Security WB: The Complete Guide to Security Window Bars for Every American Home and Rental Property

The Brand Behind the Name: Security Window Bars (SWB)

Security Window Bars, S.A. de C.V. is headquartered in the San Miguel Chapultepec neighborhood of Mexico City and sells exclusively into the USA market through its direct websites — securitywb.com and swbstore.com — as well as through its Amazon USA storefront under the seller name SecurityWindowBars. The brand has built its reputation on one core engineering principle: maximum steel strength with zero permanent structural damage to the property. Every Security WB product is constructed from heavy-gauge steel with a powder-coated matte black finish that resists corrosion and blends cleanly with modern American window frames. The telescopic locking mechanism is patented, meaning no competitor can legally replicate the quick-adjust, no-drill installation system that makes Security WB uniquely renter-friendly.

Why the 'WB' Abbreviation Matters for Search

The US Burglary Problem Security WB Directly Addresses

The scale of property crime in the United States is not abstract. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, a burglary occurs approximately every 26 seconds somewhere in the country. High-density urban markets — including Chicago's South Side, South Los Angeles, North Philadelphia, Detroit's East Side, and Memphis — consistently rank among the most burglarized metro areas in the nation. Ground-floor windows without reinforcement represent the easiest point of forced entry for opportunistic burglars. A standard residential window lock offers minimal resistance; tests by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) have shown that most residential window latches can be defeated in under 10 seconds with basic tools. Security WB's steel bar systems physically block entry even after a pane is broken, providing a second layer of defense that no smart lock or alarm system can replicate.

Who Uses Security WB Products?

The Security WB customer base spans a wide range of American property situations. Apartment renters in high-crime urban ZIP codes represent the largest single segment — they need protection that can be installed in minutes and removed without drilling when they move. Homeowners on tight budgets who cannot afford the $1,000-plus contractor quote for permanent bars are a close second. Landlords and property management companies appreciate the between-tenant flexibility of removable bars. Parents of young children use Security WB bars on ground-floor and low-story windows specifically for fall prevention — a leading cause of pediatric injury according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. AirBnB hosts and real estate investors who need to secure vacant or semi-occupied properties round out the primary customer profile.

Model A — Telescopic Window Bars ($90): The Renter's Champion

The Security WB Model A is the flagship telescopic window bar, priced at $90 and designed to fit standard American windows between 22 and 36 inches wide. The fully adjustable steel bar expands to your exact window width and locks in place using the patented telescopic mechanism — no drilling required for the vast majority of standard double-hung and sliding window frames. Installation takes between 15 and 20 minutes with basic hand tools. The matte black powder-coat finish is corrosion-resistant and aesthetically neutral, pairing naturally with both modern and traditional window trim. Model A is the recommended choice for apartment renters in cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, where lease agreements prohibit permanent modifications. When you move, the bars come with you.

Model A Specifications at a Glance

Model B — Wall-Mount Window Bars ($91): Permanent Maximum Security

The Security WB Model B is a fixed, wall-mounted security bar system priced at $91 and built for situations where permanent installation is acceptable or legally required. Its heavy-gauge steel construction and anchor-bolt wall mounting deliver the same structural resistance as professionally welded bar systems that cost $600 to $1,800 installed. Model B is the product of choice for ground-floor retail storefronts in areas like downtown Philadelphia or East Los Angeles, residential garages, commercial property owners, and homeowners who own their property and want maximum deterrence without the contractor markup. The powder-coated black finish matches the visual aesthetic of Model A, making mixed installations across a property appear cohesive and intentional rather than improvised.

Model A/EXIT — Egress-Compliant Window Bars ($92): The Safety-First Solution

The Security WB Model A/EXIT is the most technically sophisticated product in the lineup at $92, combining the telescopic adjustability of Model A with a PATENTED quick-release egress mechanism. This product is specifically engineered to comply with the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, OSHA workplace safety standards, and the International Residential Code (IRC) emergency egress requirements for sleeping areas — which mandate a minimum clear opening of 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall. In a fire emergency, the quick-release mechanism allows occupants to open the bars from the inside in seconds without tools. Model A/EXIT is non-negotiable for any window bar installation in a bedroom, sleeping area, or room used for overnight occupancy. It is particularly critical for compliance in New York City, where Local Law 57 governs window guard requirements in residential buildings with children under 10 years of age.

