Windows Sensors for Double Hung WIndows

Just as every home has its unique character, so does your windows. So, it should be no surprise that equipping a house with a properly installed home security system requires extra consideration of the special features of a property.

One of the most important, and standard, assets to any home security system are sensors that detect when a window is opened or closed. A complication emerges when the home is outfitted with the upgraded and popular double-hung windows, which requires the sensors being installed to include these four important qualities:

• Sound: The ability to audibly alert residents and scare away trespassers is a necessary feature.

• Size: Dimensions must stay small for the versatility needed to adapt to various window types and shapes.

• Setup: Professional installers will have more experience securely fitting new equipment properly the first time.

• Location: Strategic placement of sensors can help ensure the effectiveness of the device as a security device.

Let’s deep dive into each of these points further to learn more about the role that window sensors play in double hung window security.

Sound

In order to know that a window has been opened, whether it’s lifting from the bottom pane or any change in the position of the top pane in a double-hung window, you need to be alerted in some way. For this reason, the most important thing about an alarm system is that it emits an alert which is audible to everyone nearby that a movement has occurred where it was otherwise unexpected.

Sound in response to a window opening serves several purposes. Firstly, it needs to alert the homeowner or residents that a window is no longer secured. Secondly, sirens should scare away the robbers as soon as that window is opened or broken.

Window sensors alone are usually not equipped with sirens, and for this reason, they are connected to a security system which does. Although windows are positioned at far extremities of the house, a security panel is usually centrally located and may have the option to extend a repeat signal to secondary security panels or keypads. Additionally, notifications can be forwarded to your cell phone, depending on how the system is configured to respond.

Size

Most homeowners want to keep their window sensors hidden. This may be for aesthetic purposes, as well as for security reasons. Because of this, they will go for the smaller sizes.

Smaller window sensors are much easier to hide along the frame or grilles in the window. Having a big sensor will draw too much attention to the residents when looking outside and may clash with the house design.

As panes in a double-hung window can move independent of each other, it is important for the sensor and magnet pair to be slim enough not interfere with the movement of either windowpane. For example, if you are using one sensor for both panes, placing the magnet on the top pane and the battery powered sensor piece on the bottom, then you will need to make sure that the gap between panes accommodates the width of the magnet.

Sensors that go from an inch to four inches wide can fit in any size of window in the home. Depending on the model of the double hung window, it can fit up to five sensors. It’s important to have the measurements of your windows to know what type of sensor will work best for the windows.

Setup

Setup can generally be easy when it comes to installing a home sensor, but professional installation is always available. If it is installed by a professional, you may gain the option to choose a better hidden recessed sensor, which is a small plug that needs to be drilled into the frame. This keeps it concealed and is more aesthetically appealing. Always take into account the number of windows in the home before ordering sensors. The more windows, the more sensors are required.

Location

It’s common to put your sensors inside the window, making it easier to access and maintain the integrity of the sensor. While you could put it outside for potentially quicker alerts, it’s generally a better idea to put the sensor inside the home so it can’t be tampered with.

Note that window sensors are versatile in the ways that they can be mounted, but if both components are within reach, they can be removed together, negating their purpose of detecting a separation that indicates the window has been opened.

Window Sensors are One Layer of Protection

Window sensors, which also double as door sensors, provide you with control over the perimeter of your home and act as a barrier to outside forces. These are a great addition that provides a layer of protection to your overall home security plan.

For more information about window sensors and other technology to keep your home safe, call Brinks Home™ today.