Window Lock Installation Service

Why Window Security Matters

Windows are the most overlooked vulnerability in home security - yet they’re often the easiest entry point for intruders.

Statistics on window break-ins:

Austin property crime data: According to Austin Police Department statistics, approximately 23% of residential burglaries in Travis County involve entry through windows, second only to door access (47%). First-floor windows account for 75% of window break-ins, but second-story windows accessible from roofs, porches, or landscaping contribute the remaining 25%.

Insurance claim patterns: Homeowners insurance claims reveal that break-ins through windows cause average $3,200 in property loss + damage (stolen items plus window repair, frame damage, interior destruction from searching). Homes without window security experience break-in attempts 3-4 times more frequently than homes with visible window locks and security measures.

Deterrent effect of visible security: Burglars spend 60-90 seconds assessing homes before attempting entry. Visible window locks, security bars, or alarm decals cause 60-70% of would-be intruders to move to easier targets. Simple window security provides significant deterrent value beyond the physical security itself.

Common Austin break-in scenarios:

Patio or backyard windows: Intruders approach from rear where they’re hidden from street view. Unlocked or poorly-secured sliding windows provide silent entry without breaking glass. Homes backing to greenbelts, wooded areas, or alleys face higher vulnerability - neighbors can’t see what’s happening in your backyard.

Bathrooms and secondary bedrooms: These windows are frequently left partially open for ventilation and forgotten at night. Intruders check for open windows before attempting forced entry - unlocked bathroom window is an invitation. Small windows that homeowners assume “no one could fit through” actually accommodate most adults (12”+ width sufficient).

Windows near entry doors: Breaking side window allows intruder to reach through and unlock nearby door from inside. This bypasses even good door security. Proper window locks prevent this “break window, unlock door” technique common in Austin subdivisions.

Garage windows: Many Austin homes have garage windows that provide view into garage and indicate whether cars are home. Unlocked garage windows allow access to garage, then interior door entry to house (often less secure than exterior doors). Securing garage windows is part of comprehensive home security.

Child safety considerations:

Fall prevention: Window falls cause approximately 5,000 child injuries annually in the US, with 15-20 deaths. Children under 6 are highest risk - they climb onto furniture near windows, lean against screens (which don’t support weight), and fall through open windows. Second-story falls from heights as low as 10-12 feet cause serious injury or death.

Austin building heights: Many Austin homes have 10-14 foot ceilings common in newer construction (2000s-2020s). Second-story windows are 12-16 feet above ground. Even first-story windows can be 4-6 feet high due to raised foundations. Window opening limiters preventing falls while allowing ventilation provide essential child safety.

Screen failures: Standard window screens are designed to keep insects out, not support weight. Children leaning against screens or pushing on them can tear through the mesh and fall. Security screens with reinforced frames and secure mounting prevent this.

Window Types & Appropriate Locks

Different window styles require different lock types for optimal security and operation.

Sliding Windows (Horizontal or Vertical)

Window description: One or more panels slide horizontally (most common) or vertically in tracks. Typically only one panel opens while others are fixed. Common in Austin homes built 1980s-present, especially bedrooms and living areas.

Security vulnerabilities: Sliding panels can be lifted out of tracks if not secured, cheap sash locks fail or break easily, tracks can be pried apart by forcing, and many builders install windows with no locks at all (just friction holds them closed).

Recommended locks:

Track security bars ($65-$90 installed): Adjustable bar sits in track behind sliding panel. Remove to open window, reinstall for security. Best for: Windows you rarely open (decorative, hard to reach), nighttime security, maximum protection. Advantages: Can’t be pried or forced, visible deterrent, no frame damage. Disadvantages: Inconvenient for frequently-opened windows.

Sliding window sash locks ($70-$95 installed): Spring-loaded or lever locks mount to frame, engage sliding panel. Push button or flip lever to lock/unlock. Best for: Frequently-opened windows, daytime security, convenient operation. Advantages: Easy lock/unlock, discreet appearance, doesn’t obstruct window. Disadvantages: Less secure than track bars, wears over time.