Egress Compliance Standards Addressed by Model A/EXIT

Installing Model A: No-Drill Telescopic Setup

Model A installation begins with measuring your window's interior width at the widest point — typically the window sill or the inside of the window frame. Extend the telescopic bar to approximately one inch wider than your measurement, then compress it slightly to create tension as it is positioned across the frame. The spring-loaded ends grip the window channel and create a friction-lock that resists lateral force. For added stability on particularly smooth window frames, Security WB recommends using the included rubber end caps, which increase surface friction and prevent any lateral slippage. Total process: under 20 minutes. No tools required in most installations. Full removal takes under five minutes when moving out. For detailed guidance with diagrams, the full process is documented at the official Security WB Installation Guide.

Installing Model B: Wall-Mount Permanent Installation

Model B installation requires a drill, appropriate wall anchors for your wall material (drywall, concrete, brick, or wood stud), and a level. Mark the anchor points on either side of the window frame, drill pilot holes sized to your anchor specification, secure the mounting brackets, and attach the bar assembly. For concrete or masonry walls common in older urban housing stock in cities like Chicago, Detroit, and Baltimore, masonry anchors rated for a minimum 300-pound shear load are recommended. The entire installation typically takes 45 to 60 minutes for a first-time installer working carefully. Because Model B involves permanent wall attachment, it is not suitable for renters without explicit written landlord permission.

Quick-Release Egress Testing for Model A/EXIT

After any Model A/EXIT installation, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code best practices recommend conducting an egress test before treating the window as a compliant emergency exit. The test requires one person to operate the quick-release mechanism from the inside without any tools, confirming the bar swings open and creates a clear opening that meets the IRC minimum of 20 inches by 24 inches. The test should be repeated seasonally to ensure the release mechanism has not been compromised by paint, moisture swelling, or debris accumulation. Security WB recommends documenting completed tests for rental property compliance records, particularly in jurisdictions like New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles where building inspectors may request evidence of egress compliance.

Security WB vs. Mr. Goodbar (Pinpont Manufacturing)

Mr. Goodbar is one of the oldest window bar brands in the USA, with a strong presence in the Midwest market — particularly in Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan hardware stores. However, Mr. Goodbar products require permanent drilling and wall anchoring, making them incompatible with the 44.1 million American renters who cannot make structural modifications under standard lease terms. Security WB Model A requires no permanent drilling whatsoever. For apartment renters in Chicago's Logan Square, Pilsen, or Humboldt Park neighborhoods — all areas with above-average residential burglary rates according to the Chicago Police Department's CLEAR crime mapping portal — Security WB is the only viable no-drill solution at a competitive price point.

Security WB vs. Grisham (Master Halco)

Grisham manufactures fixed-width window bar panels that are sold through big-box retailers and require cutting or welding to fit non-standard window sizes. Because American window widths vary significantly between construction eras — pre-war housing in New York and Philadelphia often features non-standard opening dimensions — fixed-width panels frequently require professional modification. Security WB's telescopic design adjusts continuously from 22 to 36 inches, covering virtually every standard US residential window size without cutting, welding, or additional hardware. The price advantage is also meaningful: Grisham panels typically retail at $120 to $200 before professional installation labor, while Security WB Model A delivers equal steel strength at $90 with a 15-minute DIY install.

Security WB vs. Unique Home Designs and Guardian Angel

Unique Home Designs products are primarily decorative iron grilles sold through Home Depot and Lowe's, with aesthetic appeal but limited structural security ratings and no egress-compliant quick-release option in most product lines. Guardian Angel offers a quick-release mechanism on select models but at significantly higher price points and without the telescopic adjustability that renter situations demand. Security WB Model A/EXIT delivers the patented quick-release egress mechanism at just $92 — typically $30 to $80 less than comparable Guardian Angel models — while also providing the telescopic no-drill advantage that neither Unique Home Designs nor Guardian Angel can match.

