Bars on Windows: Types and Tips

Here are the different types, pros and cons, and tips for installing bars on your home’s windows.

Simple, low-tech, and relatively inexpensive, bars on windows are a highly effective home-security strategy.

Answer these simple questions to gauge whether anti-burglar bars may be right for you:

• Is the burglary rate high or rapidly rising in your neighborhood?
• Do you have basement or ground-level windows hidden by shrubs and outbuildings, and otherwise out of sight to neighbors?
• Do you lack confidence in the response times by local authorities when called to investigate suspicious activities?
• Has your area failed to create and maintain a neighborhood watch program?
• Are you comfortable with the look of security bars on your windows?

If your answers are yes, you’re a candidate for the structural security of burglar bars.

Bar Basics

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Home security bars are basically stout metal grids that are screwed or bolted through window frames to the structural framing. The simplest DIY versions have 3 or 4 steel bars set in a metal frame and are available at home improvement centers. More elaborate versions are accented with artistic motifs and scrollwork. Custom-designed bars made by wrought-iron fabricators can cost up to $1,000 each.

There are various types:

• Permanent security bars are designed for constant, long-term use.
• Swing-away bars are hinged for cleaning the window glass or for emergency egress. They’re secured with a padlock or quick-release mechanism available only from the inside.
• Removable bars are designed to be used when bars may detract from appearances. A typical application is for small stores or residences zoned for commercial use. At night, the bars slip into place; during the day, they can be removed and stored out-of-sight.

You may find that your insurance company offers reduced rates to home owners who invest in bars and other security measures. Check with your home insurance agent.

Why Bars on Windows Work

Obviously, they prevent easy entrance into your home. But a large part of their effectiveness is psychological: Burglars prefer to work quickly and quietly, and they don’t like complications. Simply the sight of burglar bars is enough to discourage most home invaders.

Where to Install Bars

Start by installing bars on the windows that are least visible and easiest to reach. Basement windows are particularly susceptible: They’re low, and often hidden in shadows and obscured by foliage. Basement egress windows (larger windows for occupants to escape fire) typically have deep window wells that allow burglars to work out-of-sight of neighbors.

Installing Costs of Home Security Bars

Installation can be left to professionals as a whole-house project, or managed as a series of do-it-yourself jobs. For small windows, including the standard basement type, a do-it-yourself kit will cost $100 to $200 and installation will take about an hour (a little longer for the first one, a little less after you’ve done a few).

Grilles for larger windows and doors cost $300 to $500. Professional installation adds about $150 per opening plus materials. Grille components are available from security firms, some hardware stores, and home centers.

Installation process involves mounting a pair of brackets securely to framing members on either side (or above and below) your window. The structural framing members are directly behind window frames, so you’ll need screws that are long enough to reach the structural members. The bars are installed between these secure anchors.

Most local codes require security bars to have a quick-release feature available from inside the home to allow easy exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Interior installation complicates matters for burglars — they’ll have to go through the window first to get to the bars.

All-Around Home Security

Security bars on windows work best when used together with other home security measures.

• Motion-sensor lights click on when anyone gets too close to your house.
• Home security cameras monitor your home while you’re away, and the video streams can be viewed on a computer or mobile device.
• Home security systems protect windows and doors, and cost $250 to $700, plus a monthly fee.

Topic

Larry Erickson

Larry Erickson is a features writer and essayist for newspapers and magazines. He has edited home improvement books for Better Homes and Gardens, The Home Depot, Stanley, and the Discovery Channel. He tends to a house and recalcitrant tractor in rural Iowa.

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How Much Does It Cost To Install Window Security Bars & Gates?

Typical Range: $510 — $1 337

How We Get This Data

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Bars on Windows Cost

The average cost to install window security bars is $902. Most homeowners pay between $510 and $1,337. The exact amount depends on three key factors: the size of your window, the number of technicians needed, and the type of security bars you select. Aluminum security bars are the most popular choice, with pricing around $90 for a set without installation.

One of the most effective means of deterring burglars is to install security bars on windows in your home. They may also lead to lower home insurance premiums as your home becomes less at risk for a burglary.

It’s important that one adds the correct types of bars and that they are done correctly for them to be effective. Hire a professional installer to meet safety and security needs.

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National Average	$ 902
Typical Range	$ 510 — $ 1 337
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Burglar Bars Price by Type

Burglar bars cost between $90 and $1,000. Pricing varies according to the size of your window and the material used to manufacture the bars. Steel or aluminum make up most window bars, though heavier ones made of wrought iron are available. Custom-made and decorative designs tend to be costlier. Below is a look at the price range of the most popular types.

Common Types of Burglar Bars

Material	Price Range
Aluminum & Steel	$90-$500
Wrought iron	$100-$1,000
Transparent	$150-$700
Decorative	$100-$1,000

Aluminum and Steel Metal Window Security Bars

Starting at $90 per window, steel and aluminum window security bars account for the majority of those sold. They are available in expandable styles and are also available with a white powder-coated finish to compliment lighter colored homes.

