2x4 slides through.

I'm not wealthy by any means but have worked hard for what I have. I dang sure don't want some meth head to easily break in and steal what they want. I have cameras put up and hope to identify any thieves. And if I am home when they try something, hopefully they have said their prayers recently.

I got one of these.

http://www.exitsecurity.com/products.html

 

[richard7]

hey rockcrawler what did you pay for the door security bar ? might have to get one if there reasonable

 

[rockcrawler]

The bar kit and the extra long L-bolts where at about $110 on Amazon. I had to order the longer bolts because my door has a wide frame. I know it’s pricey, but I wanted something strong and I’m not much of a fabricator yet. After receiving the kit, I think it would be easy to make.

 

[gtsgarage]

Exactly, you're only going to stop the opportunist who isn't well prepared to get in. That's where the cameras and alarm system step in

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This! Cameras, alarms, lighting and decent locks.

 

[LeonardY]

You might want to check your local building codes.

No person shall install unopenable burglar bars on a residential dwelling (1) where the California Building Standards Code requires openable burglar bars for emergency escape or rescue, or (2) on mobilehomes, manufactured homes, or multiunit manufactured housing unless at least one window or door to the exterior in each bedroom is openable for emergency escape or rescue.

Putting up bars sometimes has the opposite effect. It shows you have something valuable. Especially in an area where no one else has security bars.

 

[rockcrawler]

This! Cameras, alarms, lighting and decent locks.

Have all that. Just a little extra to maybe slow them down. I’ve been on the receiving end of theft on a few occasions, so I know all about it. Extra precautions never hurt. On my last Dodge truck, I added Jimmy Jammers to the inside of the doors. I came out of a restaurant once and found a screwdriver broken off in my door just below the handle (the easy way to break into a Dodge truck). Jimmy Jammers worked and prevented them from getting in. We all know a battery operated grinder and a cutoff wheel will easily get into ANY building. Or, just remove a few screws from a metal building and simply peel back a panel. Everyone on here has valuable items in their shops or garages. Tools, toys, vehicles, etc. That is what we have shops and garages for. Simply keeping my shop door closed “shows” that I have valuable items inside.
And, I live outside the city limits in Texas. No codes for anything out here.

 

[welder4956]

You might want to check your local building codes.

No person shall install unopenable burglar bars on a residential dwelling (1) where the California Building Standards Code requires openable burglar bars for emergency escape or rescue, or (2) on mobilehomes, manufactured homes, or multiunit manufactured housing unless at least one window or door to the exterior in each bedroom is openable for emergency escape or rescue.

Putting up bars sometimes has the opposite effect. It shows you have something valuable. Especially in an area where no one else has security bars.

Is a garage considered to be a "residential dwelling" in California?

 

[LeonardY]

Is a garage considered to be a "residential dwelling" in California?

Seems to depend on county, city and building inspector. Might be a good idea to check with your local guys.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Is a garage considered to be a "residential dwelling" in California?

Like Leonard said, check your local codes, but I know up here a garage is not considered a "dwelling", which requires certain things (hot water, kitchen facilities, a bedroom space, etc.) which a shop doesn't... er... um...

Never mind, I forgot, I'm posting on Garage Journal...

But generally, no. A garage (for mere mortals, at least) is not a liveable space. The other thing to check (if you are so afflicted) is your HOA rules. Guaranteed they will throw a wrench in your plans... (we lived in one that had a "no window bars / no security screen doors" clause, because they deemed them "unsightly". Seems the local burgulars agreed...)

Another thing we did to slow scumballs down was put wire mesh windows in our garage windows.

Putting up bars sometimes has the opposite effect. It shows you have something valuable. Especially in an area where no one else has security bars.

This is true. Also - we had a series of targeted burglaries... One was a lot of gun safes got hit, homes that were more like hunting cabins, where people would be gone for weeks at a time - seems the common connection was a local company that delivered and installed - you guessed it - gun safes.

How about something simple and easily made ?
Grab a sheet of 3/4 plywood, some hinges and a hasp. Make some shutters to cover the windows on the inside. To the casual thief, it'll look boarded up when it's closed. When you go out there to work, undo a lock and open them up.