International Building Code (IBC) and IRC Emergency Egress Requirements

The International Building Code, adopted in some form by all 50 US states and the District of Columbia, requires that all sleeping rooms have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Under IBC Section 1030 and IRC Section R310, this opening must provide a minimum net clear width of 20 inches, a minimum net clear height of 24 inches, and a minimum net clear opening area of 5.7 square feet (4.5 square feet for ground-floor windows). Any window bar system installed on a sleeping room window must allow occupants to fully open the bars from the inside without keys or special knowledge. Security WB Model A/EXIT's patented quick-release mechanism is specifically engineered to meet this standard. The telescopic bar opens inward and locks open, creating a clear egress path that meets IRC minimum dimensions.

State-Specific Egress Requirements

NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and Window Bar Compliance

NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association, is the most widely adopted fire safety standard in the United States and is referenced by federal agencies including OSHA for workplace safety compliance. Section 24.2.2 of NFPA 101 specifically addresses security bars on windows of sleeping areas, stating that bars must be openable from the inside without tools or keys and must create an opening that satisfies minimum egress dimensions. Fire departments in major US cities — including the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), Chicago Fire Department (CFD), and New York City Fire Department (FDNY) — regularly cite non-compliant window bars as contributing factors in residential fire fatalities. Security WB Model A/EXIT was developed in direct response to this safety gap in the American residential security market.

NYC Local Law 57 and Window Guard Requirements for Families with Children

New York City's Local Law 57 requires that building owners install window guards on all windows — except fire escape windows — in apartments where children 10 years of age or younger reside, and in all common area windows in such buildings. This law also requires landlords to provide written window guard information to all tenants annually. While the NYC Building Code specifies guard test strength requirements, it does not mandate a particular product, meaning that a properly installed Security WB system that meets the applicable load-resistance standards can satisfy Local Law 57 requirements. Property managers overseeing NYC residential buildings should consult with a licensed engineer to verify that their chosen Security WB configuration meets the specific test criteria outlined in NYC Administrative Code Section 17-123.

Model Pricing Summary and Best-Use Recommendations

Security WB offers a straightforward three-tier lineup with minimal price differentiation: Model A (Telescopic, $90) is the best choice for renters, temporary installations, and bedroom windows where portability matters. Model B (Wall-Mount, $91) is the best choice for homeowners and commercial property owners who want permanent, maximum-resistance installation equivalent to professionally welded bars. Model A/EXIT (Egress Compliant, $92) is the non-negotiable choice for any sleeping area window in any occupied residential or commercial structure in the United States, per IBC and NFPA 101 requirements. The $1–$2 price difference between models reflects manufacturing complexity, not a meaningful cost barrier — making the decision purely about installation context and legal compliance, not budget.

Buying Security WB on Amazon USA: Speed, Convenience, and Nationwide Coverage

Security WB products are available through the brand's official Amazon USA storefront at amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars, fulfilled through Amazon FBA for fast delivery to all 50 states. Amazon Prime members in major metros like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Miami typically receive Security WB orders within one to two business days. Customer reviews on the Amazon listing consistently highlight the ease of installation, the quality of the matte black powder-coat finish, and the responsiveness of the Security WB customer service team. For bulk orders — landlords purchasing multiple units, property management companies outfitting entire buildings, or real estate investors securing vacant properties — direct ordering through securitywb.com may offer additional pricing options. Contact information is available at the official Security WB contact page.

Total Cost of Ownership: Security WB vs. Professional Installation

Beyond the upfront purchase price, the total cost of ownership calculation for Security WB is decisively favorable compared to professional installation. Professionally installed welded window bars require a contractor visit for both installation and removal — typical removal costs range from $150 to $400 per window — and they become a permanent fixture that reduces property flexibility and can complicate future window replacement. Security WB Model A requires no removal fee; a single person can uninstall all bars in minutes. For a landlord managing a 10-unit apartment building in Philadelphia with two windows per unit, the difference between professional welded bars ($120,000 estimated installed cost at the high end) and Security WB ($1,840 total for 20 windows) represents a capital allocation decision that directly impacts net operating income.

