...to those w/ garage windows, have you done anything to them to better secure your cars? My windows are facing east and I get sunlight shining on my car (tho covered) from dawn to about 1 p.m. Also, what have you done to protect your car from glass should they be broken intentional/accidental? Any security measures from the environment or potential breakin? First I was thinking I would paint them black, then figured I may want some sunlight to help light up the garage. Then I was thinking about getting a roll of limo tint film, figured it would strengthen the glass and keep it together, should it crack/break. I figure it would help protect against the sun and from glass shards should a piece of glass be shattered, but was curious how others handled these? fwfw, I have an old school two car garage w/ four doors, each having eight windows, kinda like barn doors (built 1919). Suggestions? Thanks. -Jeff
Garage windows, protection & security?
- Thread starter XTNKT
- Start date
banzaitoyota
Well-known member
Mount LEXAN on the inside of the windows. And Burgler bars on the exterior.
My shop has 2 windows that are installed 12' high over the main doors. They let in just enough light.
My advice is the less that can be seen by "others"; the better
My shop has 2 windows that are installed 12' high over the main doors. They let in just enough light.
My advice is the less that can be seen by "others"; the better
I have no windows for security reasons. I do have six skylights that let in tons of light though. I would like to put some windows in someday just to be able to see out. Although if I did there would be some type of bars on them.
Franz©
Banned
3M makes a film that glues to the inside of glass to retain shards and increase the strength of the window against impacts. It's being retrofitted to a lot of Federal building windows to increase resistance to blast damage.
Nothing better is known at this time.
Nothing better is known at this time.
banzaitoyota
Well-known member
Maybe the MeddleMeat gang has an idea involving metalshaping
I have three 6'x3' windows on the back sun side of my shop. I put them up high, as to make things a little more difficult for a thief.
The best theft deterrent I have, is a 6' chainlink fence, Doberman (land shark) on the other side, motion lights so said dobie can see what he is chasing, and of course a full alarm system with monitoring. Plus, there is me Smith and Wessen inside the house!!
The best theft deterrent I have, is a 6' chainlink fence, Doberman (land shark) on the other side, motion lights so said dobie can see what he is chasing, and of course a full alarm system with monitoring. Plus, there is me Smith and Wessen inside the house!!
oldgoat
Well-known member
I only put one window in my garage at the far end. I wanted it there so that I could open it in the spring and fall along with the garage door and get a breeze through the garage. Also I want a escape route in case something goes wrong and I need a way out, which would be why I wouldn't want bars on the windows. My window is about head high so it wouldn't be easy to get to. I hung some blinds over it so that I can block any view that the neightbors might be able to get from their deck. I have a driveway motion detector in the garage so if someone comes in they will hopefully break the beam and will alert me in the house.
Northstar9126
Well-known member
Take a look at frosted contact paper. It won't help with security but it will keep people from looking in while still allowing light inside. Probably even help in keeping shards of glass from flying should the window get broken. Cheap too.
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
Why not just put a set of blinds up? Close them so no one can see in. If glass breaks the blinds will stop the flying shards, if you want light in either open the slats or pull them up. And if security is an huge issue, insurance, bars at the windows, and an alarm system.
shopforeman
Well-known member
In my current shop I have large 6'X3' windows that are only about 50" off the floor. I applied adhesive backed window frosting to the insides to stop people seeing in, allow light to help illuminate the shop and to diffuse the sunlight somewhat. They have no bars at this time.
In my future shop the only windows will be on the sidewalls. 3'X1' mounted high in the wall to let in light but not allow anyone walking by to look in. They would be difficult to get through. Add to that steel entry doors with double keyed deadbolts and additional locks on that pesky overhead door. I drill a hole right through the C- channel just above one of the rollers and put the locks there.
In my future shop the only windows will be on the sidewalls. 3'X1' mounted high in the wall to let in light but not allow anyone walking by to look in. They would be difficult to get through. Add to that steel entry doors with double keyed deadbolts and additional locks on that pesky overhead door. I drill a hole right through the C- channel just above one of the rollers and put the locks there.
The problem with obvious sercuity measures is it makes people courious as to what you are hiding. "There must be something good in there if he dosn't want us to see it."
Would frilly lace curtians with the lexan back-up look out of place?
Mine looks like a pretty average suberban garage from the street.
Would frilly lace curtians with the lexan back-up look out of place?
Mine looks like a pretty average suberban garage from the street.