Security pins or track stops ($75-$100 installed): Metal pin drills through both tracks when window is closed, or stop blocks prevent opening. Best for: Maximum security, rarely-used windows, basement windows. Advantages: Extremely secure, inexpensive, no visible mechanism. Disadvantages: Must remove pin to open window (inconvenient).

Dual approach (recommended): Install sash lock for daily convenience + keep track bar available for nighttime/vacation security. Best of both worlds - convenience when you need it, maximum security when you want it.

Double-Hung Windows

Window description: Two sashes (top and bottom) slide vertically in separate tracks. Both sashes can open, or bottom opens while top stays fixed. Classic design common in Austin historic homes, cottage-style houses, and traditional architecture.

Security vulnerabilities: Old sash locks wear out or break (common in pre-1990 homes), windows can be pried apart at meeting rail (where top and bottom sashes meet when closed), poorly maintained windows don’t latch properly, and some have no locks (just weights and pulleys holding them closed).

Recommended locks:

Sash locks at meeting rail ($70-$95 installed): Traditional lock mounts where top and bottom sashes meet when window is closed. Lever or cam-style lock pulls sashes together when engaged. Best for: Primary window security, aesthetic match to traditional design, proper operation requires both sashes aligned. Advantages: Traditional appearance, secure when properly installed and maintained, convenient operation. Disadvantages: Wears over time, can be pried if not quality hardware.

Keyed sash locks ($85-$120 installed): Similar to standard sash locks but require key to unlock. Best for: High-security applications, ground floor windows, windows accessible from porches or flat roofs. Advantages: Maximum security, prevents children opening windows. Disadvantages: Fire hazard in bedrooms (must keep key immediately accessible), can lose keys.

Ventilation locks ($75-$100 installed): Allow window to open partially (4-6”) for ventilation, lock at that position. Release button or key allows full opening. Best for: Bedrooms needing ventilation with security, child safety (prevents falls while allowing air flow). Advantages: Dual purpose security + ventilation, child safety benefit. Disadvantages: Limited opening for ventilation may not provide sufficient air flow in hot Austin summers.

Security pins through sash track ($75-$100 installed): Drill small hole through both sashes when closed, insert removable pin. Best for: Windows rarely opened, maximum security, vacation security. Advantages: Extremely secure, invisible from outside, very inexpensive. Disadvantages: Must remove pin to open window, drilling required (permanent modification).

Casement Windows

Window description: Windows attached to frame on one side with hinges, crank or push-open outward like doors. Common in modern Austin homes (2000s+), kitchens, and contemporary architecture.

Security vulnerabilities: Crank mechanisms can be forced or broken, hinge side can be pried if hinges are exterior-mounted, latch mechanisms wear and don’t secure properly, and some have weak plastic cranks that break easily.

Recommended locks:

Casement window locks ($70-$95 installed): Clamp-style locks secure window closed when cranked shut, provide additional security beyond crank mechanism alone. Best for: All casement windows, supplement to crank mechanism, additional security on ground floor windows. Advantages: Reinforces crank mechanism, prevents forcing window open, easy to install. Disadvantages: Must unlock before operating crank to open window.

Keyed casement locks ($85-$120 installed): Require key to unlock, providing maximum security. Best for: First-floor casement windows, windows in vulnerable locations, high-security applications. Advantages: Can’t be unlocked without key, prevents unauthorized access. Disadvantages: Fire safety concerns in bedrooms (must keep key accessible), inconvenient for frequently-opened windows.

Security cables ($75-$95 installed): Cable attaches between window and frame, limits how far window can open. Best for: Ventilation with security (window opens 4-6” with cable attached), child safety (prevents opening far enough to fall through). Advantages: Allows ventilation, visible deterrent, prevents full opening. Disadvantages: Must disconnect cable for full opening, reduces emergency egress speed.

