How Could you Make a Window Burglar Proof?

Most commercial properties invest heavily in door security and give their windows far less thought. It’s a common oversight, and one that’s worth addressing before it becomes a problem. The good news is that modern window security products are more flexible, more discreet and more effective than ever before. This guide covers everything from security bars and grilles to roller shutters, so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for your property.

Why Windows Are More Vulnerable Than Most People Realise

For commercial properties, windows represent a different kind of risk to domestic ones. A burglar targeting a business premises isn’t just an opportunist spotting an open window. They’re often looking for a quick, quiet way past the perimeter of a building after hours. Ground-floor windows are a natural weak point, along with those accessible from a flat roof, adjacent structure or low outbuilding.

Double glazing alone isn’t enough as the glass is rarely what gets compromised. It’s the locks, handles and frame openings around the window that are easier to force quietly and a commercial property with unsecured windows is giving a potential intruder a realistic way in that bypasses whatever security is on the doors entirely. For retail premises, warehouses, offices and any commercial building with street-facing or accessible windows, physical window security removes that option and sends a clear signal that the building is properly protected. Securing windows properly means addressing those weak points directly, not just relying on the glass to do the work.

How Do Window Security Bars Work

Window security bars are one of the most effective physical security measures available for both commercial and domestic properties. They work by creating a strong, fixed barrier across the window opening that prevents access even if the glass is broken or a lock is forced. The presence of bars alone is often enough to deter a burglar, since they’re a clear visual signal that the property is well protected.

At Excel, window security bars are measured, manufactured and installed by the same team, which means they’re built to fit the exact

opening rather than being adapted from a standard size. The Seceuroshield system includes anti-cut steel bars that are installed internally and locked securely in place, protecting the window without requiring external fixings that could be tampered with from outside.

One important consideration when fitting window bars is their impact on emergency escape routes. Any room with a barred window needs either an alternative exit or a quick-release mechanism that allows occupants to get out quickly in the event of a fire. This is a building regulation requirement in most residential properties and should always be factored in before installation. A good installer will discuss this as part of the initial survey process.

Window Security Grilles for a More Flexible Approach

Window security grilles offer a similar level of physical protection to bars but with the added benefit of retractability. When locked in place they form a strong barrier across the window. When retracted they fold away neatly, giving a clear view and unobstructed access to the window for cleaning or ventilation.

This flexibility makes security grilles a popular choice for retail premises, offices and commercial properties where the appearance of the frontage matters during trading hours. A grille that folds away during the day and locks into place at night gives strong after-hours protection without the fixed, institutional look that solid bars can create. Whether bars or grilles are the better fit tends to come down to how frequently the window needs to be accessed and how important the daytime appearance of the property is. Compliance is worth checking before committing to either option and our guide on whether window security grilles meet local safety regulations and building codes covers what you need to know.

Square Mesh Grilles for Fixed Commercial Security

Square mesh grilles are a fixed security option suited to commercial windows where a permanent barrier is the priority and the ability to remove the grille isn’t needed. They can be fitted internally or externally and provide a robust, low-maintenance solution that holds up well in demanding commercial environments.

The mesh design allows natural light to pass through and maintains some visibility, making them less intrusive than solid bars while still providing a strong physical deterrent. They’re particularly well suited to warehouse windows, storage areas and any commercial location where the window  needs to be properly secured. Maintenance requirements are minimal and with no moving parts, there’s not much to service or replace over time.

How Roller Shutters Take Window Security Further

Roller shutters take window security a step further by covering the entire window opening rather than just adding a barrier within it. When closed, a roller shutter provides a continuous solid barrier that protects both the glass and the frame, removing the window entirely as a potential entry point. This is particularly effective for ground floor commercial premises where windows face directly onto a street or car park.

Excel’s commercial roller shutters are available in both manual and electric operation and can be manufactured in aluminium or steel depending on the level of security required. Aluminium shutters work well as a visual deterrent and suit lower-risk locations or situations where the shutter will be raised and lowered frequently. Steel shutters provide a higher level of physical resistance and are the better choice for high-risk locations or properties that have been targeted previously.

Does Window Security Have to Look Industrial

This is one of the most common concerns from homeowners and businesses alike and it’s a fair one. Traditional window bars and grilles do carry a certain institutional look that doesn’t suit every property. The good news is that modern window security products have come a long way and there are now options that provide strong protection without looking out of place.

Retractable grilles fold away entirely during the day, leaving no visible security presence when the property is in use. Security bars can be specified in a range of finishes and colours to blend with the window frame and surrounding exterior. Roller shutters are available in a wide range of colours and can be manufactured to fit virtually any opening, while perforated options for commercial premises allow light and visibility even when the shutter is closed, maintaining the appearance without sacrificing protection. For anyone weighing up the visual impact of bars specifically, our guide on how window security bars affect the view from inside and outside the building covers this in detail.

Fire Safety and Building Regulations for Commercial Properties

In commercial buildings, escape routes are planned around doors, corridors and designated fire exits rather than windows, which means fitting security bars, grilles, or shutters to windows doesn’t carry the same escape route concerns it does in a domestic setting. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places responsibility on the building’s responsible person, typically the employer or owner, to ensure escape routes are kept clear and accessible at all times when the building is occupied. As long as adequate fire exits and escape routes via doors are in place, window security products can be installed without compromising fire safety compliance.

Where a window has been identified as part of an escape route in a specific building layout, retractable grilles or quick-release mechanisms can be specified to maintain both security and compliance. A fire risk assessment will clarify whether any windows in your building form part of the designated escape plan and this should always be reviewed before any fixed security product is installed.

Other Measures Worth Combining With Window Security

Physical barriers are the most effective form of window security, but they work best as part of a broader approach. A few additional measures worth considering alongside bars, grilles, or shutters:

• Security cameras act as a deterrent by increasing the perceived risk of being caught. Their presence alone will cause many opportunist burglars to move on to an easier target and footage provides useful evidence if a break-in does occur
• Window locks and frame reinforcement address the weak points in the frame itself. Upgraded multipoint locks, key-operated window restrictors and reinforced frames all make forced entry harder even before a physical barrier comes into play
• Laminated glass is worth considering for any window that can’t be fitted with a grille or bar. Unlike standard glass, laminated glass holds together when broken rather than shattering, which significantly slows down any attempt to break through and removes the quick, quiet entry that most opportunist burglars rely on
• Motion-activated lighting removes the cover of darkness that many break-ins depend on. A well-lit exterior makes any attempted entry far more visible and risky, which is often enough to deter someone who had planned to use a window as their way in

Combining physical security products with upgraded locks, good lighting and camera coverage creates a level of protection that’s much harder to overcome than any single measure on its own.

Securing windows properly means addressing the weak points that burglars target, not just relying on the glass. Window bars, security grilles, square mesh grilles and roller shutters all provide effective physical barriers that deter and prevent unauthorised entry, with options to suit every property type, budget and aesthetic. Paired with upgraded locks, lighting and cameras, well-specified window security gives any property a level of protection that’s difficult to overcome.

If you’d like to find out which window security solution is right for your property, the team at Excel is happy to help. Get in touch or call us on 0800 135 7834 and we’ll assess your requirements and recommend the most appropriate products for your situation.