The most important thing to consider when thinking about securing our homes or businesses is deciding what will give the best security solution with the minimum impact on both your budget and the appearance of your property.

Different types of physical security suit different needs, risks and requirements. There is a whole range of window bars, window mesh, domestic roller shutters, commercial roller shutters, and retractable window grilles to choose from.

The traditional theory about security is that it must be installed externally usually in the form of window bars or window mesh. When a property is attacked by a burglar then this usually takes the form of jemmying or breaking a window. If that window is protected by an externally installed window grille then that vulnerable opening has been adequately secured. This is true; however there are sometimes exceptions to the rule.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Windows Security Solutions said: “There are always exceptions to the rule and this all depends on the type of security being used, how well it has been installed and what the substrate (building?) is made from. The domestic roller shutters that are available today invariably are installed on the outside of the building, but what makes them different to the traditional wrought iron window bars is in the level of continuous product development and improvement made to them. Modern roller shutters are manufactured to a very high specification and even carry insurance approval on the higher specification models”.

Claire continued: “If roller shutters are installed correctly either internally or externally then they present the burglar with a formidable physical barrier. They also offer the added advantage that they cannot be seen through so the burglar is always taking a risk attempting to break through them to discover that nothing is worth stealing.

Installing the security on the inside of the opening is often received by our customer with some level of surprise and intrigue, especially if it is a home security issue. This can be fully understood as in most people’s understanding security means heavy duty black iron bars fixed to the window frame. Once we have explained the merits of having the security installed internally and demonstrated the various products that are available, customers are always pleasantly surprised”.

Roller shutters can be installed both externally and internally and in fact they can even be built-in to the cavity of the opening to be totally hidden. But the ideal product for an internal installation is the retractable grille. This product fits in perfectly with both home security and business security alike.

Retractable grilles can be opened and closed effortlessly as they run in a top and bottom track, they have very little visual impact to the property owner but are still very recognizable to a burglar when they see they have been installed. Using roller shutters or retractable grilles over windows is only part of the solution to giving your property a total security solution. It is important to look at property entrance doors, both front and rear, and fire doors or emergency escape doors.

Taking into consideration the various vulnerable areas of your property you should be able to create a risk assessment of what is needed and where. Using a combination of the wide range of physical security products that are on offer along with advice from a window security company, you will be able to create a high degree of protection whether the security is installed internally or externally.

A leading company in safety and security products is today offering a valuable learning tool for those in the building trade.

Cardea Solutions, and its sister company Window Security Solutions, has launched a new RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) accredited presentation to help architects, builders and specifiers. The presentation, which goes towards your CPD (Continuing Professional Development) addresses the latest window security standards and provides practical advice on selecting the right solutions for specific applications.The presentation, entitled ‘Window Security By Design: Standards, Specification & Application’, takes a close look at the latest standards including BS 7950, LPS 1175, LPS 1270 and ACPO Secured by Design, explaining content, scope and detailing any additional performance standards that may be required to support them.

It also provides an overview of the latest security technologies on the market, from retractable window grilles and removable window bars, through to shutters, mesh and polycarbonate window shields, in each instance giving a thorough breakdown of key benefits.

The course is classified as a RIBA core curriculum subject under the heading ‘Designing and building it: design, construction, technology and engineering’, and counts as one hour core curriculum learning on this topic.

Cardea Solutions has a reputation for providing excellence in safety and security products. It includes five company brand divisions: Fingershield, Window Security Solutions, Simple Safety Solutions, Solarishield and Secure-Ring.

For more information on the RIBA CPD presentation or any products offered by Cardea Solutions visit www.cardea-solutions.com or Freephone 0800 046 7399.

Physical security such as window bars and grilles are a bold and highly visible security solution. While this provides a more obvious deterrent to criminals, it also has a greater impact on the aesthetics of a building.

Security bars can be ugly and unwelcoming, creating the impression that a building isn’t “safe”. For residential buildings, they may even devalue your house, as they can be off putting for buyers. Inside the building, occupants may find they feel “closed in” or trapped by bars on windows. Should you wish to install more pleasing window security bars, there are decorative versions available.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Manchester based Window Safety Solutions said “It’s difficult to choose the right window security solution whether it’s for your home or business. Think about your area and why you need protection – if burglary is your main concern either window bars or grilles will give you peace of mind. If vandalism is more of an issue for you security bars may not be enough.”

Window Security Solutions offer protection in the form of retractable window grilles, polycarbonate window shields, security bars and other security grilles. Security grilles range from decorative visible deterrents to unobtrusive meshes. Window Security Solutions have a number of specialist grilles that are designed to look like tinted glass, while offering outstanding protection.

Window Security Solutions also offer security solutions which are more aesthetically attractive, but still offer excellent security measures for any property.

The Hammerglass polycarbonate window shield, for example, means no more broken glass. It’s the best form of shop window protection on the market. There is no need for security grilles or security mesh. It’s a polycarbonate window shield which means it’s an unbreakable window!

Claire went on to say “This is an excellent product for any shop or business, providing 24 hour window protection without unsightly window grilles, bars or even roller shutters. Roller shutters often have a detrimental effect on towns and villages which is why town planners look for alternatives. There is no need to request planning permission when installing and it will act as secure and yet visually appealing than other window solutions.”

For more info go to: www.windowsecuritysafety.co.uk

Fire may be one of humankind’s greatest discoveries, but it is also one of our most dangerous. Although deaths from fire have fallen in the past quarter of a century, injuries are on the rise and it has never been more important to make your home and business safe from fire risk, and easy to evacuate in the event of a fire.

Fire safety is as important in the workplace as it is in the home. Flammable materials and the hectic pace of working life are extra hazards found in offices around the UK. A well-practiced evacuation plan is a must, as is a well-maintained fire alarm system. Tools to fight small fires, such as fire extinguishers and hoses in boldly marked containers should be a given and sprinklers are also a popular option in office blocks.

Fire and Window Safety – Fire shutters

A new trend in fire and window safety is the development of fire shutters. Fire shutters and barriers are designed to prevent the spread of flames from one compartment to another. They block the path of fire and smoke, providing crucial extra evacuation time and limiting property damage, as well as providing invaluable security to a property.

Fire shutters can be seen on many commercial buildings today. They are mostly used for added security to create a versatile, visible and very strong steel wall to stop unwanted visitors entering a property. In the past number of years security manufacturers have taken the next step with Fire technology to develop fire shutter systems, which offers all the values of a traditional shutter but with added fire protection.

Some of the benefits of fire shutter systems are that they offer effective added security and act as a highly visible deterrent, plus unlike fire and smoke curtains, fire shutters are more robust when exposed to extreme climate conditions.

Claire Butler, Commercial Manager at Manchester based “Window Security Solutions said; “Fire detection and prevention technology is constantly evolving and being developed to ensure that the best measures and procedures are in place to protect lives and buildings”.

“We are considering developing a range of fire shutters at Window Security Solutions to meet the need for fire protection within window security products. To this end, we are keen to find out from companies, is fire safety a consideration when choosing window security? If so, what type of products do you purchase?“

Property Aspects Magazine appreciates the contribution to this article from www.windowsecuritysafety.co.uk