Thread: Metallic shutters for home security

Hello,

Does anybody have experience with securing their homes using metallic shutters? Any recommendations on a vendor?

Many thanks!
-marc

Shutters in what form? I have security grills on my front double door but they are available for windows also. Can be fitted by a competent DiYer. Cheap and excellent quality. I'm trying to find a pic.

Thank you, Pragmatic. I was thinking about folding or rolling steel shutters or the like. Can be opened/tucked away. Not too fond of the grilles that are permanently secured to the wall - would feel like a prison.

I think the novelty of opening and closing then twice a day will soon wear off.

Safety though, those bars can be death-traps in a fire.

Food for Though:

Stationed in Italy many, many moons ago. Friend went through the expense of putting metallic shutters on his windows and doors, and, the local folk did pay attention. About three weeks later they cut a hole through his wall to steal whatever it was he was protecting.

Originally Posted by bowie

About three weeks later they cut a hole through his wall to steal whatever it was he was protecting.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

I think the novelty of opening and closing then twice a day will soon wear off.

True, to your point, it's a chore. But that's what I was already used to in my home country.

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

Safety though, those bars can be death-traps in a fire.

True, that's the reason why I would prefer them not permanently fixed.

Originally Posted by bowie

Stationed in Italy many, many moons ago. Friend went through the expense of putting metallic shutters on his windows and doors, and, the local folk did pay attention. About three weeks later they cut a hole through his wall to steal whatever it was he was protecting.

Absolutely agree! Thanks for the thought. It does invite attention. But the simple fact I'm farang already is more than enough attention by itself... The shutters can be made discrete if placed inside the house, for example.

We had them inside screwed to the inside of the window frame. One section was hinged and with a small padlock. Key was hanging next to the light switch. Just in case! You can then leave the windows open if you want.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

The local blaggers came with a cutting torch and cut through the iron fence to gain access.
Eventually the owner removed the safe.

Yeah, it's difficult to stop a well equipped and determined thief... a trusted continuous presence in the house seem a better deterrent in most cases... bar the situation turning violent.

Originally Posted by mcombes

Thank you, Pragmatic. I was thinking about folding or rolling steel shutters or the like. Can be opened/tucked away. Not too fond of the grilles that are permanently secured to the wall - would feel like a prison.

You can get them in fancy un-prison like designs, that actually look okay. We have them on our downstairs houses but, as stated they could be a escape hazard in a fire, so upstairs nada.

There is a couple of old TD threads here: https://teakdoor.com/construction-in-...or-inside.html

https://teakdoor.com/building-in-thailand-famous-threads/4924-security-grills-in-thailand.html

Originally Posted by mcombes

Yeah, it's difficult to stop a well equipped and determined thief

Impossible even.

The trick is to make yourself as hard / a difficult target as possible (and hope they move onto the neighbors instead )

Not having anything on display worth stealing is the best bet. Have a small safe out of the way for passport, documents etc. Say hidden under the sink. Install it yourself.

Simple stuff works best.

Originally Posted by mcombes

Yeah, it's difficult to stop a well equipped and determined thief... a trusted continuous presence in the house seem a better deterrent in most cases... bar the situation turning violent.

The best presence you can have is a local Thai dog. Especially a bitch, they can sense thieves or other pondlife a mile away.

Yup, common sense is your greatest protective tool.

Dogs are number two, but the professionals will poison them. And, face it, us regular folk cannot protect ourselves against a professionals skills.

For my part, I keep a low profile, live in a gated moo baan with roving patrols, I'm retired so I do not need to travel/commute, my drinking days are over, basically I keep a low profile. If my house is broken into they can steal the TV's or my oldish computer, nothing of any value, wife's jewelry she has squirreled away somewhere. Never keep much cash and don't have debit cards, one credit card for an emergency. Nothing really worth stealing.

As you've pointed out you are a rich falang and are under watchful eyes. Make sure your are friendly with the neighbors and their watchful eyes. Practice Common Sense.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

We had them inside screwed to the inside of the window frame. One section was hinged and with a small padlock. Key was hanging next to the light switch. Just in case! You can then leave the windows open if you want.

Thanks VocalNeal, that would work out too.

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

Safety though, those bars can be death-traps in a fire.

Yep, downside of keeping people out is that it also keeps people in.

Originally Posted by kmart

There is a couple of old TD threads here

Thanks for the pointers, kmart! Will check these.

Originally Posted by mcombes

I was thinking about folding or rolling steel shutters or the like.

Right, get yerself down to HomePro. Go to the UPVC windows section and there you will find really top top quality concertina security grills. I have them and fitted them myself but if you're not a competent DiYer then get a pro.





https://www.google.nl/search?biw=136....0.aLmyp_C4zic

Originally Posted by Pragmatic

https://www.google.nl/search?biw=136....0.aLmyp_C4zic

Thanks again, Pragmatic, I was wondering about these concertina grilles! Will check them at HomePro then!

Originally Posted by mcombes

Thanks again, Pragmatic, I was wondering about these concertina grilles! Will check them at HomePro then!

With the said grills you can leave your windows and doors open whilst you go out. Plus leave them open at night, as long as you are sure it ain't gonna rain.

Thanks for your advice, VocalNeal, kmart and bowie! Common sense really is the key. We're low profile people anyway, and not rich to start with! Not having/showing jewelry, brand names, etc.

A safe for laptop and paperwork, and a dog, are in the plans. I always insist for the missus not to buy gold, and rather have the money stay in the bank. Nothing valuable besides kitchen appliances that can't be replaced.