Hinge security bolts ($85-$110 for multiple windows): If hinges are exterior-mounted (visible from outside), add security bolts to prevent removal. Best for: Casement windows with exterior hinges, ground floor security. Advantages: Prevents hinge-side attack, inexpensive security upgrade. Disadvantages: Only addresses hinge vulnerability, doesn’t secure latch side.

Awning and Hopper Windows

Window description: Awning windows hinge at top, open outward/upward (common over sinks, in bathrooms). Hopper windows hinge at bottom, open inward/downward (basement windows). Push-out or crank operation.

Security vulnerabilities: Often small enough that homeowners don’t secure them (“no one can fit”), but 12”+ openings accommodate most adults. Hinges may be accessible from outside. Latches are often flimsy or non-existent.

Recommended locks:

Standard window locks ($70-$95 installed): Latch locks secure window in closed position. Best for: Normal-sized awning/hopper windows, general security. Advantages: Standard hardware readily available, easy installation. Disadvantages: May not fit very small windows, limited options for unusual sizes.

Security pins ($75-$100 installed): Pin through window frame and sill when closed. Best for: Small windows, basement hopper windows, maximum security. Advantages: Extremely secure, works on any size window, inexpensive. Disadvantages: Inconvenient (remove pin to open window), drilling required.

Don’t overlook small windows: Even 12” wide opening is sufficient for most adults. Secure small windows in vulnerable locations (basement, first floor accessible areas, hidden from street view).

Sliding Glass Doors (Large Windows)

Window description: Large glass panels sliding in tracks, typically patio or balcony access. While technically doors, security approach is similar to sliding windows but scaled up for size/weight.

Security vulnerabilities: Can be lifted out of tracks without security bars, cheap locks in track are easily defeated, single-point latches are weak security, and large glass panes can be broken (though security film helps).

Recommended locks:

Track security bars ($85-$120 installed): Heavy-duty bar sits in track like sliding window bars, but sized for door weight. Best for: Primary security, nighttime/vacation protection, maximum security. Advantages: Can’t lift door out of track with bar in place, extremely strong, visible deterrent. Disadvantages: Must remove to open door (less convenient than window bars due to frequency of door use).

Foot-operated security locks ($90-$130 installed): Locks mount to floor, engage sliding door panel when activated by foot pedal. Best for: Convenient security on frequently-used patio doors, secondary security supplement to handle lock. Advantages: Easy to operate (just step on pedal), doesn’t interfere with door operation, adds security layer. Disadvantages: Not as secure as track bar, more expensive than simple solutions.

Multi-point lock systems ($120-$180 installed): Replace single-point latch with system securing door at multiple points along frame. Best for: Primary security on main patio access, high-security applications, replacement for inadequate builder locks. Advantages: Distributes force across multiple points (harder to force), professional-grade security. Disadvantages: More expensive, more complex installation.

Security film + locks combination: Combine lock security with security film on glass (prevents easy break-in through glass). Comprehensive approach addresses both lock and glass vulnerabilities.

Installation Process

Professional installation ensures locks work correctly and don’t damage window frames.

1. Window Assessment

We evaluate each window to recommend appropriate locks and identify any preparation needed.

Window type identification: Sliding, double-hung, casement, awning, hopper, or specialty. Each type requires different lock hardware. We stock locks for all common residential window types.

Operation testing: We test how window currently opens and closes, whether it operates smoothly or binds, if existing locks work or are broken/missing, and what security vulnerabilities exist.

Frame condition evaluation: We check wood for rot or damage (affects mounting), metal frames for rust or corrosion, vinyl frames for cracks or deterioration, and whether frames can support new locks without reinforcement.

Fire code verification: For bedroom windows, bathrooms, and sleeping areas, we verify locks comply with fire egress requirements (interior operation without tools/keys, appropriate opening size for escape, quick-release mechanisms). Code compliance critical for rental properties.

Child safety needs: If young children are in home, we discuss child safety locks, window opening limiters, or security screens that prevent falls while allowing ventilation.

2. Professional Installation

We install locks using proper techniques that ensure security without damaging windows.

Precise measurement and marking: We measure exact lock positions ensuring alignment when window is closed, mark drilling points carefully, and verify measurements before drilling (mistakes damage window frames permanently).

