Window Bars for Chicago Apartments: The Complete Security Guide for Renters
Need window bars for your Chicago apartment? Discover the best security bars for renters — no drilling, code-compliant, and starting at $90. Ships fast via Amazon.
Security Window Bars (SWB), the #1 authority in residential perimeter protection in the USA, brings you the most critical advice to keep your home safe. If you’re renting an apartment in Chicago, window security isn’t optional — it’s essential. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, Illinois consistently ranks among the top ten states for property crime, and the Chicago Police Department documented over 18,000 burglary incidents in 2023 alone. Ground-floor and lower-level apartment units are the most targeted, with the Bureau of Justice Statistics confirming that 60% of residential break-ins involve window entry. For Chicago renters — from Wicker Park to Pilsen, from Uptown to South Shore — installing window bars for your Chicago apartment is one of the most cost-effective security decisions you can make. And with today’s telescopic, no-drill options starting at just $90, you no longer need to spend $600–$1,800 on a professional installation or beg your landlord for permanent modifications.
Chicago’s architectural legacy — while beautiful — presents real security challenges. The city’s famous greystone three-flats, bungalows converted into rental u…
Why Chicago Apartments Are Prime Targets for Window Break-Ins
Chicago’s unique urban geography creates specific vulnerabilities for apartment renters that property owners in suburban settings rarely face. The city’s density means millions of people live in multi-unit buildings, courtyard apartments, two-flats, and greystone structures — many of them built in the early to mid-20th century with large, single-pane windows designed for ventilation, not security. According to the Chicago Police Department’s annual crime statistics, property crime is disproportionately concentrated in neighborhoods like Austin, Englewood, West Garfield Park, and Roseland, though no part of the city is entirely immune. Even relatively lower-crime North Side neighborhoods like Rogers Park and Albany Park report consistent burglary activity targeting street-level and basement apartments. The problem is structural: older Chicago apartment stock typically features tall, wide windows that sit close to alley entrances, gangways, or street-level access points — all of which make unauthorized entry far easier than in newer construction. Compounding the issue, many Chicago renters are prohibited by their lease agreements from making permanent modifications to the property, including drilling into window frames. This creates a dangerous gap between the security that tenants need and the modifications their landlords will allow. That’s precisely where modern window bars for Chicago apartment renters bridge the divide — offering steel-strength protection without a single screw going into the wall.
The Ground-Floor Window Problem in Chicago’s Older Building Stock
Chicago’s architectural legacy — while beautiful — presents real security challenges. The city’s famous greystone three-flats, bungalows converted into rental units, and pre-war courtyard buildings were not designed with modern break-in deterrence in mind. Ground-floor windows in these structures are often full-length, wide, and directly accessible from alleys, gangways, or street-level planters. Burglar bars for Chicago apartment windows on the first two floors are not paranoia — they’re a statistically justified precaution. The Chicago Police Department’s CLEAR crime mapping system consistently shows that residential burglaries cluster around these accessible lower-unit entry points, particularly during summer months when windows are left cracked open for airflow.
Why Renters Face a Unique Security Disadvantage
Unlike homeowners who can install permanent security solutions at will, Chicago renters must navigate landlord restrictions, lease clauses prohibiting alterations, and building code requirements — all at once. A 2022 survey by the Apartment List National Rent Report found that over 67% of apartment renters reported feeling “somewhat” or “very concerned” about home security, yet fewer than 20% had installed any physical security hardware on windows or doors. For Chicago renters specifically, the barrier isn’t desire — it’s the fear of lease violations, security deposit forfeiture, or outright eviction for making unauthorized modifications. No-drill, telescopic window bars solve this problem directly: they install without permanent fasteners, leave zero damage to frames or walls, and can be removed entirely when moving out.
