Home Security Measures For Winter
Planning ahead now gives you the time to make meaningful upgrades to protect your property before the winter. Here are some key areas to focus on:
1) Locking Mechanisms
Your front door is your first line of defence. That’s why our range of Smart Signature doors come with multi-point locking systems, securing the door in several places around the frame. Put simply, they’re much harder to force open.
And if you’re the type who often thinks, “Did I lock the door?,” smart locks are a game-changer. With the Ultion Nuki Plus, you can lock and unlock your door straight from your phone or even your smart home system. There’s also the option of a keypad or fingerprint entry for extra convenience.
Patio doors can be just as secure too. Our aluminium bifold doors feature five-point locking on the main door, steel shoot-bolt rods on the panels, and hidden gearing for added strength. On top of that, we fit BSI 3-star diamond-rated cylinders with anti-snap, anti-drill, anti-pick, and anti-bump technology, so you can enjoy the view of your garden without worrying about security.
2) Doors and Window Frames
Noticing that your windows or doors are starting to look a little tired? Now’s a great time to think about replacing them before the festive season. The material you choose for your frames makes an enormous difference to both strength and longevity.
That’s why aluminium windows and double glazed aluminium doors are such a popular choice. Aluminium is tough, weather-resistant, and unlike timber or PVC, it won’t warp or twist over time. It’s also strong enough to hold large panes of glass, which means you can enjoy bigger views and more natural light. Plus, with modern thermal break technology, aluminium frames do a fantastic job of keeping the heat in and the cold out. So not only do they look sleek, but they also help keep your home warm and secure.
3) Double Glazing
Glazing isn’t only about energy efficiency; it also plays a crucial role in protecting your home. Double glazed windows create a strong barrier, making it far more difficult for intruders to break through compared to single panes. This added layer of security gives you extra peace of mind, especially during the darker winter months when burglaries are more common.
For even greater resilience, laminated glass is an excellent upgrade. It’s made by bonding two panes together with a tough interlayer, establishing a barrier that is incredibly difficult to penetrate. For homeowners who want to combine warmth, durability, and reliable protection, laminated glass is one of the most effective and worthwhile improvements available.
4) Home CCTV
Christmas may be the time for snapping photos with loved ones, but potential burglars will think twice before putting themselves in front of the lens. This is why having a home CCTV system is particularly useful.
While full systems can be a big investment, even smaller options make a difference. A Ring doorbell, for example, has motion detection, records footage, and connects directly to your phone. This means you can see who is at your door from anywhere, giving you peace of mind even while you’re away.
CCTV doesn’t just deter intruders, it can also provide evidence if needed, which is another reason it’s a strong option for those looking to improve home security.
5) Burglar Alarms
An alarm remains one of the most effective ways to secure your home, but only if it’s switched on. Many burglars know that homeowners sometimes forget to activate them, so always remember to set it before leaving the house.
Modern systems can be linked to smartphones, so you’ll be notified if there’s any activity while you’re out. The visible presence of an alarm box on the exterior of your property is also a strong deterrent. Burglars are less likely to risk targeting a house that looks well protected.
6) Blinds & Curtains
Big windows are great for letting in light, but they can also expose the inside of your home. Closing your blinds or curtains when it gets dark prevents prying eyes from seeing in.
Curtains are an easy option and add warmth to your home, while blinds offer a more modern finish. For something even more stylish, integral blinds, sealed between the panes of glass, require minimal maintenance and disappear when not in use. They provide the privacy you need without blocking out daylight permanently.
7) Security Lighting
Lighting is one of the simplest but most effective home security measures. Burglars rely on the cover of darkness, so using light removes one of their biggest advantages.
Timers allow you to set lights to switch on and off at specific times, making your house look occupied even when it isn’t. Even short bursts of light can make burglars think twice.
Motion sensor lighting is another excellent choice. It floods dark areas with light whenever movement is detected, instantly drawing attention to anyone lurking nearby. Both types of lighting are low-cost but highly effective ways to keep your home secure.
Secured by Design Accreditation
One of the most reliable ways to check the security level of a product is by looking for Secured by Design accreditation. Developed in partnership with the police, this accreditation is awarded to products proven to cut burglary risk by up to 75%.
At Express Direct, we’re proud that many of our products carry the Secured by Design mark, including our pre-made aluminium bifold doors, and Smart Signature doors. Choosing products with this certification is a simple step towards safer living.
Home security should always be a priority, but it becomes especially important in the run-up to Christmas. From smart locks and laminated glass to CCTV systems and motion sensor lighting, there are plenty of effective ways to boost security and enjoy greater peace of mind. Even simple habits, like setting your alarm, closing blinds in the evening, or using timers on your lights, can deter unwanted attention.
At Express Direct, we’re proud to offer a wide range of aluminium doors, windows, and glazing solutions, many of which carry the Secured by Design accreditation for proven protection.
Ready to strengthen your home security before Christmas? Explore our range online or visit one of our showrooms today, and let our expert team help you find the perfect upgrades for a safer, more secure home.
FAQs
At Express Direct, we’ve been producing premium aluminium products at our state-of-the-art Leeds facility since 2007. We understand what goes into making secure aluminium doors, and our stock bifold doors are no exception, featuring the same high security locking mechanisms.
Yes. Aluminium windows are stronger, more durable, and less prone to damage than timber or PVC frames. They also support larger panes of toughened glass without compromising security.
Look for locks with a 3-star diamond BSI rating. These provide protection against snapping, drilling, and picking. Multi-point locks on aluminium front doors or double glazed aluminium doors are also highly effective.
Set your alarm whenever you go out, use lights on timers, close blinds in the evening, and double-check your front door locks. Even small steps make a substantial difference.