Buy Telescopic Window Bars Online: Adjustable Steel That Fits Any Window
Buy telescopic window bars online with adjustable fit for any window size. Fast USA shipping, no drilling required. Starting at $90. Shop SWB now.
From our experience protecting thousands of homes across the USA, SWB analyzes the best strategies so you can sleep soundly — starting with one of the most practical decisions any renter or homeowner can make: choosing to buy telescopic window bars online with an adjustable fit that works for any window. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting data, there are approximately 6.7 million property crimes committed in the United States every year, with over 60% of home break-ins occurring through ground-floor windows and doors. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment in Chicago, a garden-level unit in Houston, or a single-family home in Atlanta, window security is not optional — it is essential. The challenge has always been finding bars that actually fit your window without a contractor, without permanent damage, and without spending $600 to $1,800 on professional installation. That is exactly the problem telescopic window bars solve. This guide covers everything you need to know before you buy, from size compatibility and installation to compliance codes and pricing.
Millions of American renters face a frustrating contradiction: they need security, but their lease agreements prohibit permanent modifications to walls, window…
Why Telescopic Window Bars Are the Smartest Purchase for US Renters and Homeowners
When most Americans think of window bars, they picture the permanently welded iron grates bolted to the exterior of buildings in older urban neighborhoods. That image is outdated. Today, the most effective and practical solution for the vast majority of US households — particularly the 44.1 million apartment renters identified in the US Census Bureau's 2023 data — is the telescopic window bar. These adjustable steel systems expand and lock into place within your window frame without requiring any permanent hardware in many configurations, which means no drilling, no landlord permission battles, and no security deposit deductions when you move out. Telescopic bars deliver the same deterrent effect as welded bars because they are made from the same heavy-gauge steel. A would-be burglar looking through a window does not know or care whether the bar is bolted to the wall or friction-fit into the frame — they see an obstacle and move on. For homeowners, the advantage is flexibility: you can reinstall bars in a different room, adjust them when you replace windows, or remove them seasonally without any structural modification to your property. The cost comparison alone makes the case. Professional window bar installation in cities like Los Angeles or New York City averages $600 to $1,800 per window. Telescopic bars from Security Window Bars start at just $90 and ship directly to your door via Amazon FBA, reaching all 50 states in days.
The Renter's Dilemma: Security Without Lease Violations
Millions of American renters face a frustrating contradiction: they need security, but their lease agreements prohibit permanent modifications to walls, window frames, or exterior surfaces. Standard security bar installations require drilling anchor points into masonry or drywall — a direct violation of most residential lease terms and a guaranteed loss of security deposit. Telescopic window bars resolve this completely. Because the SWB Model A system uses a tension-and-expansion mechanism that presses outward against the interior sides of the window frame, there is no drilling required for most standard window configurations. You install them in 15 to 20 minutes, they hold like welded steel, and when your lease ends, you remove them just as quickly and take them with you to your next apartment. For renters in cities like Philadelphia, Memphis, and Detroit — metros consistently cited in FBI crime statistics among the highest for property crime — this is not a luxury. It is a necessity that previously had no practical solution.
Homeowner Advantages: Flexibility, Aesthetics, and Long-Term Value
For homeowners, the case for telescopic bars over permanently welded alternatives is equally strong. Home styles and window configurations change over time. Renovations, window replacements, and room repurposing all affect your security needs. A telescopic system adapts with you. The SWB Model A's matte black powder-coated finish is designed to complement modern home aesthetics — it does not look like a prison. It looks like a deliberate, well-considered design choice. Real estate investors and Airbnb hosts in particular benefit from this flexibility. You can protect a property between tenants or guests without committing to permanent fixtures that might deter future buyers or require removal costs. Landlords managing multiple units across cities like Atlanta or Houston find that telescopic bars are easier to maintain, replace, and standardize across a portfolio of properties than custom-welded installations.
Understanding Window Size Compatibility: Does It Actually Fit Any Window?