Pilot hole drilling: For screws into wood frames, we drill pilot holes preventing wood splitting, use correct bit sizes for screw threads, and countersink screw heads for flush finish.

Hardware mounting: We securely mount lock bases to window frames using appropriate screws (wood screws for wood frames, self-tapping for metal, special fasteners for vinyl), install strike plates or catch points aligned with lock mechanisms, and test fit before final tightening.

Lock installation: We install sliding bars in tracks (measuring for perfect fit), mount sash locks aligned so they engage properly when window closed, install security pins in precisely drilled holes through tracks, or mount casement locks positioned to clamp window securely closed.

Security enhancement: We install frame reinforcement if needed (strengthening weak frames), add strike box plates for maximum security, use longer screws penetrating deeper into frames for strength, and install security film on glass if requested (additional service).

3. Operation Testing & Adjustment

We verify locks work smoothly and provide intended security.

Lock operation testing: We engage and disengage locks multiple times to verify smooth operation, test that locks actually prevent window opening when engaged, and verify locks don’t require excessive force to operate.

Window operation testing: We ensure window still opens and closes smoothly with locks installed (locks shouldn’t interfere with normal operation), verify locks don’t bind or catch when opening/closing window, and check that window seats properly in frame when closed (locks don’t misalign window).

Emergency release testing: For bedroom windows, we verify locks can be quickly operated in the dark (critical for fire escape), test that mechanisms release immediately without fumbling, and ensure everyone in household can operate the release.

Security verification: We test that locks can’t be defeated from outside (attempt to open locked window from exterior), verify no gaps or play when locked (locks actually secure window firmly), and check that installation doesn’t create new vulnerabilities.

Final adjustments: If we detect any binding, misalignment, or operational issues, we make immediate corrections - slight repositioning, strike plate adjustment, or mechanism tightening/loosening for optimal operation.

4. Customer Education

We teach proper lock use and maintenance.

Operation demonstration: We show how to engage/disengage each lock type, demonstrate proper key use for keyed locks, and explain quick-release mechanisms for emergency use.

Emergency procedures: We review fire escape procedures from bedrooms (especially with keyed locks or limiters), show location of any hidden releases or emergency overrides, and emphasize importance of keeping keys accessible (never locked away where you can’t reach in emergency).

Maintenance guidance: We recommend periodic testing (monthly check that locks still engage properly), lubrication if needed (some lock mechanisms benefit from occasional silicone spray), and inspection for loosening screws (tighten annually).

Child safety education: If child safety locks installed, we explain proper use (how to set ventilation position, how adults release for full opening) and demonstrate that children can’t defeat mechanisms.

Pricing & Multi-Window Discounts

Window lock installation pricing varies by window type and quantity.

Per-window pricing:

• Sliding window track bar: $65-$90
• Sash lock installation: $70-$95
• Security pin/track stop: $75-$100
• Child safety limiter: $75-$100
• Keyed window lock: $85-$120
• Casement window lock: $70-$95
• Security window screen: $90-$150

Multi-window discounts:

• 4-6 windows: Save 10% on labor
• 7-10 windows: Save 15% on labor
• 11+ windows: Save 20% on labor

Example savings: Installing sash locks on 8 windows = $560-$760 without discount, $504-$684 with 15% discount = $56-$76 savings.

Whole-house packages: We offer package pricing for complete home window security. Typical 3-bedroom Austin home (12-15 windows) = $750-$1,100 for basic security across all windows.

Coverage Area & Service Availability

We provide window lock installation throughout greater Austin metro area with same-day service available for most projects.

Primary service area: Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, and Sunset Valley.

Extended service area: Hutto, Taylor, Manor, Elgin, Bastrop, Dripping Springs, Wimberley, Kyle, Buda, and surrounding communities.

Same-day service: Most window lock installations can be completed same-day or within 24 hours of your call, subject to technician availability and hardware inventory.

Call (512) 277-7730 to schedule window lock installation and improve your home security today.