Tag: Security

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Security

Everything you can do to secure your home

In some areas, the chance of being burgled is as high as one in three homes. With these risks so astounding, it is critical for all homes to be protected with a home security system. Some statistics indicate that about 25 per cent of all homes experience a break-in or an attempted break-in at some point. The right security measures can reduce this risk.

The benefits of security surveillance

In a nutshell, security surveillance refers to monitoring the home with cameras linked up to a recording device. There are several reasons for using surveillance at home, such as:

  • Monitoring both the inside and outside of the home for potential trespassers and intruders
  • Monitoring kids and other members of the family when they are in other regions of the house, or outside
  • Monitoring employees, for example, babysitters, nannies, cleaners etc. – to make sure they are working properly
A home alarm system with a camera / Source: Security System Solutions

Wired security systems

Wired security systems are hardwired through the walls or floors of your home and typically controlled from a panel located in an easily accessible area from the door. In addition to a control pad, the system tends to come with cameras and motion sensors on the windows and doors. Everything is hardwired together, and sometimes it might not be easy to feed the wiring through the walls. In this case, some might be exposed. You can cover them easily with a rug, though.

When installing a wired security system, you’ll have to choose between a closed or open-loop design. Closed-loop systems set off the alarm if the security magnet is somehow removed from its magnetic switch, which breaks the closed circuit of the system. Open-loop systems set off the alarm if any of the doors or windows are opened, which causes a magnetic link to close the open connection.

Wireless security systems

Much like a wired security system, wireless systems use sensors, cameras, motion detectors, etc. to monitor the safety of your home. Rather than using wires, of course, wireless security systems operate via radio signals that are sent to each other. Many opt for a wireless system because it doesn’t require running cables and wires through your home, so its a less invasive installation process.

The only disadvantage to wireless security systems is that the elements cannot be too far from each other. They need to stay in range in order to fully operate as they’re meant to. Be sure to install wireless components far from your other electronic devices, so that they don’t interfere with each other.

Using a visual system

Burglars tend to select the easiest targets; so by making your home look like a difficult target, it is likely that burglars will not attempt it and select a home that’s not as well prepared. To make your home visually protected, consider the following:

  • Keep the areas next to your home’s windows and doors free from shrubs or trees that a burglar can hide behind.
  • Use motion-activated lighting outdoors.
  • Use a security screen door so the burglar must go through two sets of doors to enter your home.

Contact local security system experts

Physical systems

It’s extremely effective to make your home physically challenging to enter. To do this, focus first on the most likely entry points: the front and back door. Equip all doors with deadbolts and consider the addition of security bars or screens to areas that are potentially high-risk. You may also want to consider the use of a home automation system. These allow you to turn on the lights and television no matter where you are. This way, your empty home looks as though someone is there. 

What are the different types of security lights?

Security lights come with many energy-efficient features which are meant to ensure that your electricity bills don’t drill a hole in your pocket. Sensor lights are wired into the main electrical supply and are switched on only when they detect motion in an area. Alternatively, timer lights can be pre-programmed to go on and off at particular times in a day. These timers can be used for lights inside and outside the house with equal ease. They are especially helpful when you have to leave your house vacant for a few days or weeks. By programming the lights to go on and off at regular intervals, you can create an impression that the house is occupied, thereby deterring thieves and burglars.

Sensor lights make your outdoor areas a lot safer / Source: Palmer Power And Lighting

Why site security is so important

Site security refers to the protection of a building site through each phase of the building process. Theft can be a major issue on building sites, with both tools and materials at risk of being stolen. This can cost you a great deal of money in replacement items. It can also cost you time as it may take several days, or even weeks, for new materials to be sent out so that work can recommence.

