Burglar-proof windows in modern construction.

Security is one of the basic requirements for modern buildings. More and more designers and conscious investors expect solutions from the construction market that will guarantee not only the aesthetics and comfort of buildings, but also a high level of protection of life, health and property. In this context, windows with increased resistance to burglary are gaining importance as a very important element of modern construction.

Anti-burglary windows

are specialist window structures whose task is to significantly delay or completely prevent unauthorized, forced entry into the interior of the building.

Windows are the characteristic calling card of every building, but above all, they are the guardians of safety and everyday comfort. The construction of such windows must be characterized by exceptional quality, durability and the use of solid materials. Therefore, anti-burglary windows are constructed based on high-quality aluminum profiles and difficult-to-break-in fittings. It is worth noting here that calling windows anti-burglary is a certain simplification and should remain only a marketing term, because not every type of window is completely resistant to burglary. The role of windows is to discourage attempts to force them or to make it as difficult as possible to effectively break into protected rooms. The level of such difficulty determines the class of window resistance to burglary.

Anti-burglary windows increase the security of buildings and their users.

The use of anti-burglary windows is a real increase in the level of physical security in buildings. Anti-burglary window structures are designed to withstand a specific time of attack with appropriate force and using specific tools - this gives users of the buildings valuable time to react and increases the chances of intervention by security or police. Buildings equipped with anti-burglary window joinery are more difficult targets for potential burglars.

Testing and classification – a key aspect of choosing burglar-proof windows.

The classification of windows in terms of burglary resistance is based on the PN-EN 1627:2012 standard (Doors, windows, curtain walls and blinds – Burglary resistance – Requirements and classification). This standard is extremely helpful in selecting windows for the level of risk by classifying products in six burglary resistance classes: from the lowest RC1 class to the highest RC6 class. The qualification of window joinery to the appropriate RC class takes place after very demanding tests are performed in an accredited laboratory based on applicable research standards. These are static tests in accordance with PN-EN 1628:2012, dynamic tests in accordance with PN-EN 1629:2012 and manual burglary tests in accordance with PN-EN 1630:2012. Each of these testing methods tests the resistance of window structures in a different way, trying to reproduce real burglary attempts in laboratory conditions. Windows tested in this way are awarded a specific RC burglary resistance class, which most reliably determines in what time, to what forces and to what tools the tested windows will resist in the event of burglary attempts. Thanks to the standardization determined by the PN-EN 1627:2012 standard, it is possible to compare different windows and consciously choose window joinery adapted to the level of risk of burglary and theft. It is worth remembering that only the test report and the awarded RC class confirm the burglary-proof properties of windows.

Aesthetics and technology of anti-burglary windows – safety does not have to mean compromise.

Modern windows with increased resistance to burglary do not differ visually from standard window joinery. Aluminum profiles used to produce anti-burglary windows are finished with a paint coating of any structure and color (e.g. RAL palette, wood-like structures, concrete and steel imitations). Thanks to this, anti-burglary windows are available in a wide range of colors, in various shapes and divisions and can be easily adapted to the style of a given building. What's more, modern joinery can be supported by alarm systems, opening sensors and monitoring. Such integration increases the effectiveness of security and provides users with a higher level of security of the facility.

Construction of anti-burglary windows.

The key components of anti-burglary joinery are profiles, glass and fittings. Aluminium profiles used to produce windows in higher burglary resistance classes RC3-RC4 are specially designed to maintain appropriate resistance to deformation during burglary attempts. Glazing strips in the anti-burglary variant also have a special shape that prevents burglars from levering and pushing out the glass package. Glass used to produce anti-burglary windows should be classified in the PN-EN 356 standard, and the glazing class should correspond to the burglary resistance class of the entire window structure. Most anti-burglary windows are equipped with laminated glass packages, which are made of glass panes glued together with a layer of PVB foil. The use of such glass not only protects against burglary, but also protects against injury in the event of breakage, which is important in public buildings. In windows with higher burglary resistance classes, the glazing is mounted in the window frames using silicone glue, which additionally improves the statics of the window and makes it more difficult to force it. Anti-burglary windows are also equipped with specially reinforced fittings and lockable handles. Compared to standard windows, the fittings of anti-burglary windows have additional anti-burglary locking points placed at appropriate distances from each other and from the corners of the sashes. In the closed position, they are completely hidden and not conspicuous. The type of fittings and window fitting schemes differ depending on the burglary resistance class of the windows.

Practical application of window joinery with increased resistance to burglary.

Burglar-proof aluminum windows have long ceased to be the domain of commercial buildings, such as hotels, shopping centers and industrial plants. Window joinery with increased resistance to burglary is also installed in residential buildings. Thus, in residential construction, the RC2 security class is most often used, which provides effective protection against intruders equipped with basic tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers or crowbars. RC3 windows are installed on the lower floors of apartments, in detached single-family houses and in buildings with limited supervision located on the outskirts. The RC3 class is also intended for commercial and office buildings that require protection of property, processed data, documents and IT equipment. RC2–RC3 solutions are used in public buildings: schools, hospitals and offices. RC4 windows are intended for facilities requiring special protection - such as diplomatic missions, banks, military units or power stations.
In each application, the priority is the protection of people and property. In an era of threats from acts of sabotage, the growing number of burglaries and attacks, appropriate anti-burglary joinery can be a decisive element of security.