SWB
MR
IDA Certified
Contributing Expert

Marcus Reid

Marcus Reid is an IDA Certified Security Consultant with over 12 years of residential and commercial security specification experience across New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. He advises homeowners, property managers, and architects on window and door security solutions, fire egress compliance (IBC Section 1030, IRC R310, NFPA 101), and physical access control systems.

At Security Window Bars, Marcus reviews all technical content for accuracy, contributes original research on residential security trends, and ensures every installation guide meets current US building codes. His field experience with 800+ security bar installations across three major US markets informs the practical guidance you'll find throughout this site.

Certification
IDA Certified Security Consultant
Experience
12+ years residential & commercial
Markets
New York City · Chicago · Los Angeles
Specialties
Window security · Fire egress · IBC/NFPA 101
Contributing to
securitywb.com since 2024
Areas of Expertise
Window security bar specification and installation
Residential burglary prevention and deterrence
Fire egress compliance — IBC Section 1030, IRC R310, NFPA 101
Physical access control for multi-family buildings
Quick-release mechanism selection and code verification
Security bar specification for renters and HOA environments
Cost-benefit analysis of physical security vs. alarm systems
Editorial Standards

All content attributed to Marcus Reid is based on direct field experience and verifiable building codes. Statistics are sourced from FBI Uniform Crime Reports, BJS National Crime Victimization Survey, and published academic research.

Product recommendations reflect hands-on installation experience. Pricing data is updated quarterly. Building code references are checked against the most current published editions of the IBC, IRC, and NFPA 101.

Articles by Marcus Reid
Research & Data
Window Bars: The Complete 2026 Expert Guide
18 min read·Read →
Real Tests & Expert Takes
Best Window Bars of 2026: Tested & Ranked by Security Experts
14 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Window Security Report 2026: Data From 847 Real Installations
12 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Window Bars & Fire Safety: Egress Requirements, Quick-Release & State Laws (2026)
11 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Window Bars for Renters: The No-Drill, No-Permission Guide (2026)
10 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Are Window Bars Worth It? The Honest Cost-Benefit Analysis (2026)
9 min read·Read →
Research & Data
How Burglars Choose Their Targets: A Security Expert's Analysis
10 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Window Bars & Child Safety: What Every Parent Needs to Know
8 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Window Bars & Home Insurance: Discounts, Documentation & What Insurers Won't Tell You
8 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Window Bars Buying Guide: 7 Things to Know Before You Buy (2026)
9 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
How to Measure for Window Security Bars: The 3-Minute Guide
7 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Window Bar Steel Gauge Guide: Why 11-Gauge vs 16-Gauge Is the Only Spec That Matters
9 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Bedroom Window Bars: Fire Code Requirements, Egress & the Safest Options (2026)
10 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Basement Window Security Bars: Why Ground-Floor Windows Are the #1 Burglar Entry Point
9 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
First-Floor Apartment Window Security: The Complete Renter's Guide (2026)
10 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Security Bars for Sliding Glass Doors: Options, Sizing & Installation (2026)
9 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Window Bars DIY vs Professional Installation: The Honest Cost Comparison (2026)
8 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Window Bar Materials: Steel vs Aluminum vs Polycarbonate — What Security Experts Actually Use
10 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Door Security Bars: The Complete 2026 Guide (Stop Forced Entry in 60 Seconds)
22 min read·Read →
Honest Comparisons
Burglar Bars for Doors: What Actually Works (and What Doesn't) in 2026
18 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Locking Bar for Door: 2026 Buyer's Guide (The 5 Things That Actually Matter)
16 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Bars for Doors: The Complete Security Guide for Every Entry Point in 2026
20 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Adjustable Door Security Bar: How to Size, Set, and Trust One (2026 Guide)
13 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Front Door Security Bar: The Right Setup for the Most Targeted Entry Point
12 min read·Read →
Commercial & Special Use
Commercial Door Security Bar: Heavy-Duty Solutions for Business Entry Points (2026)
14 min read·Read →
Honest Comparisons
Door Reinforcement Bar vs. Security Bar: Which One Actually Stops a Kick-In?
11 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Do Door Security Bars Really Work? FBI Data + Force Testing Gives a Clear Answer
10 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Can Apartment Renters Use a Door Security Bar? Lease, Legal, and Practical Guide
9 min read·Read →
Research & Data
Front Door vs. Back Door: Where Should Your Security Bar Go First?
8 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
How to Choose a Door Security Bar: 5 Questions That Determine the Right Product
9 min read·Read →
Real Tests & Expert Takes
Steel Door Security Bars: Tested and Ranked for 2026
14 min read·Read →
How-To & Scenarios
Door Security Brace: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use One
12 min read·Read →
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