One of the most common questions Americans have before they buy telescopic window bars online is straightforward: will they fit my specific window? It is a fair concern, especially given the enormous variety of window sizes found across American housing stock — from 1920s brownstones in Brooklyn to 1970s ranch homes in Phoenix to modern condos in Seattle. The SWB Model A Telescopic Window Bar is engineered to fit windows ranging from 22 inches to 36 inches in width, which covers the overwhelming majority of standard residential window sizes used throughout the United States. According to residential construction standards and the IRC (International Residential Code), the most common single-hung and double-hung window widths fall between 24 and 36 inches, placing nearly every standard US window squarely within the Model A's adjustable range. The telescopic mechanism allows you to expand the bar incrementally to achieve a secure, pressure-fit within that range. If your windows fall outside this range — either narrower than 22 inches or wider than 36 inches — the SWB Model B Wall-Mount system or a custom configuration through the SWB team may be the better fit. However, for the vast majority of American renters and homeowners shopping standard residential windows, the adjustable telescopic system covers you completely.
Measuring Your Window the Right Way Before You Buy
Before you place your order, taking one accurate measurement will save you time and ensure a perfect fit. Measure the interior width of your window opening — that is the distance between the two vertical side jambs on the inside of the window frame, not the exterior brick or siding width. Measure at the middle of the window, not just at the top or bottom, because window frames can be slightly out of square, particularly in older homes. If your measurement falls between 22 and 36 inches, the SWB Model A is the right product for you. Write down the measurement before you shop. If you have multiple windows to protect — a common scenario for ground-floor apartment dwellers or families in high-crime ZIP codes — measure each one individually, as window widths can vary even within the same room or unit. Visit the SWB installation guide at https://securitywb.com/installation/ for a detailed visual walkthrough of the measurement and setup process before you install.
Standard US Window Sizes and SWB Coverage Chart
To help you understand exactly how comprehensive the SWB telescopic system's coverage is, consider the most common residential window widths used in American construction. Single-hung windows: 24", 28", 32", 36" — all covered by Model A. Double-hung windows: 26", 30", 34" — covered. Sliding windows at the lower end of the range, typically 24" to 36" — covered. The Model A does not cover picture windows wider than 36", jalousie windows (louvered), or specialty geometric windows. For those applications, the SWB team recommends reaching out directly through https://securitywb.com/contact/ to discuss the Model B wall-mount option or multi-bar configurations. However, it is worth noting that the windows most frequently targeted by burglars — ground-floor bedroom windows, basement windows, and kitchen windows — are almost universally within the standard 22"–36" range, making Model A the correct defensive tool for the highest-risk entry points in your home.
SWB Model A vs. Model A/EXIT: Which Telescopic Bar Should You Buy Online?
When you decide to buy telescopic window bars online from Security Window Bars, you will encounter two adjustable telescopic options: the Model A at $90 and the Model A/EXIT at $92. Both use the same core telescopic adjustment system, both cover the same 22"–36" window width range, and both ship via Amazon FBA to all 50 states. The difference is critical and comes down to one factor: which room the bars are going into. Building codes in the United States — specifically the International Building Code (IBC), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and the International Residential Code (IRC) — mandate that any security barrier installed over a window in a sleeping area must be operable from the inside without tools or special knowledge in the event of a fire or other emergency. This is known as egress compliance. If you are buying bars for a bedroom, a sleeping loft, or any room that a person sleeps in, the Model A/EXIT is not just the better choice — it may be legally required in your jurisdiction. The $2 price difference between the two models is negligible. The life-safety difference is not.
Model A — Best for Non-Sleeping Areas
The SWB Model A Telescopic Window Bar at $90 is the ideal product for living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, home offices, laundry rooms, and basement utility areas — any space where the primary concern is preventing unauthorized entry and where no one is sleeping regularly. It is also well-suited for commercial ground-floor windows in retail spaces, workshops, and garages where egress requirements differ from residential sleeping areas. The Model A delivers the full deterrent effect of steel window bars with the flexibility of the SWB telescopic system: adjustable fit, no drilling in most installations, and matte black finish. For renters in cities like Chicago or Los Angeles who want to secure a street-facing living room window, the Model A is exactly what you need at the lowest price point in the SWB lineup. You can view full product details at https://securitywb.com/model-a/.