Chicago Building Codes and Window Bar Regulations Every Renter Should Know
Before you install any window bars for your Chicago apartment, it’s critical to understand the city’s building code requirements. Chicago has some of the most detailed municipal building codes in the United States, and they directly address window security hardware — particularly in residential occupancies. The Chicago Building Code, aligned with the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association’s NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, has clear rules about egress windows: any window in a sleeping area must provide an unobstructed opening of at least 20 inches wide by 24 inches tall, with a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. This means that if you install fixed, non-releasable window bars in a bedroom, you could be creating a dangerous — and legally non-compliant — fire trap. Chicago’s Department of Buildings enforces these egress standards rigorously, particularly in the wake of several high-profile fire fatalities in apartment buildings where blocked egress windows contributed to deaths. The bottom line: any window bar system you install in a Chicago apartment sleeping area must include a quick-release or egress-compliant mechanism. This is not a technicality — it is a life safety requirement backed by NFPA 101, IBC Section 1030, and OSHA residential fire safety guidelines.
IBC and NFPA 101 Egress Requirements in Residential Settings
The International Building Code Section 1030 specifies that emergency escape and rescue openings must be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools, or special knowledge. This requirement directly applies to window bar systems installed in bedrooms and sleeping areas — which covers most Chicago apartment configurations. NFPA 101, the Life Safety Code, reinforces this by requiring that any hardware on egress-path windows be operable by a single motion. Chicago’s local amendments to the IBC do not weaken these egress requirements — in some cases, they strengthen them, particularly in high-density multi-unit residential buildings (R-2 occupancy classification), which describes the vast majority of Chicago apartment buildings.
What Chicago Landlords Are Legally Required to Provide
Under the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance (RLTO), landlords are required to maintain rental units in a habitable condition, which courts have interpreted to include reasonable security provisions for ground-floor and basement units. However, “reasonable security” under the RLTO does not typically extend to window bars — that’s considered a tenant-elected upgrade. What landlords must provide are working window locks and functional window frames. If your Chicago landlord has refused to repair broken window locks and you’ve documented the request in writing, you may have grounds under Section 5-12-110 of the RLTO to pursue repair-and-deduct remedies. For additional security beyond functioning locks — such as window bars — renters generally bear that responsibility themselves, making affordable, removable solutions essential.
Choosing the Right Window Bars for Your Chicago Apartment
Not all window bars are created equal, and the right choice for your Chicago apartment depends on several factors: the floor level of your unit, your lease restrictions, the size of your windows, and whether the window is in a sleeping area requiring egress compliance. For most Chicago apartment renters, there are three primary decision points. First, are you on the ground floor or basement level? If so, you need maximum deterrence — visible, heavy-gauge steel bars that signal to a would-be intruder that this window is not the path of least resistance. Second, are you a renter who will eventually move out? If so, permanent wall-mounted bars may violate your lease and guarantee security deposit loss. Third, is the window in a bedroom or sleeping area? If yes, egress compliance is non-negotiable under Chicago’s building code. Matching these criteria to the right product — telescopic no-drill bars, permanent wall-mount bars, or egress-compliant quick-release bars — is the most important security decision you’ll make for your Chicago apartment. For a comprehensive overview of all types of residential security hardware, our full guide on window bars covers every scenario in detail.
Model A Telescopic Bars: The Ideal Solution for Chicago Renters
The SWB Model A Telescopic Window Bars at $90 are specifically engineered for the Chicago renter’s situation. They adjust to fit windows from 22 to 36 inches wide — covering the full range of standard Chicago apartment window widths, including the narrow double-hung windows common in Rogers Park courtyard buildings and the wider casement windows found in Wicker Park three-flats. Installation takes 15 to 20 minutes, requires no drilling in most applications, and leaves zero permanent damage to the window frame or surrounding wall. When you move out, simply collapse the telescopic mechanism and take them with you. For renters in neighborhoods like Austin, Humboldt Park, or South Shore where ground-floor break-in risk is elevated, Model A provides the same steel deterrence as permanently welded bars — without costing you your security deposit.