Building site protection

There are several methods available to help you provide better protection for your building site. These options include:

  • Temporary fencing – this method is both easy, cheap, and effective. You can get temporary fencing from companies who will deliver and install the fencing around the site for you. 
  • Get your neighbours to help you – if there are neighbours living near your building site, ask them if they are willing to watch over your property whenever possible. If they witness anything suspicious, they can let you know.
  • Coordinate deliveries – if possible, make sure any materials that are delivered are used soon after. By doing so, you won’t have piles of expensive materials lying around the site not being used for too long.
  • Keep the whole site clean – make sure that any tradespeople working on the site clean up after themselves – removing boxes, unused tools and materials, and additional waste as soon as they are not needed. This will do two things: it will limit hiding spaces for smaller items and will mean that less attention is drawn to your site and what is currently being done there.

Tips for when you’re on holiday

Empty homes are easy targets but taking precautions so your home appears occupied and protected, can prevent robberies. An overflowing mailbox or piling newspaper stacks is a dead give away to an empty house so ask a trusted neighbour, family member or friend to regularly pick up your mail for the duration of your trip. Additionally, keep some old clothes hanging on the clothesline and request your neighbour to place your trash bin in time for the weekly collection.

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Security

Should you choose security screens, bars or grilles?

Protecting your home and your loved ones is a top priority. The threat of potential intruders is disconcerting for anyone potentially if you’ve suffered a break-in or know people in the area who have. If you’re searching for ways to keep your home safe, installing security screens, bars or grilles for your doors can be an easy and effective method for keeping predators out (and your hard-earned home amenities in).

Why security screens for doors?

Doors are an often-overlooked security hazard. A lock isn’t necessarily enough to deter a determined individual. Breaking a pane of glass or slashing through a screen may be all it takes to reach through, turn a lock, and gain access. An experienced lock picker won’t be deterred by even solid oak doors. Security screens act as a dedicated deterrent. They’re specially designed to make would-be intruders consider looking for an easier target. A burglar wants to spend as little time exposed at a home’s entrance, so a security screen can be enough to make wrongdoers look elsewhere.

Close up of a security screen / Source: Shutterstock

A security screen also adds convenience for keeping children and pets safe inside. Leave your doors open during the day to save on energy costs, enjoy a pleasant view, or improve indoor ventilation. With the security screen closed, you’ll know your home is safe. Feel secure in your own house even with the doors open when you use a high-quality, professionally installed security screen.

What is this type of screen?

A security screen is a mesh screen made of steel, rather than the material commonly found in flyscreens. These screens are made from a higher quality stainless steel or from marine grade steel. They have holes punched into the steel to give it a mesh appearance. Some screens are made from aluminium rather than steel, but steel is the better option overall due to its added security.

Additionally, these screens have extra strength thanks to their specialised framing. This framing is durable and hard to break. A special system is used to ensure that the mesh remains secured inside the frame.

Choosing security bars or grilles

An alternative to security screens is security bars or grilles. These are fitted to the doors and windows in your house and improve your overall home security. Security bars and grills deter potential thieves and intruders both visually and pragmatically since they dissuade most from breaking in just by their appearance. However, one disadvantage is that they can block your view. Security bars and grilles can be custom made or bought in a ready to use form. The type you get mostly depends on what kind of design you want and the type of windows and doors that need security.

Security bars come in a range of colour options / Source: Shutterstock

They are conveniently available in an extensive variety of designs, enabling you to make the most stylish choice for your abode. Security bars and grilles also come in a wonderful selection of great colours. When making your choice, it is advisable to opt for steel or aluminium bars and grilles and preferably ones that can withstand harsh elements. You should also opt for ones that are able to open, in case you need to escape from your home in an emergency.

The advantages of getting steel mesh screens 

First up, these screens are very strong and will make it totally unnecessary to have security bars or grilles on your doors or windows. Bars and grilles can sometimes ruin the look of feature windows and doors. With mesh screens, however, this really isn’t of any concern. The look of any home can be maintained when these are installed.

With these screens, you can also keep your doors and windows open in order to get air into the home, without any sort of security concerns. In addition, insects and other pests will be kept at bay, just like they would with regular flyscreens and other screens that are designed to repel insects.

In addition to this, these screens are safe for the family. When installed, they can be opened easily from within the home, making it easy for anyone to escape the house in the event of an emergency, like a fire.