Something like I made for my garage.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6167851&postcount=2310

My folks did this for their "fishing vacation" rentals in the off season, with 2 bars behind them. Once or twice they went to "re-open" the cabins and found broken glass, one even showed where someone tried to force the (3/4") plywood one time, but the steel behind hem stopped any entry. They were mounted on hinges - when they opened the cabin, they pulled the hinge pins, and stored the plywood sheets and steel bars. If they were there on a "work weekend" or to enjoy the place themselves, they'd just open the wooden inside "shutters".

 

[Worsedog]

The comment above about the targeted burglaries reminds me of a time I was trying out a new scooter shop to have my tires mounted. I went to pick up the wheel/tire and while doing the handwritten receipt the guy asks for my address. It was all nonchalant and I almost spit it out without thinking. He got a bit offended when I told him it was non of his ******* business. "But the boss requires it", tough ****. Scratched that one from the list.

 

[Monza Harry]

How about something simple and easily made ? All you're going to is create a deterrent.


Grab a sheet of 3/4 plywood, some hinges and a hasp. Make some shutters to cover the windows on the inside. To the casual thief, it'll look boarded up when it's closed. When you go out there to work, undo a lock and open them up.

Something like I made for my garage.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6167851&postcount=2310

Like Leonard said, check your local codes, but I know up here a garage is not considered a "dwelling", which requires certain things (hot water, kitchen facilities, a bedroom space, etc.) which a shop doesn't... er... um...

Never mind, I forgot, I'm posting on Garage Journal...

But generally, no. A garage (for mere mortals, at least) is not a liveable space. The other thing to check (if you are so afflicted) is your HOA rules. Guaranteed they will throw a wrench in your plans... (we lived in one that had a "no window bars / no security screen doors" clause, because they deemed them "unsightly". Seems the local burgulars agreed...)

Another thing we did to slow scumballs down was put wire mesh windows in our garage windows.



This is true. Also - we had a series of targeted burglaries... One was a lot of gun safes got hit, homes that were more like hunting cabins, where people would be gone for weeks at a time - seems the common connection was a local company that delivered and installed - you guessed it - gun safes.



My folks did this for their "fishing vacation" rentals in the off season, with 2 bars behind them. Once or twice they went to "re-open" the cabins and found broken glass, one even showed where someone tried to force the (3/4") plywood one time, but the steel behind hem stopped any entry. They were mounted on hinges - when they opened the cabin, they pulled the hinge pins, and stored the plywood sheets and steel bars. If they were there on a "work weekend" or to enjoy the place themselves, they'd just open the wooden inside "shutters".

A neighbour had his painted the same colour as the trim (darkish brown) so when down you didn't notice them as they blended in (his were hinged upwards no steel though), held up and down with barrel deadbolts. Adding steel even 1/8" x 1" behind 5/8" or 3/4" would make lots of noise and take way longer [adding a pin and clip or a lock would be a big upgrade]. This also prevented prying eyes from wanting in(+/-). For your overhead door just drill 2 holes 1 in each upper [or ?] track and place a pad lock through the hole to prevent the door from rolling up. My back door [into my yard] is a double barn door and has 3 barrel dead bolts each of which 1 is pad locked also has a piece of steel cable in it to slow down the chain saws and sawzalls.
A store I used to work at had a 2' square hole through the 10" cement block back wall one morning. Thieves can be very motivated, just try and make it harder and take longer , that is all you can really do.
Harry

 

[niget2002]

I went the other approach. I just added good security cameras. If someone breaks in and steals stuff, I'll at least know who they are.

 

[Busted Knucles]

This would work with shocking results.

 

[nadogail]

Your best protection is a neighbor that knows what should and should not be going on, and will call the police for you.

 

[nadogail]

Because we can not guarantee some one can't get into your place, we can make them work to get in and berhaps create a disturbance while they are invading your property,

Are you familiar with "Junk Yard Dogs?" when the sun goes down the dogs will not anyone enter unchallenged. A famous distillery in Scotland has a gaggle of geese as their security force.

 

[rburke65]

Wow....I like the bear fence idea!