For many homes, window bars offer a crucial extra layer of security that gives comfort and deters unwanted entry. To guarantee both safety and aesthetic appeal, selecting the appropriate window bars and properly fastening them are essential.
Window bars come in a variety of forms, each with unique benefits and aesthetics. Knowing the differences between straightforward, practical designs and eye-catching decorative options will help you make an informed choice.
Choosing the appropriate window bars is only as important as ensuring proper installation. Maximizing their durability and effectiveness can be achieved by making sure they are firmly mounted. To improve the security of your house, let’s discuss the best window bar options and proper installation techniques.
- How to choose a window grille
- Types of window grilles
- What to pay attention to
- How to fix the lattice on the windows
- Purchase of the lattice
- Materials and tools
- Installation instructions
- Installation of the overhead grille
- Installation of the grate inside the window opening
- How to paint a grille
- Conclusion
- Video on the topic
- How to properly weld simple window bars
- How to properly install window grilles in a house made of aerated concrete
- Is it worth installing frame curtains?? TROKOT standard for Lada Vesta Review!
- Reliable protection for your windows
How to choose a window grille
The selling of window bars presents an odd picture: some customers only consider the product’s aesthetic appeal, while others focus on dependability, pricing, or both. Still others choose to purchase the first bars they come across. Simultaneously, the product’s functional purpose and fastening techniques are entirely disregarded.
Let’s examine their types in order to determine which window bars are superior.
Types of window grilles
The manufacturing process, shape, function, fastening, location, and fastening methods of window grilles vary.
Method of preparation. Iron bars on windows come in three different varieties:
- inexpensive, welded;
- elite, very expensive forged;
- combined – average in cost and design.
Welding. By joining dissimilar metal components together with welding, you can create a dependable but simple-looking design using strips or rods with a round or square cross-section.
Typically, the lattice is made up of cells with identical geometric shapes. Even in situations where there is a more intricate twig weaving, beauty is not mentioned.
Forged. Forged grilles exude sophistication, charm, and style. They are forged either hot (by hand) or cold (by a mechanical hammer). Naturally, the value of handmade work is much higher due to its high labor costs and intricate design.
However, this is only the case when the product’s quality and price are in line. Openwork grilles with multiple elements function as a deterrent to intruders and as a way to add facade decoration to a window.
Mixed choice. When you don’t have the money for a forged grille but don’t want to see one every day, a situation like this one frequently occurs. When the rods are welded parallel to one another, without interlacing, and different forged parts—such as spirals, peaks, petals, and clamps—are welded onto them, a combined option saves the day.
Any retailer that sells metal grilles will have these decorative pieces. As a result, a wide variety of customers can afford this exquisite grille.
Structure. Grates can also be identified by their form. They may be:
- rectangular – the most common option;
- arched – made to order for windows with arches;
- round – a rare option. Placed on porthole windows;
- volumetric – rather not an independent form, but a variety of the above.
Goal. Window grilles are classified into the following categories based on their uses:
- decorative – the main and only task of which is to decorate the facade. Made from thin metal rod, mostly forged;
- decorative and protective – perform two functions simultaneously: protect the window opening from unauthorized entry into the premises by unauthorized persons; decorate the façade, giving the building a complete architectural appearance. Can be forged and combined;
- protective – welded grille design. To enhance the protective properties, a thicker rod and additional reinforcing elements are used.
Securing. Many homeowners are unsure of how to fasten the protective screen bars to the windows when they are ready to install it independently on a window opening. Experts differentiate based on the fastening method used:
- stationary grilles – no moving elements, firmly attached to the wall by welding. Dismantling can only be done by cutting the lugs with a grinder or an oxyacetylene torch. A significant disadvantage – it is impossible to evacuate people through such a window in case of fire;
- removable – attached with bolts. Can be quickly removed at any time, although in an extreme situation it is not so easy to do.
Where. Grilles can be categorized as internal or external based on their location.
Internal can then be installed in turn:
In between frames—a highly uncommon choice. If one frame’s sashes open inward and the other outward, they are mounted. There are increasingly more options available when it comes to installing the grille inside PVC double-glazed windows. As far as burglary prevention goes, this option offers almost no benefits. Only drawbacks
- The grate serves the role of decoration for inexperienced thieves. She scares them away. For an experienced burglar, such protection will not cause any particular problems – if it is not possible to open the doors (anti-burglary fittings interfere), the glass will be broken, and the grille will be easily removed along with the door;
- if the burglar fails to remove the grille, he will have to pay to replace the double-glazed window.
In these situations, installing double-glazed windows with triplex or tempered glass is more affordable and dependable.
In the event of the owners’ extended absence, the interior grilles can be removed as an extra feature of the alarm system. Their job is to hold the window-breaking burglar until the security company shows up.