Excellent warranties generally accompany these screens as well. In most cases, these warranties are good for about 10 years, which can ease your mind if something goes wrong with your screens.

Picking the right screen

Steel mesh security screens are available in models designed for sliding doors or hinged doors. Their versatility allows you to protect all the doors in your home using similar high-quality products designed for each particular entry. Find frames and trims in a wide range of colour options to complement the style of your house or apartment.

Most security screens for doors can be reinforced by mid-rails to add extra security on larger screen doors for maximum security with minimal visual impact. Look for a hinged screen that comes fitted with triple point locks or a sliding door screen with an extra-strong lock to further improve the security of your home.

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Gates & fencing

A guide to driveway gates

There are many reasons why a homeowner might want to consider investing in a driveway gate – added resale value, increased security, and a detailed finish that many other properties simply do not have. As with any addition to a home, you will have many options when purchasing a driveway gate.     

Which types should you consider?

Select from the various styles available for your needs. For example, you may want one that slides rather than swings. Sliding versions are a good option when there is plenty of room for these to move. They are also a good option on a sloped area. Swing gates are more common and work in virtually any situation. If you have only a limited amount of room, this is a good option. 

Wooden driveway gate / Source: Vinny The All Rounder

Driveway gate materials

Driveway gates are available in many different varieties to satisfy your taste and needs. Whether you want sleek metal or rustic wood, you’re sure to find something to perfectly match your style. 

  • Wood – Wooden gates come in many different styles, including stressed, rustic, or ornate. They are strong and sturdy and can fit in well with many house styles. They do need to be properly treated for longevity.
  • Aluminium – Aluminum is something to consider if you’re looking for something strong but also lightweight. There are many different sizes and types, including arched, tubular, and slide. They’re also affordable.
  • Wrought iron – Wrought iron gates are very eye-catching due to intricate designs and stunning patterns. The design possibilities are endless with these gates, and they add instant elegance to any home. 
  • Steel – Steel gates can range in design from simple to ornate. They are durable, need little maintenance, and will live a long life.

The use of iron gates

There is something about the use of iron gates that really helps add to the home’s overall appeal. They are sophisticated and timeless in their design. Most of the time, these gates will last for many years, sometimes even a lifetime. Maintaining them is important, though. Iron is more expensive than other materials, but it is often well worth the investment since you may not need to replace it. Other gates will need to be replaced within a few years.

The overall look of an iron gate is an important part of the selection process. You will want to choose one that works well in your home, based on the features present in your home and on the gate. It is possible to choose something that is simple and minimalistic. You may want something more ornate, though, with intricate designs on it, including abstract designs, leaves, scrollwork, and other embellishments. Custom made gates are also an option. This will cost more, but it can give you the ability to choose every detail, including the size, style, and height.

For driveways, the use of an iron gate makes sense. You can use them for any area that you would like to add beauty or a layer of security. Many will have locks, opening systems that are automated, and even remote controls. Some have security cameras and intercoms built-in, too.

Contact local gate experts

Driveway gate upgrades

There are many useful upgrades you might want to consider when purchasing a gate. Here are a few options that will make your life easier and/or more secure:

  • Much like a garage door opener, a gate can be automated so you can open and close it from the inside of your car with a remote control. This feature comes in handy during inclement weather!    
  • A camera and/or an intercom system can be installed for added security. This allows you to see who is at the gate before opening it up. 
  • To further secure your gate, consider adding a lock. This adds an extra layer of security to your gate and home. Locks come in many forms, such as keyed locks, latches, padlocks, or electronic locks that can be manipulated from your home.   

Motorised gates

The security of your home is very important, and motorised gates are a great way of keeping it safe. Since this type of gate is remote controlled, it is sometimes called an automated gate. Besides high protection, it also adds an element of style to the home. This gate is easily fitted onto almost any type of fence. If you have small children in your family who love running out of the house and onto the road, motorised gates can keep you worry-free about their safety.