Model A/EXIT — Required for Bedrooms and Sleeping Areas
The SWB Model A/EXIT Egress Compliant Window Bar at $92 incorporates a patented quick-release mechanism that allows the bar to be removed from the inside in seconds without tools — critical for emergency egress during a fire or gas emergency. This product is specifically engineered to meet the requirements of IBC Section 1030, NFPA 101 Chapter 7, and OSHA workplace egress standards, as well as the IRC's emergency escape and rescue opening requirements, which mandate a minimum clear opening of 20" in height and 24" in width. In New York City, Local Law 57 requires window guards in any apartment where a child under the age of 10 resides, and the release mechanism requirements are similarly strict. Whether you are a parent protecting a child's bedroom in NYC or a homeowner in Houston installing bars on a first-floor master bedroom, the Model A/EXIT delivers the security of full steel bars with the compliance your home requires. View the full product page at https://securitywb.com/model-a-exit/.
Side-by-Side Comparison at a Glance
Model A ($90): Telescopic adjustable, 22"–36" width, no drilling required for most installs, matte black steel, 15–20 min DIY installation, ideal for non-sleeping areas. Model A/EXIT ($92): All features of Model A PLUS a patented quick-release egress mechanism, IBC/NFPA 101/OSHA compliant, meets IRC emergency egress requirements, required for bedrooms and sleeping areas, $2 more for life-safety compliance. Both models are available through the SWB Amazon storefront for fast nationwide delivery. For buyers who are unsure which model applies to their specific window location, the SWB team can advise directly — reach out at https://securitywb.com/contact/ with your window location and room type, and an SWB specialist will confirm the correct product for your application.
How to Buy Telescopic Window Bars Online: Pricing, Shipping, and What to Expect
The decision to buy telescopic window bars online from Security Window Bars is designed to be as simple and risk-free as possible. Both telescopic models — the Model A and the Model A/EXIT — are available through two channels: the SWB website at securitywb.com and the official Amazon USA storefront under the seller name SecurityWindowBars. The Amazon channel is particularly convenient for the majority of US shoppers because it leverages Amazon's FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) network, which means your order ships from an Amazon fulfillment center located within the continental United States, not from an overseas warehouse. This translates to delivery times that are competitive with any domestic seller, reaching buyers in all 50 states — from rural Montana to downtown Miami — with the tracking and delivery reliability Amazon is known for. Pricing is transparent and fixed: Model A at $90, Model B at $91, and Model A/EXIT at $92. There are no hidden installation fees, no contractor markups, and no surprise charges. Compared to the $600–$1,800 average cost of professional window bar installation quoted by security contractors in major US metropolitan areas, the SWB telescopic system represents a savings of up to 95% on your window security investment.
Buying Through Amazon USA: What You Need to Know
Shopping at the SWB Amazon storefront at https://www.amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars gives you the full benefit of Amazon's buyer protection ecosystem: straightforward returns, verified reviews from real US customers, and delivery tracking from warehouse to front door. Amazon's FBA system means that SWB products ship with the same speed and reliability as any Amazon Prime-eligible product. For buyers who are making a security purchase for the first time and want the reassurance of a platform they already trust, Amazon is the natural choice. You can read customer reviews, compare model specifications side by side, and place your order in minutes. First-time buyers often order one unit to test the fit on their most vulnerable window before purchasing additional units for the rest of their ground-floor or basement windows.
Buying Direct from securitywb.com
For buyers who prefer to purchase directly from the brand — including landlords buying in volume for multiple units, property managers standardizing security across a portfolio, or customers who want to speak with an SWB specialist before ordering — the securitywb.com website offers the complete product lineup with detailed specifications, the full installation guide, and direct customer support access. Buying direct is also the best path for customers with non-standard window configurations who want to confirm compatibility before purchasing, or for commercial customers whose applications may benefit from the Model B wall-mount system. Whether you buy through Amazon or direct, the product you receive is identical: the same SWB steel telescopic bar, the same matte black finish, the same adjustable mechanism, and the same 15–20 minute DIY installation.