It is possible to create an outdoor installation:
- in the window opening – the classic version;
- into the trim when the window is located flush with the facade or fastening to the external slope is impossible – the grille is easily pulled out. Solves the problem by installing gratings on bolts passed through the wall (aerated concrete, aerated silicate block, wood).
Usability. The grille’s functionality allows it to be:
Blinds are made of a metal frame with rods welded to it that are either bolted or welded to the wall. Regulations pertaining to fire safety prohibit its installation on every window.
When the window is sliding, it means that the frame is securely fastened to the wall and the sash system slides to one side, restraining the window like an accordion. The design is straightforward but functionally sound. The grille has a lot of advantages: it is aesthetically pleasing, fits fire safety regulations, and is incredibly compact when moved.
Among the drawbacks, we can mention:
- reduced level of protection;
- the need for technical maintenance.
There are two types of grilles available for purchase: one in which the sash slides from the center to the sides, to the left or right.
One or two frames positioned on hinges inside the window opening serve as the design’s representation. Padlocked in place. Installed most frequently in conjunction with blind bars, this ensures that in the event of a fire, people can escape through the window.
Several aspects of the design need to be considered when operating:
- the locking system should not be complicated – during frosts, as a rule, it opens with difficulty;
- it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance of the hinges – lubricate;
- in the open position, at the points where the hinges are attached, the wall slowly collapses under the influence of microvibrations.
What to pay attention to
Making a specific decision is made easier when one is aware of the capabilities of each type of bar. Several subtleties should be considered at the same time.
- According to fire safety regulations, it is prohibited to install blind bars on all windows on the first floor. At least one of them must have a sliding or hinged design.
- The grate is durable and beautiful to look at if an iron rod with a diameter of 16-20 mm is used.
- When choosing a product, it is necessary to take into account the possibility of burglars entering the premises through the lattice cells. Therefore, the distance between the bars in any direction should not be more than 15 cm.
How to fix the lattice on the windows
There are multiple steps involved in installing the lattices:
- purchase of the structure;
- selection of the necessary set of tools;
- installation of the lattice.
Purchase of the lattice
Purchasing a lattice of a particular size is required. A lot of purchasers are unaware of how to figure out a window’s lattice. After using a tape measure to measure the window opening’s height and width, the calculation can be completed.
On each side of the slopes, the overhead structure should extend 10 to 15 centimeters onto the walls. A shorter distance does not allow for the strength of the structure; forcefully moving the lattice to one side or hammering the bolts can break the wall’s integrity, which makes it possible to remove the lattice.
Installing a grille inside the window opening should reduce the width by 10 cm, the height by 16 cm, the width by 5 cm on each side, and the height by 8 cm at the top and bottom. It takes this distance to perform installation work.
Materials and tools
In order to manually install a metal grill on a window, you will require:
- anchor bolts – 6-8 pcs.;
- electrodes;
- roulette;
- level;
- construction pencil;
- electric drill or hammer drill with a set of drills;
- welding machine.
The majority of items on the above list are found in homes or apartments. You will need to rent a welding machine and purchase electrodes and anchor bolts.
The main thesis statement for the article "Which window bars are better and how to secure them correctly?" might be: Selecting the appropriate window bars is essential for improving home security, but it’s also critical to install them correctly to ensure their efficacy. This article examines and contrasts the different kinds of window bars that are available. It also offers helpful advice on how to install window bars safely while taking into account elements like material toughness, visual appeal, and ease of upkeep. Knowing these factors will assist you in making wise decisions for your property, whether your goal is to improve safety measures or keep your home safe from intruders.
Installation instructions
Tools available, design purchased. The installation phase is the next crucial step. Here, you have to figure out how to put the window grille on correctly. After all, the kind of grille and the wall material have an impact on the installation technology.
Installation of the overhead grille
The patch grate is typically installed on windows flush with the facade or on walls where the material strength is low. Because the anchor bolts are wiped for force, installing a protective structure inside a wooden house’s window opening does not ensure protection against hacking.
Gas silicate blocks are in a similar circumstance. As a result, the fasteners here are through the walls. To assist novices, consider this step-by-step guide on installing a window grate in a wooden house.
- Improves are welded to the frame, 2 on each side. It is allowed to fix the grille on 6 instant shell.
- In the eyes, holes are drilled for bolts by 1-2 mm larger diameter-so that the bolts are easier to enter the wall.
- The design is attached to the window. On the wall with a pencil, there are places for drilling.
- Electric drill or perforator, the wall is drilled through and through. The diameter of the drill must correspond to the diameter of the bolt – 14-16 mm.
- Inside the room, a drill with a crown is used to drill a hole for the washer and nut – they need to be recessed and then sealed.
