What Are Security Bars?
Security bars are steel barriers designed to prevent forced entry through vulnerable openings — windows, doors, fences, and ground-floor commercial glass. The modern category emerged in the 1960s as urban crime concerns grew, and the 2026 market has evolved into a sophisticated product category with three main segments: window security bars, door security bars, and commercial-grade cage systems.
Unlike alarms (reactive) or cameras (forensic), security bars are preventive. They make forced entry physically harder and visually deter opportunistic burglars before they attempt entry. FBI data shows 60% of intruders avoid properties with visible bars.
Types of Security Bars
- Telescopic window bars — adjustable, removable, DIY-installable. Best for renters. SWB Model A
- Fixed wall-mount bars — maximum security, permanent. Best for ground-floor commercial. SWB Model B
- Quick-release fire-safe bars — ASTM F2090 compliant, required for bedroom egress. SWB Model A/EXIT
- Decorative wrought iron bars — security + aesthetic. Decorative options
- Door security bars — Charley bars, security door bars, jammers. See our door security guide
- Commercial cage systems — full-window cage for high-risk zones. See commercial window bars
Window Security Bars
The largest category in residential security. Three sub-types dominate the market:
Telescopic bars (like SWB Model A) adjust to any window width without drilling. Install in 15 minutes. Best for renters, single-family homes, ground-floor windows.
Wall-mount fixed bars (like SWB Model B) provide maximum strength. Drill into masonry, stucco, or wood frame. Best for commercial storefronts and high-risk ground-floor windows.
Quick-release bars (like SWB Model A/EXIT) meet ASTM F2090 for bedroom egress under IBC 2021 §1031. Required by code for any bar installed on a sleeping room window.
Read our full Window Security Bars Guide for deep-dive specifications and selection criteria.
Door Security Bars
Door security bars defend against the most common burglary method: door kick-in (60% of residential break-ins per FBI). Categories include:
- Sliding glass door bars (Charley bars) — wedge into the door track to prevent slide-open
- Front door security bars — adjustable braces from doorknob to floor
- Patio door deadbolts — supplementary lock above main handle
- Steel door reinforcement plates — strengthen strike-plate area
See our comprehensive door security bar guide and patio door security deep dive.
Commercial-Grade Security Bars
Commercial environments — retail storefronts, warehouses, schools, religious buildings — require heavier-gauge steel and code compliance specific to occupancy type. Key applications:
- Storefront retail windows
- Logistics & warehouses
- Schools & educational facilities
- Churches & religious buildings
- Ports & maritime facilities
For commercial quotes contact SWB sales with property type, square footage, and security requirements.
Compliance & Fire Code
Three federal/national standards govern security bar installation in the USA:
- ASTM F2090 — quick-release standard for emergency-escape window bars. Referenced by IBC 2021 §1031.
- IBC 2021 §1031 — requires emergency escape and rescue openings in all sleeping rooms with no obstruction except ASTM F2090-listed devices.
- NFPA 80 — restricts bar installation on fire-rated assemblies (doors, windows in commercial/institutional buildings).
State and local codes may add requirements. NYC, California, and Texas each have specific add-on regulations. See our Window Bars Fire Code Guide for state-by-state details.
How to Choose
Decision tree:
- Is the window in a bedroom or sleeping area? → Quick-release (Model A/EXIT) required by code
- Are you renting? → Telescopic removable (Model A)
- Ground-floor commercial / high-risk? → Fixed wall-mount (Model B) or cage system
- Aesthetic concerns? → Decorative wrought iron bars
- Door security needed? → See door security guide
Try our Find My Bar configurator for personalized recommendations or cost calculator for budget planning.
Cost Overview
| Type | DIY Price/Window | Pro Install/Window |
|---|---|---|
| Telescopic (Model A) | $99–$249 | $300–$500 |
| Wall-mount (Model B) | $149–$399 | $400–$800 |
| Quick-release (Model A/EXIT) | $179–$449 | $450–$850 |
| National avg (Angi 2025) | $940 installed | |
Full pricing details: Window Bars Cost Guide
FAQ
What are security bars?
Security bars are steel barriers installed on windows or doors to prevent forced entry. The most common type is window security bars (modular or telescopic), but the category also includes door security bars, fence security systems, and commercial cage systems for warehouses and ground-floor retail.
Are security bars effective against break-ins?
Yes. FBI and independent crime data show 60% of burglars avoid properties with visible security bars, and 85% of opportunistic intruders abandon the attempt within 60 seconds when they encounter a properly installed bar system. The deterrent factor alone justifies the investment for most homeowners.
Do security bars violate fire codes?
Properly designed security bars are fire-code compliant. The key standard is ASTM F2090 (referenced in IBC 2021 §1031) which requires quick-release mechanisms from inside without keys, tools, or special knowledge for any bar installed on an emergency-escape window (typically bedrooms). SWB Model A/EXIT meets this standard.
What is the difference between security bars and burglar bars?
The terms are used interchangeably in the USA. 'Security bars' is more common in technical and code contexts; 'burglar bars' is more common in consumer search and older signage. Both describe steel bar systems designed to prevent forced entry through windows or doors.
Are security bars worth the cost?
For homes in areas with break-in risk, yes. Average cost is $99-$249 per window DIY or $300-$800 professionally installed. Compare that to the average burglary loss in the USA ($2,800 per incident, FBI 2024) and the insurance premium discounts (5-15% in many states) and most homeowners break even within 2-3 years.
Can I install security bars myself?
Yes. SWB Model A telescopic bars are designed for 15-minute DIY installation with basic tools. Model B wall-mount bars require drilling masonry and take ~30 minutes. Both come with detailed instructions and video tutorials.