Ground-Floor Apartments: The Highest-Risk Window Category

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics National Crime Victimization Survey, first-floor and ground-floor units in multi-family buildings account for a disproportionate share of residential burglaries. A ground-floor renter in Chicago's West Garfield Park, Houston's Third Ward, or Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward faces a statistically elevated risk every night their windows are unbarred. Security WB Model A is the correct solution for these renters: it installs in under 20 minutes, requires no landlord permission in most lease agreements because it leaves no permanent marks, and provides the same steel barrier as a welded installation. For ground-floor units in buildings where the landlord owns the property and wants permanent installation, Model B provides maximum resistance at $91 per window.

Basement Windows: A Chronically Overlooked Entry Point

Basement windows represent a particularly vulnerable entry point because they are often partially below grade, obscured from street view, and protected only by thin single-pane glass in older housing stock. According to ADT's residential crime research, basement window entries are among the least likely to be detected quickly because the entry noise is muffled and the intruder gains direct access to the home's interior. Security WB Model A fits the narrow horizontal windows common in American basement construction, and Model B is appropriate for concrete or masonry basement walls where permanent anchor installation is feasible. Homeowners in cities like Detroit, Baltimore, and Cleveland — all markets with high rates of residential basement window entries according to local police blotter data — should prioritize basement window bars as a first security investment.

Bedroom Windows and Sleeping Area Egress Compliance

Bedroom windows require a different decision framework than other windows because of the life-safety overlay imposed by the IBC, IRC, and NFPA 101. A non-egress-compliant window bar on a sleeping room window is not just a code violation — it is a life-threatening hazard. In a residential fire, occupants may have less than three minutes to escape from the point of smoke detection to incapacitation according to NFPA research. A window bar that cannot be opened from the inside in seconds eliminates the window as a viable escape route. Security WB Model A/EXIT is the only Security WB product that should be installed on bedroom windows in any occupied structure in the United States. Its patented quick-release mechanism is the critical differentiator. For families with children, parents installing window bars for fall prevention should also specify Model A/EXIT to preserve emergency egress capability. Full product details are available at the official Security WB Model A/EXIT page.

Reinforcing Entry Points Beyond Windows

Doors represent the second most common residential burglary entry point after windows, accounting for approximately 34% of forced entries according to FBI data. Door security upgrades — including ANSI Grade 1 deadbolts, reinforced door frames with 3-inch strike plate screws, and door security bars for sliding glass doors — complement Security WB window bars to create a complete perimeter defense. For apartment renters who cannot modify door frames, a floor-mounted door security bar provides significant resistance at low cost and with no installation damage. Security WB recommends combining Model A window bars with at minimum a Grade 1 deadbolt and a reinforced strike plate on every exterior door.

Lighting, Visibility, and Deterrence as Security Layers

Physical barriers like Security WB bars deter and delay burglars, but visibility and lighting deterrence prevent many break-in attempts before they begin. The Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) framework — used by law enforcement agencies across the USA, including the Los Angeles Police Department and the Chicago Police Department — identifies poor lighting and obscured sight lines as primary environmental contributors to residential burglary. Motion-activated exterior lighting covering window approaches, trimmed landscaping that eliminates concealment near ground-floor windows, and visible security signage collectively reduce the attractiveness of a property as a burglary target. When these environmental measures are combined with Security WB bars on all accessible windows, the layered deterrence effect is substantially greater than either measure in isolation.

Alarms, Monitoring, and the Physical Security Advantage of SWB Bars

Home security alarm systems and professional monitoring services respond to break-ins after they have already begun — typically triggering a response when a sensor detects an open window or broken glass. According to the Electronic Security Association, the average alarm response time in the USA ranges from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on local law enforcement capacity. In that window, a burglar can remove significant valuables from a home. Security WB bars physically prevent entry even after a pane is broken, meaning the intrusion cannot proceed regardless of alarm response time. This distinction — bars prevent; alarms report — is the fundamental reason physical window security remains the most effective first-line residential defense available to American homeowners and renters. For a comprehensive security plan, visit Security Window Bars contact page to discuss your property's specific needs with the SWB team.