Install Security Rolling Shutters to Safeguard Your Home

Criminals are attracted to the relatively easy access to residences filled with easy-to-turn X-boxes, iPads, flat screen TV’s, jewelry, and laptops. Residential dead bolt locks, windows with typical ½” lock screws, and patio doors (even with the broomstick) are no match for a 4’ crow bar, or even a well executed butter knife. According to the Burglary Prevention Council (BPC), “three out of four U.S. homes will be burglarized in the next 20 years.” “One of the most common entry points for burglars is a ground level window at the rear of the home,” said the BPC. People rarely inspect the locks on the windows and few realize that only two little ½” to ¾” wood screws attach the window lock to the sash. Larger screws cannot be used as they would hit the glass. Vinyl window locks have screws into just 1/8” thick plastic, making them almost worthless.

Before replacing a set of vinyl double hung windows, I once asked a 4’-11”, 95 lb young woman to see if she could break the window lock with her bare hands. She climbed up on the large sill and as she lifted the sash, the screws sheared off without making a sound, enabling silent access into a bedroom window. No crowbar was even necessary and the fact that not a sound was heard was even more frightening.

Alarms are often ignored and burglars are in and out before anyone pays attention. Window security shutters and stainless steel security mesh are really the only protection for these easy access ground floor windows. Most burglaries are performed by amateurs and semi-amateurs and they will not even bother with a protected home. Most homeowners are not likely to attract the professional thief looking for bearer bonds and high-end jewels. Security rolling shutters as manufactured by QMI Security Solutions for both residential and commercial use are proven effective at deterring crime. Window security grilles and bars change the appearance of the home, whereas the QMI shutters and security screens appear not much different than sun shades or bug screens. Attack either of them with a crow bar or sledge hammer and you will soon realize these products are designed to make a burglary very difficult. Additionally, the roller shades and screens enhance the home’s energy efficiency and sun control. Roller shades provide excellent air barrier insulation in the winter, superior protection from driving rain, and also reduce street noise quite well.

Window security shutters by QMI are available in several colors and box housing shapes to suit a home’s architecture. Box housings are available in round, square, or 45 degree bevel. The shutters may also be operated manually either inside with through-the-wall crank operation or outside the home with a push up/pull down or crank operation with a bottom lock. Motorized window security shutters are self-locking and may be outfitted with a manual override for power failure operation. iPad apps are also available for remote operations.

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About the Author:
QMI was established in 1986 by the Miller family. With more than 20 years in the business, QMI has earned its reputation as one of the nation’s top suppliers of high-quality security shutters. As experts in counter shutters, storefront security gates and commercial shutters, QMI has installation network throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. QMI also distribute solid shutter parts to other manufacturers throughout North America.