Installing Your Telescopic Window Bars: No Contractor Needed
One of the most significant advantages of the SWB telescopic system — and a primary reason why customers specifically search to buy telescopic window bars online rather than calling a security contractor — is the installation experience. Professional window bar installation requires a contractor to measure, fabricate or order custom bars, schedule a return appointment, drill anchor points into your wall or masonry, and install permanent hardware that stays with the property forever. That process takes days and costs hundreds of dollars at minimum. The SWB Model A installs in 15 to 20 minutes using tools most Americans already have at home. There is no specialized knowledge required, no masonry drilling in the standard no-drill configuration, and no waiting for a professional's schedule. The telescopic mechanism adjusts to fit your specific window width within the 22"–36" range, locks into position, and provides the same physical barrier as a welded bar from that moment forward. For American families who decide on a Thursday night that their ground-floor window needs to be secured before the weekend — a very common scenario following a neighborhood incident or a news report about local break-ins — the ability to order on Amazon and install within a day or two of delivery is not just convenient. It is a meaningful safety advantage.
Step-by-Step Installation Overview
The SWB installation process follows a simple sequence that is detailed in full at the official installation guide: https://securitywb.com/installation/. First, measure your window's interior width between the side jambs. Second, adjust the telescopic bar to a length slightly shorter than your measurement for easy placement. Third, position the bar horizontally across the window at your desired height — typically at a mid-point that prevents the window from being raised enough for entry. Fourth, extend the telescopic mechanism until the rubber-tipped ends press firmly against both side jambs. Fifth, engage the locking mechanism to hold the bar at that extension. The entire process requires no power tools in most configurations. Some installations on older or irregular window frames may benefit from supplemental anchoring, which is covered in detail in the installation guide. For the Model A/EXIT, the same steps apply with the addition of familiarizing yourself with the quick-release mechanism so all household members — including children old enough to understand emergency procedures — know how to operate it.
What Makes SWB Bars Different From Cheaper Alternatives
The US market for window security products includes a range of options at various price points, and it is worth understanding what separates the SWB telescopic system from lower-cost alternatives that may appear similar in product photos. The SWB bars are constructed from heavy-gauge steel — the same material used in permanently welded commercial security bars — rather than the thin-walled aluminum or hollow steel used in some budget products. The telescopic locking mechanism is engineered to hold under lateral force without slipping, which cheaper models with plastic locking collars cannot reliably guarantee. The matte black powder-coat finish is applied to resist rust and corrosion over years of use near window condensation — a detail that cheap painted or unfinished alternatives skip entirely. These are not incremental differences. They are the difference between a security product that actually deters forced entry and a product that looks like one. The window protection bars category is one where quality of materials and engineering directly determines whether your family is actually protected.
Building Code Compliance and Legal Requirements Across the USA
Before you buy telescopic window bars online, it is important to understand the regulatory framework that governs window security in US residential and commercial properties. Building codes in the United States exist at the federal model code level — primarily the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC) — and are adopted and amended at the state and local level. This means that requirements vary by city and state, and what is required in New York City may differ from what is required in suburban Texas or rural Oregon. The universal principle, however, is consistent across virtually all US jurisdictions: any security bar or window guard installed in a sleeping area must allow emergency egress from the inside without the use of a key or tool. This is codified in IBC Section 1030 (Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings), NFPA 101 Life Safety Code Chapter 7, and the IRC's egress window requirements. Violation of these codes — particularly in rental properties — can expose landlords to significant liability in the event of a fire. Understanding which SWB model applies to your specific installation is not just a matter of product selection. It is a legal and life-safety responsibility.
NYC Local Law 57: Window Guards for Families With Young Children
New York City's Local Law 57 is one of the most specific and well-known window security regulations in the United States. It requires building owners to install window guards in apartments where a child under the age of 10 resides — or in any apartment where the tenant requests them, regardless of age. The law applies to all windows except those that provide access to a fire escape. Window guards installed under Local Law 57 must meet DOHMH (Department of Health and Mental Hygiene) specifications, including the requirement that guards in sleeping rooms be openable from the inside for emergency egress. The SWB Model A/EXIT's quick-release mechanism is specifically designed for compliance with this class of regulation. New York City parents and landlords purchasing window guards should verify current DOHMH specifications and confirm Model A/EXIT compliance for their specific installation. For guidance, contact the SWB team directly through https://securitywb.com/contact/.