- The grille is being installed. Bolts must be inserted from the outside.
- A nut and washer are tightened inside the room – it provides a large area of resistance when trying to pull out the grille along with the fastening.
- Use a grinder to trim the bolts flush with the nut.
Installing an overhead grille on a brick wall involves some subtleties. The technology used here is a little bit different:
- use a tape measure to mark the outline of the grating on the wall;
- in the masonry joints, a hole is drilled for pins with a diameter of at least 15 mm and a depth of 12 cm. In this case, the hole is not drilled vertically, which is very important, but at a slight angle towards the window opening – it will not be possible to pull out such an anchor by moving it towards you;
- Pins 12 cm long are cut from the rod;
- the fastener is driven into the hole. About 30 mm should remain on the surface.
- A heel is welded to the pin;
- On the lattice there are places of attachment of instant shells, which are welded to the structure;
- the grate is installed on the window – the eyes are welded to the heel of the pin.
Be aware that the lattice frequently needs to be installed on plastic siding. The location of the washer is the only technological distinction between the wall cladding and the grate on the bolt or pin.
Instead of welding the grille, replace the pins with anchor bolts and screw it in place using nuts. In this instance, the thread becomes clogged with a hammer or chisel after the work is finished, making it impossible to advance the structure.
Installation of the grate inside the window opening
How can a lattice be installed within a window opening? The procedure is comparable to installing a small section of a brick wall; brick, frame, or concrete may be used.
- The slopes of the holes drill are noted in the slopes. The marks are placed arbitrarily if the lugs are not welded to the grille.
- Holes up to 12 cm deep are drilled (for concrete, Pobedit drills are needed).
- Pins or anchor bolts are driven into the resulting holes, and the heels are welded to them.
- The places where the lugs are attached are marked on the grille, after which they are welded to the structure.
- The grille structure is welded to the embedded pins.
Anchor bolts can be used to secure the grille in place of welding. This is a little trickier, though, because you have to make sure that the anchor bolts and eye holes line up precisely, and you also need to remember to "hammer" the threads.
How to paint a grille
Hardware stores sell pre-made gratings that have already been painted. Painting becomes necessary if the grille structure was constructed by hand or if some areas of the metal started to rust. In this instance, a lot of homeowners are attempting to figure out how to paint a window after removing the grill. Only in two situations is this feasible:
- overhead grille, installed with bolts;
- swing design – can be removed from hinges.
In every other situation, a grinder will be required to remove the grate. As a result, you will have to endure the pain of painting the window bars. The straightforward procedure entails rust removal from the iron, priming the metal to stop corrosion, and self-painting.
The paint needs to be powder because it perfectly shields the grille from corrosion and is resistant to UV light and temperature changes. Starts at 360 rubles per kilogram. About 20 years of warranty. Alkyd enamel is an excellent substitute that is nearly as high-quality as powder paint.
Conclusion
We go into great detail about installing a window grille above. Let us reiterate for those who are unable to read the content in its entirety for a variety of reasons. Installing metal window bars is one of the most effective ways to ensure that your house stays intact.
The manufacturing process, shape, function, fastening technique, installation location, and fastening method of each design vary from one another.
Combined structures installed in the window opening for welding are best suited for customers with average incomes. In this instance, a hinged or sliding grill in one window is required for people to evacuate in the event of a fire.
Drilling holes for anchor bolts or pins, welding the eyes to the structure, and welding the grid to the bolts (pins) inserted into the holes are all steps in the installation process.
Types of Window Bars | Securing Methods |
1. Fixed Bars: Attached permanently to window frames, offering constant security. | 1. Screwed Installation: Use strong screws to anchor bars into window frames securely. |
2. Removable Bars: Can be installed and removed as needed, providing flexibility. | 2. Bracket Mounting: Utilize brackets to attach bars firmly to window frames without permanent alterations. |
Selecting the appropriate window bars for window security is essential for both security and style. There are numerous varieties that provide varying degrees of style and protection. While detachable bars offer flexibility for cleaning or emergency exits, fixed bars offer ongoing security. When choosing the style of bars, take into account your unique security requirements as well as the layout of your house.
Selecting the appropriate type of window bar is just as important as installing it correctly. Make sure they are firmly fixed into the wall or window frame to avoid being taken out without permission. In addition to improving security, proper installation guarantees durability against attempted break-ins. To ensure correct fitting and compliance with local safety codes, it is advisable to speak with a qualified installer.
For your window bars to remain effective over time, maintenance is also necessary. Frequent checks for corrosion or damage, particularly outside, can avert structural flaws that jeopardize safety. Regular cleaning maintains their good appearance and proper operation. You can greatly increase the security of your house or property by making an investment in high-quality bars and keeping them in good condition.