Let’s talk about how you can protect the basement windows in your house, such as by lights, reinforcements, locks, cameras, security systems, window well covers, and strategically placed furniture. If you put a light in front of your basement windows, you’re more likely to see someone snooping around. Or, if you have motion-detector lights, you might spook that person off when the beam snaps on. We generally prefer wire-free lights with motion detection, but not every outdoor light has it all. We especially recommend window film for windows that don’t open, like some glass block windows. Windows that can’t open are more likely to be broken since there’s no other way to get through them. The kind of lock you should get depends on which of the following windows you have in your basement:
A horizontal sliding window A vertical sliding single- or double-hung window A casement window that opens outward
Luckily, it’s relatively inexpensive to get locks for any of these window types. Standalone cameras are great, but we encourage using cameras as part of a broader security system if you can afford it. (If you can’t, here are some of the cheapest cameras we recommend.) We’ve also rounded up the best window cameras if you want to check them out. A window sensor consists of two pieces hooked together by a magnet. When the window opens, the magnet separates, and the sensor sends an alert to inform you of the potential breach. If your home security system is armed at the time, the sensor will also trip the alarm. Block the window with a tall bookshelf so it’s not a tempting entry point. Or, if you prefer to leave it unblocked, clear the surrounding area to make an uncomfortable drop to the floor. Keeping your old card table or ’70s-style sofa directly under the window is like an invitation to use them as stepping stools. Dimension requirements determine these opening sizes, so they have to be pretty big. Sometimes they’re doors, but they can also be windows. They’re often called “egress windows.” Because the purpose of an egress window is to escape, we don’t recommend using locks or window well covers. Those devices keep intruders out, but they also make it much harder to exit during an emergency! Similarly, keep your egress windows clear of furniture and other debris so you can quickly get out. We recommend going with security lights, cameras, window film, or entry sensors on egresses. We’re yes plants as long as they’re flush against the wall of your home. If there’s a space between the plant and the window, you haven’t created a barrier. You’ve created a place for an intruder to wiggle in unobserved. In short, if you have basement windows with window wells, a plant won’t be a hindrance and might even be a helper. But if you have above-ground basement windows, shrubbery is worth a shot. We talk a little more about plants in our tips for a safer home.