IBC and IRC Egress Requirements: The Nationwide Standard
The International Residential Code requires that every sleeping room have at least one openable emergency escape and rescue window. The minimum clear opening dimensions are 20 inches in height, 24 inches in width, and 5.7 square feet of net clear opening area (5.0 square feet for ground-floor windows). Any window bar or security grille installed over an egress window must not reduce this opening below these minimums when in its open position, and must be operable from the inside without a key or tool. The SWB Model A/EXIT is designed to meet these requirements through its patented quick-release mechanism, which allows the bar to be fully removed in seconds by any occupant. For homeowners and landlords in states that have adopted the current IBC and IRC — which now includes most of the 50 states in some form — installing non-egress-compliant bars over bedroom windows is not just a code violation. It is a documented fire hazard with real consequences for liability and, more importantly, for human life.
Where Telescopic Window Bars Matter Most: High-Risk Cities and Scenarios Across the USA
Window security needs vary significantly by geography, housing type, and local crime environment. While no neighborhood in America is entirely immune from property crime, FBI Uniform Crime Report data consistently identifies specific metropolitan areas and housing configurations where the risk of window-entry burglary is highest. Ground-floor apartment units, basement windows, and rear-facing windows in urban multifamily buildings are the highest-risk configurations nationwide. Cities including Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Oakland, and Albuquerque have historically ranked among the highest for property crime rates per capita, according to FBI UCR data. For residents of these cities — particularly renters in ground-floor units who previously had no practical security option — the ability to buy telescopic window bars online and install them without a contractor or landlord approval represents a genuine safety breakthrough. But the need is not limited to high-crime cities. Home invasions and window break-ins occur in suburban and rural areas as well, and the 2022 FBI Crime Data Explorer data shows that property crime is distributed across all 50 states, not concentrated exclusively in major urban centers.
Apartment Renters: The Highest-Risk and Most Underserved Group
According to the US Census Bureau, there are 44.1 million renter-occupied housing units in the United States as of 2023. A disproportionate share of these renters live in ground-floor or garden-level units in multifamily buildings — the exact configuration that faces the highest risk of window-entry burglary. Prior to the availability of telescopic, no-drill window bars, renters had essentially three options: accept the vulnerability, ask their landlord for permanent bars (often refused or delayed indefinitely), or pay for professional installation and risk lease violations. The SWB telescopic system changes this equation entirely. At $90 to $92 per window and with a 15–20 minute installation process that leaves no permanent marks, it is accessible to renters at virtually every income level — a meaningful consideration when you note that the median renter household income in the US is substantially lower than the median homeowner household income, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Families With Children: Fall Prevention and Security Combined
Window security bars serve a dual safety purpose for families with young children: burglary prevention and fall prevention. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, window falls injure approximately 5,000 children under the age of 10 every year in the United States, with falls from second-story and higher windows accounting for the most serious injuries. Window bars — when properly installed — prevent children from pushing open a window beyond the bar's position, acting as a fall arrest system while simultaneously deterring unauthorized entry from outside. For families in multifamily buildings — particularly in cities like New York City where Local Law 57 already codifies this need — the SWB telescopic bar offers a security and fall-prevention solution in one product. Parents who are considering this application should review the installation guide at https://securitywb.com/installation/ to ensure proper positioning for fall-prevention effectiveness.
Complete SWB Product Lineup: Finding the Right Window Security Bar for Every Window
While this guide is focused on the telescopic adjustable models, Security Window Bars offers a complete lineup designed to address every window security scenario a US homeowner, renter, or property manager might face. Understanding the full lineup helps you make the right purchase the first time — and ensures that windows outside the standard telescopic range are not left unprotected. Whether you are securing a standard bedroom window in a Chicago apartment, a wide commercial storefront window in Houston, or a basement utility window in a Philadelphia rowhouse, there is an SWB solution specifically designed for that application. The window protection bars category covers a broad spectrum of security needs, and SWB's three-model lineup addresses them systematically. Consulting the full product catalog at securitywb.com ensures you select the right model for each window's specific dimensions, location, and regulatory requirements before you buy.
