Clear Burglar Bars

The_MAC

The_MAC

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Have any of you installed these at your houses?

I have aluminium window frames and only have burglar bars (steel ones) on the front of the house windows, I want to install something unobtrusive on the remainder.

Are they as strong as claimed and which supplier sells the real stuff and not a cheap knock-off?

Any other products you guys can recommend?

http://www.clearviewss.co.za/image-gallery/

http://www.viewprotect.co.za/products/armed-and-standard-bars/diy-products

http://xpanda.co.za/product/burglar-bars/clear-vision-guards/
 
I got them on my complex. I've pulled on them with both feet against the wall and they just flex and pull back into position.

They can be cut with a grinder but because they move/flex it makes it a bit hard - I would say easier to cut metal.
Either way they'll both make a noise being removed. The clearview can be heated with a blowtorch making it easier to remove (allegedly) them but most thieves dont carry blowtorches and i'm still skeptical at how much heat you would have to apply before making a difference.

The material they use is the same as that found in police ballistic shields. If it's good enough for police it's good enough for me.

The only issue you might have is the thieves breaking your window before realising they not getting in, but better replacing a window then a whole house of contents. I also think because I live in a complex they go after more obviously easy to break into houses. They tried once, they failed miserably :)

It is quite costly but makes it look nice. Some people think they're **** - I don't.
 
My in-laws have these installed they seem really sturdy. Looks good but seems odd at first I gave them a good shake and they feel solid, also they are apparently very hard to saw or grind.
 
^^vampire^^ said:
The clearview can be heated with a blowtorch making it easier to remove (allegedly) them but most thieves dont carry blowtorches and i'm still skeptical at how much heat you would have to apply before making a difference.
Click to expand...

It appears to burn quite easily. We heard noises in the night and got up to look. We did not realize anything was wrong until the next morning when we found the burn marks / melted plastic.
 
mister said:
It appears to burn quite easily. We heard noises in the night and got up to look. We did not realize anything was wrong until the next morning when we found the burn marks / melted plastic.
Click to expand...

That is a concern, as it wont be long until the thieves add a portable blowtorch to their tool-kit..
 
Just had some installed yesterday and they do seem quite strong and flexible from a Cape Town based installer though.

The viewprotect one.

The aspect that I liked was that I have the Armed Bars which means that they could be linked up with the alarm system. Quite impressed. Hope it does its job!
 
Think I have made up my mind, going with a good old faithful proper steel frame-bar setup, thanks guys
 
Physical security like that is just designed to delay criminals that are determined to get in and deter/hinder the casual thief and allow you to have windows and doors open for fresh air, while still being secure.

Electric fencing/perimeter beams, dogs and yard beams/IR give early warning and should also be investigated if one doesn't have it.
 
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cenredash said:
Just had some installed yesterday and they do seem quite strong and flexible from a Cape Town based installer though.

The viewprotect one.

The aspect that I liked was that I have the Armed Bars which means that they could be linked up with the alarm system. Quite impressed. Hope it does its job!
Click to expand...

The armed ones seem expensive, and I don't want any additional wiring to the windows, it looks messy.

I guess the clear bars have their place, like in a security complex or apartment setup, where all you are trying to do is keep a "light" opportunistic intruder out, not a gang of robbers, the type that target isolated stand-alone houses..
 
supersunbird said:
Physical security like that is just designed to delay criminals that are determined to get in and deter/hinder the casual thief.

Electric fencing/perimeter beams, dogs and yard beams/IR give early warning and should also be investigated if one doesn't have it.
Click to expand...

Agreed, I've got the electric fencing and outside beams, this is just to complete the security upgrade as I have a few windows without bars. And I think that bars on the opening windows is the bare minimum.
 
First time I see this, I must say it looks very appealing!
 
Thing with these are the burglars would already be in your yard before they see these things and I seriously doubt they'll turn around and leave.

With visible bars it's at least (somewhat) of a deterrent.
 
cenredash said:
Just had some installed yesterday and they do seem quite strong and flexible from a Cape Town based installer though.

The viewprotect one.

The aspect that I liked was that I have the Armed Bars which means that they could be linked up with the alarm system. Quite impressed. Hope it does its job!
Click to expand...

Price please.
I am installing burglar bars after my wooden windows get refurbished this weekend.
 
CamiKaze said:
Price please.
I am installing burglar bars after my wooden windows get refurbished this weekend.
Click to expand...

They are installed on the sidelights .. windows next to my double doors. They cost them per metre .. something like R160/m or some such thing i don't remember exactly. Mine worked out to R2000 for the two sidelights that are door height and cover a 35cm gap, so about 42-45cm bar lengths at 10cm intervals. and is the armed version and they left a bit of cabling for the alarm company to connect it.

I don't know if I can punt the company i used but if you're interested PM me and I'll give you their details. Professional and efficient and very flexible to my time needs.
 
Make sure your insurance accepts these, i also looked into them but steel was cheaper and gave me more peace of mind.
 
YingYang said:
Thing with these are the burglars would already be in your yard before they see these things and I seriously doubt they'll turn around and leave.

With visible bars it's at least (somewhat) of a deterrent.
Click to expand...

They're not completely invisible, so they will know they're there. Whatever type of bars you have if the burglars are committed they will get through. The thing that sold me on these was that they could be connected to my alarm and were pretty. Steel can be bent, blowtorched, boltcutted ... same like these.

Steel is cheaper though. I have these clear guards on only one window as per my needs and steel on all the others.
 
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