How secure are your windows and doors? A guide for Leeds homeowners
When you lock your front door at night, you want to feel safe. But if your windows and doors are a little tired, or missing modern security features, your home might not be as well protected as you think.
In Leeds, the burglary rate is 193% of the national average, with 6,500 break-ins reported between March 2024 and February 2025. Understandably, it’s led many homeowners to think more seriously about how well their homes are protected.
Here’s the good news: small changes to your windows and doors can make a big difference.
Why windows and doors are your first line of defence
It’s easy to assume a burglar will find a clever way in. But in most cases, it’s the obvious routes like front doors, back doors and windows that are targeted.
Your front and back doors are the most common entry points, but around 1 in 5 break-ins happen through a window. So, whether you’re planning a refit or just doing a quick safety check, it’s worth looking at how your current fittings stack up.
Why uPVC makes sense for security
If your home still has older timber frames or single-glazed windows, you might be missing out on the natural strength and performance of modern uPVC.
uPVC windows and doors are a solid choice for security-conscious households in Leeds. They offer:
- • Frames with extra internal support to make them stronger and harder to break
- • Tight seals and strong fittings that make it harder to force the windows open
- • Minimal maintenance or upkeep over time
- • And importantly: built-in security features that many older windows lack
uPVC windows aren’t just about aesthetics, they can help make your home harder to target.
Glass matters too
Older glass can be a weak point. Let’s take a closer look at how the right glazing boosts your home’s safety:
- • Single glazing: easily broken and offers little resistance.
- • Double glazing: adds a second layer of protection.
- • Toughened glass: harder to break than standard glass, and crumbles safely if it does.
- • Laminated glass: a layer of plastic between two panes – if someone tries to smash through it, it’ll crack but stay in place.
What to look for in secure uPVC windows and doors
Modern designs are built with uPVC window security in mind, offering multi-point locks, reinforced frames and internal glazing as standard. Here are the key security features to look out for if you’re upgrading or checking your current windows and doors:
- • Multi-point locking systems: Locks that secure the window or door in several places, not just one.
- • Key-locking handles: Especially important on ground-floor windows. If someone breaks the glass, they still can’t open the window without a key.
- • Internal beading (or glazing): Glass that’s fitted from the inside, so it can’t be taken out easily by someone outside.
- • Anti-snap lock cylinders: Stronger locks that stop burglars snapping them open. Look for high security ratings like TS007 3-star or SS312 Diamond
- • Reinforced hinges and hardware: Stronger hinges and fittings make it harder for someone to force the door or window open from the side.
Together, these features improve safety and can act as a strong deterrent. If it takes longer and makes more noise to get in, most burglars won’t bother trying.
Not ready to replace? Add a little extra protection
If a full refit isn’t quite right for now, there are still plenty of ways to improve the security of your existing windows and doors. From reinforcing glazing to upgrading locks, it’s easy to add additional security for uPVC doors and windows without starting from scratch. Here are a few cost-effective options:
- • Sash jammers: These easy-to-fit devices stop a window or door from being opened, even if someone gets past the main lock.
- • Window restrictors: They limit how far a window can open – great for fresh air upstairs and extra security downstairs.
- • Lock upgrades: Upgrading old door locks to anti-snap versions is a quick job that makes a big difference.
These upgrades offer additional security for uPVC windows, particularly older ones that may not meet modern standards.
Don’t forget your doors
Security for uPVC (PVCu) windows is important, but so are your doors. If your back door is showing signs of wear, or your front door feels like it needs a shove to close properly, it might be time to take action.
Modern uPVC and composite doors are designed with safety in mind. Look for:
- • Multi-point locks
- • Reinforced cores
- • Laminated glass (if it includes a window)
- • Anti-drill and anti-pick locks
- • Security-certified hardware
uPVC doors don’t just keep the heat in, they come with strong locks and tough cores to help keep your home safe.
Take a look at our bay window range too – large windows don’t have to mean compromising on safety. With modern fittings, you can have both natural light and peace of mind.
Is your home safe?
Here’s a quick checklist:
- • Do your windows or doors rattle in their frames?
- • Can you open them easily from outside with a bit of force?
- • Are your locks wobbly or stiff?
- • Can you see beading on the outside of the frame?
- • Do you have to slam the door to make it shut properly?
Spotting even one or two of these signs could mean your windows or doors need some attention.
Staying a step ahead
Leeds is a brilliant place to live – and feeling safe in your own home is a big part of that. A few simple upgrades can make a real difference, giving you extra peace of mind without the stress.
A home that’s secure at a glance is one burglars are likely to pass by. And the right windows and doors go a long way in making that impression.
Let’s make your home feel safer
We’ve been helping homeowners across Leeds for over 40 years. Whether it’s upgrading your windows, fitting a more secure back door or just offering honest advice, we’re here to help you make your home feel safer.
We’re a local, family-run team that believes in straight-talking, no-pressure support. Our windows and doors are built to last, designed to protect and fitted by people who care about doing the job right.
Thinking about making your home more secure? Get in touch with us for a home survey or take a look at what’s in our showroom.