There are two types of motorised gates. In the slider variety, the gate slides on a steel runner. The swing type of gate has a pair of mechanical arms. Both work equally well to protect your home, so you may install either type as per your convenience and the way the gate opens onto the road. A sliding gate is more practical if the access lies on an elevation, while a swing gate is ideal for narrow entrances.

A motorised iron gate / Source: Nicee

How to choose driveway gates

If choosing a driveway gate seems daunting, try matching it to your fence! You’ll create a consistent look this way.  And be sure to get some professional help. You don’t want to be stuck with a sagging gate because you didn’t account for a strong enough gate for an extra-wide driveway. They will also be able to help you decide if you need a driveway gate that swings open or slides. The size and slope of your entryway will also have an effect on which option is better.

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Doors & windows

Your guide to the different types of curtains

With the wide variety of colours, patterns, textures and materials out there, it can be overwhelming to shop for curtains for your home. Before you start shopping, it helps to do a bit of planning first to help you determine exactly what to look for. Here’s a round up of the different types of curtains available.

Lace curtains

These classic curtains are extremely lightweight, so they won’t filter out glare entirely. They can soften light and add privacy though. They’ll also add an air of elegance to even the plainest room. Because of their lightweight design, lace curtains are usually paired with an under curtain, which can aid in blocking glare.

Sheer curtains and voiles

Sheers are made of transparent, lightweight fabrics and can be used alone or with an under- or over-curtain. They’re thin enough to bring in plenty of light and give an airy, breezy appearance. Voile curtains are made from slightly heavier cottons, but are still lightweight enough to keep a room looking cool and airy.

Curtains can make an elegant addition to the decor of your space / Source: Ryan Linnegar Photography

Block outs

As the name implies, block out curtains are window treatments that are designed to stop the stream of sunlight and heat from entering a room. Made from very heavy, tightly woven and opaque fabric they come in a variety of colours and textures – and can be as elegant as they are utilitarian.

Block outs also offer insulation – preventing the heat and chill from entering a room – and noise reduction.

French pleats

These curtains are triple-pleated and pinched in, so that they fan out in lovely, voluminous folds. They’re often used in more formal rooms but, depending on the fabric, can also be used in decorative casual areas, such as the kitchen. They require a specific type of curtain rod to keep their pleats looking crisp.

Source: Ama Studio Interiors

Tab tops

One of the most common curtains, tab tops are versatile and economical. These curtains have large, matching fabric tabs at the top to help hold the curtain rod in place. They come in every colour and fabric and can add a real designer look to a room – easily blending in with many home styles.

Tab top curtains are one of the most economical options you can choose as they require less fabric than pleated or gathered styles. Because the rod is left exposed, remember to factor this into your styling choices – perhaps making a statement with a brass, copper or timber rod, paint the rod the same colour as your walls to make your curtains the focal point.

Café curtains

These curtains are perfect for the kitchen or a breakfast room and can soften light and provide privacy, while adding a decorative touch. Café curtains are positioned inside the window frame and usually hang from the window’s mid-section, although you can add a valance on the top for additional coverage.

Panel curtains

These straight-hanging curtains, which are also known as pole top, casement or rod pocket curtains, have at least one pocket at the top through which the curtain rod is threaded. Because of the complexity of their design, they work better when placed where you don’t have to draw them very often.

Panel curtains are available in a variety of colours, and the style easily blends into many decors, such as modern, country, casual or beach. They can be easily adapted to many different sizes of windows, as well as a device for hiding shelves or dividing a room.

Source: MLD Studio

Beaded

For a funky retro look to your home, beaded curtains may be just the thing. Today’s beaded curtains aren’t just made from acrylic or glass beads; they’re also made from bamboo, mirror pieces, seashells and faux gemstones.

Wrap up

Look at the style of your room — is it contemporary or period? Is it formal or casual and airy? By determining the style of your room and its primary colours, you’ll be able to choose curtains that will provide privacy and insulation and also enhance your overall décor.

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Doors & windows

Roller shutters: How do they work?