Wrought Iron Window Bars

Wrought iron window bars range in price from $100 for a 27 by 13-inch window to over $1,000 for a customized job. These prices do not include installation.

Wrought iron bars are strong and easy to customize, making them a favorite among buyers. They are also easy to find. Buyers can choose from several designs.

Transparent Burglar Bars

Transparent burglar bars start at $150 for a small window. They are more expensive than your traditional steel or aluminum bars. They use the same material found in riot shields, helmet visors, airplane windows, and more. These are newer on the market and may not be available everywhere.

Transparent bars have limited availability in the United States because most manufacturers are located overseas. This can contribute to elevated product costs. They offer the following benefits:

• Resistant to rust and corrosion
• Difficult to break without special tools
• Easy to clean
• Bullet-proof strength

Find a Security Bar Installer for Your Home

Decorative Security Bars for Residential Windows

Decorative security bars for small windows start at just over $100 per window. Models with a quick-release feature and custom finishes can cost over $1,000 for larger windows.

Most decorative bars are wrought iron, steel, or aluminum. While they are more expensive than standard styles, they offer the following benefits:

• Available in a variety of colors
• Options include scrolls, flowers, and custom designs
• They can add to the aesthetic appeal of a home

Interior vs. Exterior Bars

There is not a significant difference in price between interior and exterior burglar bars. Most are designed to mount to the outside of a home or building. Interior security bars make break-ins a bit more challenging for burglars because they mount on the inside of a window. Burglars must first break the window before facing the security bars.

Bars for Windows that Open

Security bars for windows that open cost $220 and up. They are available in aluminum, steel, and wrought iron styles. They are also known as «swing-open» or «swing-away» security bars. They got this nickname because they have hinges that allow the bars to open for an easy exit. Many people like them because they promote safety and make window cleaning easier.

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Installing Bars on Windows Cost

The average cost to install bars on most windows is $150 per window, not including materials. Picture windows and other oversize windows will average $300 per window. This price increase is due to the need for multiple pros to lift and install the bars.

Fire Escape Window Gates Prices

Fire escape window gates cost between $300 and $450 including installation. Before buying, make sure it adheres to the proper safety regulations set by your local fire department.

Cost to Remove Burglar Bars

A skilled handyman can remove bars from one small window for $65 to $75. The cost to remove them will depend on the number of windows and their size. In general, removal is less expensive because it takes less time. There is no need to spend time measuring, drilling pilot holes, or anchoring screws.

Replacing Broken Gates

The cost to replace a broken security gate is $275 to $425. This price includes removal, repairs, and touch-ups.

Find the Best Installation Quote from Top Security Pros.

Placement of Window Security Bars

The placement of your security bars will affect purchase price and installation costs. Some of the most popular places to add window security bars are as follows:

Basement Window Security Bars

The cost of basement window security bars is lower than average, ranging from $100 to $200 including installation. This is because they tend to be smaller.

Egress window installation costs between $150 and $300. Basement windows and egress windows, found in basements with living spaces, are the most popular locations to place security bars. Egress windows allow people to exit the space if a fire or other emergency arises. Their location makes them the most popular entry points for burglars.

Ground Floor Homes or Apartments

Security bars for picture windows and doors can cost over $200. Their size makes them more expensive than those for egress windows. Next to basement windows, ground floor windows and doors are the next most popular location for security bars. Burglars can hide behind bushes or trees as they try to gain entry through a ground floor window or door.

Bars for a Child’s Room

Kid-friendly child safety bars are growing in popularity among safety-conscious parents. Security bars for a child’s room do more than provide added protection from burglars. They can help prevent a small child from falling out of a window. Just make sure to establish a means of entry in case a fire blocks the main door or exit.

Bedrooms with Fire Escapes in an Apartment or Condo

The crime rate tends to be higher in urban areas where apartments and condos are located. Bedroom fire escapes are another popular point of entry for criminals, highlighting the need for security bars.

DIY Window Security Bars vs. Hiring a Pro to Build & Install

Security bar installation requires skill and accuracy. Proper placement is integral to safety and effectiveness. Also, a professional can make sure they comply with local housing codes. If you make a mistake when adding them, people inside the home may not be able to escape if there is a fire or other safety threat.

For these reasons, installation by a trained window professional is the best way to ensure that your bars are effective. If you decide to do it yourself, make sure you have the proper training.

Do cheap burglar bars still work?

Cheap burglar bars made of easy-to-rust metals pose a serious safety threat to consumers. They may have inferior locks that fail to prevent break-ins. While the price tag may look attractive, buyers should be careful when basing decisions solely on price.

How much are Home Depot security bar prices?

The average price of security bars at Home Depot is just over $150. This is higher than the starting price of $90. Even with free delivery, buyers may be able to obtain better prices through a professional.

How much does it cost to install a security door or door gate?

The average cost of a security door is $1,400. This price includes the cost of materials plus installation. Homeowners can save money by choosing a security screen door. This less costly option runs between $50 and $600 plus approximately $350 for labor.

Installing security doors or gates differs from adding regular doors. This is because they are installed outside the doorjamb to prevent burglars from kicking their way into your home.