Model B — Wall-Mount for Maximum Permanence
The SWB Model B Wall-Mount Window Bar at $91 is the solution for windows that require permanently anchored security — typically ground-floor commercial windows, garage windows, basement access windows, or residential windows in high-crime areas where the property owner (not a renter) wants the maximum possible deterrent effect. Unlike the telescopic models, the Model B is bolted directly to the wall structure surrounding the window, making it the most difficult to defeat physically. Heavy-gauge steel construction and a powder-coated black finish match the aesthetic of the telescopic models. The Model B is the right choice for homeowners, landlords securing vacant properties, and commercial property operators who want permanent protection and are not constrained by renter lease terms. Full product details are available at https://securitywb.com/model-b/.
Protecting Every Window in Your Home With SWB
Security professionals consistently advise that partial window security creates a false sense of protection. If you secure your front-facing ground-floor windows but leave the rear kitchen window or the basement hopper window unsecured, a motivated intruder will simply identify the weakest point. A comprehensive window security strategy addresses every accessible window — ground floor, basement, and any window accessible from a porch roof, fire escape, or nearby structure. The SWB lineup makes this systematically achievable. Telescopic Model A bars for your living room and kitchen windows, Model A/EXIT for every bedroom window for egress compliance, and Model B for any window requiring permanent anchoring. At $90–$92 per window, protecting a ground-floor apartment's three to five vulnerable windows costs under $500 total — a fraction of a single professionally installed bar system and significantly less than the average cost of a burglary loss, which the FBI estimates at over $2,600 per incident.
🏆 Conclusion
The decision to buy telescopic window bars online is one of the most cost-effective, practical, and immediately impactful home security investments an American renter or homeowner can make in 2025. With property crime affecting millions of US households every year — and ground-floor windows representing the primary point of entry in over 60% of residential break-ins, according to FBI data — leaving standard windows unsecured is a risk most families simply cannot afford. Security Window Bars telescopic models deliver the same steel-barrier deterrence as permanently welded bars, at under $100 per window, with a 15–20 minute DIY installation that requires no contractor, no drilling in most cases, and no permanent modification to your home. Whether you are a renter in a Chicago high-rise, a homeowner in suburban Atlanta, a landlord managing a rental portfolio in Houston, or a parent protecting a child's bedroom window in New York City, the SWB Model A and Model A/EXIT are engineered specifically for your situation. Add the Model B for any window requiring permanent wall-mounted protection, and you have a complete, code-compliant window security system for every window in your property. Do not wait for a neighborhood incident to prompt action. Secure your windows today with the adjustable telescopic system that fits any standard US window — and have it installed before the week is out.
Security Window Bars · USA
Secure Your Home Today
Protect your home today. Shop Security Window Bars on Amazon — fast shipping to all 50 states: https://www.amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars. Or browse the full SWB lineup at securitywb.com and find the right telescopic bar for every window in your home.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The SWB Model A and Model A/EXIT telescopic window bars are designed to fit windows ranging from 22 to 36 inches in interior width, which covers the overwhelming majority of standard residential window sizes used throughout the United States — including single-hung, double-hung, and sliding window configurations. Before purchasing, measure the interior width of your window frame between the two side jambs at the midpoint of the window. If your measurement falls within the 22–36 inch range, the SWB telescopic system is compatible. For windows outside this range, contact the SWB team at securitywb.com/contact/ for guidance on alternative solutions including the Model B wall-mount system.
No drilling is required for most standard installations. The SWB Model A telescopic system works by expanding the bar until its rubber-tipped ends press firmly against the interior side jambs of your window frame, creating a tension-fit that holds the bar securely in place. This no-drill installation method is one of the primary reasons the product is ideal for apartment renters, who cannot make permanent modifications to their rental unit under most lease agreements. Some installations on older, irregular, or out-of-square window frames may benefit from supplemental anchoring, which is described in detail in the SWB installation guide at securitywb.com/installation/. The Model B wall-mount bar, by contrast, requires drilling for its permanent installation and is intended for homeowners and commercial property operators.