Roller shutters are the ideal way to protect your home from elements such as extreme and cold, excessive noise and intruders. Home security is an issue that every homeowner should address. It is important to keep the house safe at all times, not just because there are expensive belongings inside, but also because your loved ones are there. Having roller shutters at home can be a good form of home security.

What are roller shutters?

A roller shutter is a type of shutter that is permanently mounted above a window or door. The shutter can be rolled down when desired or left up to let air and light into the house. Most roller shutters are made of metal, most commonly aluminium or steel. They’re comprised of slats, which control how much the shutter closes, and can be painted any colour to match your home décor.

Roller shutters are available in manual and motorised varieties, usually operated from within the home. Manual roller shutters are operated using a manual winder crank, and motorised roller shutters are operated using a control panel or remote control.

Source: All Star

Electric roller shutters

These roller shutters have a small motor that allows you to open and close them through the push of a button. You can also opt for those models that use solar energy or those that are wired to your electrical supply. Electric roller shutters are operated using a panel or remote control. There are even others that can be automated, which makes them convenient for you and your family to operate. It’s easy for you to close and open them when needed and from wherever you are in the house. Automatic roller shutters with sensors can close and open automatically, depending on the time of the day.

Electric roller shutters are more expensive and can be difficult to install. However, they last longer and are quite durable. Note, for electric roller shutters you will need an electrician to wire them up.

Manual roller shutter

With manual roller shutters, you have to open and close them by yourself. They have a winder that allows you to adjust them as needed. These are preferred by many homeowners because they are cost-effective and easy to install. It’s also easy to fix and troubleshoot rollers when there’s a problem. Manual roller shutters are more affordable and can provide the same protection as electric ones. This can be useful in securing windows and smaller doors that are exposed to many passersby since you can easily purchase a shutter for every house opening.

The only drawback to manual shutters is that you have to go to every shutter to open and close it. This may be a bit of a hassle and can take time since you need to open them every morning and close it at night.

Solar-powered roller shutters

For a more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly option, choose solar powered roller shutters. Solar-powered roller shutters operate totally separate from mains power and get their power from the sun. The solar power is generated by solar panels on the roller shutters, which convert solar energy into electricity which is then stored in a battery. If your roller shutters are located in an area that is away from the sun, you might have to install two or more solar panels. Usually, you will only need a single solar panel to operate the shutter.

The battery of a solar powered roller shutter powers a motor which in turn operates the shutter. By simply hitting a button on a remote control, the shutter can be raised and lowered as per your need. These roller shutters work exactly like electric or automated shutters in this respect. Thus a solar-powered roller shutter gives you the same functionality of an electric roller shutter at a fraction of the operating cost. There is only an initial cost that you will incur when installing the solar panels.

The advantages of using roller shutters

Roller shutters provide many benefits over other types of window coverings. The main benefits are:

Security

Roller shutters add a layer of security to your home. The shutters are made out of strong material and are tightly fitted against windows and doors. When the roller shutters are closed, people cannot see into your home, and intruders cannot easily pull the shutters off your windows or doors which means they often act as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Source: pcwiz

Insulation

Most roller shutters are built with a layer of insulation, which helps keep your home from getting too hot or too cold. Roller shutters can block up to 90 percent of heat from escaping or entering your home, which is useful in both summer and winter weather. Rollers shutters also block up to 50 percent of the outside cold from entering your home.

Insulated roller shutters block noise, in addition to temperature, which helps keep outside noise from entering your home. So, your house will be a more comfortable temperature and peacefully quiet.

Weather protection

Roller shutters protect your home during windy and stormy weather. If branches or other debris break your window or door glass, the roller shutters will prevent broken glass, debris and water from entering your home. During fire season, rolling shutters can deflect burning embers to help prevent your house from catching fire.

Versatility

Roller shutters offer you choices and options. Open them up a little or a lot to control how much light enters your home. Do you want to sleep in during the day? Leave your roller shutters closed to keep the inside of your home nice and dark.

Do you want to allow air into your home, while still maintaining your privacy? Open your windows, but only crack the shutters to allow air in and to keep prying eyes out.