Window bars themselves are not mandated by law in most US jurisdictions for residential bedrooms. However, if you choose to install window bars or security grilles in a sleeping area, US building codes — specifically the International Building Code (IBC) Section 1030 and the International Residential Code (IRC) emergency egress provisions — require that those bars be operable from the inside without a key or tool to allow emergency escape in the event of a fire. This is called egress compliance. The SWB Model A/EXIT is specifically designed to meet these requirements through its patented quick-release mechanism. New York City's Local Law 57 additionally requires window guards in apartments with children under 10, with specific NYC DOHMH specifications. Always verify local requirements with your building department or consult an SWB specialist.
SWB telescopic window bars ordered through the official Amazon storefront at amazon.com/stores/SecurityWindowBars ship via Amazon's FBA (Fulfilled by Amazon) network, meaning your order ships from an Amazon fulfillment center located within the continental United States. Delivery timelines are consistent with standard Amazon shipping options, reaching buyers across all 50 states typically within a few business days depending on your location and the shipping tier selected at checkout. Orders placed through securitywb.com directly may have varying shipping timelines — the SWB team can provide current lead times upon request. For urgent security needs — for example, following a neighborhood break-in or after moving into a new apartment — the Amazon channel is generally the fastest option for US buyers.
Both models use the same adjustable telescopic system covering window widths from 22 to 36 inches, both feature heavy-gauge steel construction with a matte black powder-coat finish, and both can be installed without drilling in most standard configurations. The key difference is that the Model A/EXIT ($92) incorporates a patented quick-release egress mechanism that allows the bar to be removed from the inside in seconds without tools, making it compliant with IBC, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, OSHA standards, and IRC emergency egress requirements. The Model A ($90) does not include this release mechanism and is appropriate for non-sleeping areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces. For any window in a bedroom or sleeping area, the Model A/EXIT is the correct and potentially legally required choice. The $2 price difference makes the egress-compliant model the obvious selection for bedroom installations.
This depends on your specific lease agreement and local jurisdiction, and renters should always review their lease terms before installing any security product. However, one of the primary advantages of the SWB telescopic system is that its no-drill installation method leaves no permanent marks or modifications on the window frame in most configurations, which means it typically does not constitute the kind of structural modification that most lease agreements prohibit. Because the bar can be removed completely when you move out — leaving the window frame exactly as you found it — many renters install SWB telescopic bars without issue. That said, if your lease is ambiguous or if you have a particularly strict landlord, it is always advisable to get written approval first. For renters in NYC where Local Law 57 applies, window guards are actually a tenant right in qualifying apartments, meaning the landlord is required to provide them upon request.
Yes. The SWB telescopic window bars are constructed from heavy-gauge steel — the same material category used in permanently welded commercial security bars — and are engineered to resist the lateral force applied during a forced-entry attempt. The telescopic locking mechanism maintains its position under stress, and the steel bar itself presents the same physical obstacle as a welded bar to anyone attempting to push, pry, or lift a window from outside. It is important to understand how window security works as a deterrent: burglars overwhelmingly target the path of least resistance. According to FBI crime data, the presence of visible security features — including window bars — significantly reduces the likelihood that a burglar will attempt entry at that specific point. A home with visible steel window bars is almost always passed over in favor of an unprotected window nearby. The SWB bars provide this deterrent effect from the moment of installation.
The savings are substantial. Professional window bar installation in major US cities averages $600 to $1,800 per window, according to contractor pricing data from markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston. This cost includes the contractor's time, custom fabrication or sourcing of bars, hardware, and labor for drilling and anchoring. The SWB Model A telescopic bar costs $90 and can be installed by any adult homeowner or renter in 15 to 20 minutes using basic tools. Protecting a ground-floor apartment with four vulnerable windows would cost $360 in SWB bars versus potentially $2,400 to $7,200 in professional installations — a savings of over 90%. The cost savings do not come at the expense of security effectiveness, since SWB bars use the same heavy-gauge steel as professionally installed alternatives.