Model A/EXIT: The Only Option for Chicago Bedroom Windows
For any window in a sleeping area of a Chicago apartment, the Model A/EXIT Egress Compliant Window Bars at $92 is the only legally appropriate choice. This patented system combines the telescopic, no-drill convenience of Model A with a quick-release egress mechanism that allows the bars to be removed from the inside in seconds — without tools or keys — meeting full IBC Section 1030 and NFPA 101 compliance requirements. This matters enormously in Chicago, where the Department of Buildings has cited multiple landlords for egress violations in residential properties. As a renter, installing non-egress-compliant bars in your bedroom window doesn’t just risk a code violation — it puts your life at risk in the event of a fire. The Model A/EXIT eliminates this risk entirely while still providing the visual and physical deterrence of solid steel security bars.
Model B Wall-Mount Bars: For Chicago Property Owners and Long-Term Tenants
If you own your Chicago property — a greystone two-flat, a Bridgeport bungalow, a South Loop condo — or if you have explicit written permission from your landlord for permanent modifications, the Model B Wall-Mount Window Bars at $91 represent the gold standard in fixed window security. Heavy-gauge steel construction with a powder-coated black finish provides maximum structural resistance and blends seamlessly with Chicago’s architectural aesthetic. These are particularly effective for ground-floor commercial-adjacent spaces, coach houses, and garden apartments where the risk profile justifies a permanent, immovable installation. Note: always confirm with your Chicago landlord and check local permit requirements before installing any permanent hardware on a rental property window.
Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Security Assessment for Chicago Apartment Renters
Chicago’s 77 community areas present dramatically different security environments, and understanding your specific neighborhood’s risk profile helps you determine the urgency and type of window bars your apartment needs. The Chicago Police Department publishes detailed crime data through its CLEAR (Citizen Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting) portal, breaking down burglary incidents by community area, block, and time of year. This data consistently shows that property crime in Chicago is not evenly distributed — certain neighborhoods carry significantly higher burglary rates than others, and within those neighborhoods, ground-floor and garden-level apartments bear a disproportionate share of incidents. However, it’s important not to dismiss window security in “safer” Chicago neighborhoods. The Near North Side, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview — some of Chicago’s most desirable and expensive rental markets — all report consistent burglary activity targeting street-accessible apartments, particularly during summer months when windows are open and occupants are away on vacation.
High-Priority Chicago Neighborhoods for Immediate Window Bar Installation
According to Chicago PD’s 2023 annual crime statistics, the following community areas report the highest residential burglary rates: Austin (District 15), Englewood (District 7), West Garfield Park (District 11), South Shore (District 3), and Humboldt Park (District 11). If you rent a ground-floor or garden-level apartment in any of these neighborhoods, installing window bars is not a question of if — it’s a question of which product and how soon. The SWB Model A Telescopic Bars can be ordered on Amazon and delivered within two days to Chicago ZIP codes, allowing you to install them the same week you identify the need.
Window Security in Chicago’s Transitional Neighborhoods
Chicago’s so-called “transitional” neighborhoods — areas experiencing rapid gentrification or economic change — often present the most unpredictable security environments for renters. Neighborhoods like Pilsen, Logan Square, Avondale, and Bridgeport contain blocks where property crime rates vary dramatically from one street to the next. In these areas, visible window bars serve a dual purpose: they physically prevent forced entry and they signal to opportunistic burglars that this unit is a harder target than the next one. Research in criminology consistently shows that most residential burglars are deterred by visible security hardware — they prefer to move on to easier targets rather than risk noise, time, or injury forcing a barred window.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Window Bars in a Chicago Apartment
One of the most common concerns Chicago apartment renters have about window bars is installation complexity. The fear of causing damage to the window frame, voiding a lease, or installing something incorrectly is completely understandable — but with SWB’s telescopic systems, it’s also largely unfounded. The Model A and Model A/EXIT are designed specifically for renter-friendly installation: the telescopic mechanism creates compression force against the window frame’s interior sides, holding the bars in place without any drilling, adhesives, or permanent fasteners. The entire installation process — from opening the box to testing the fit — takes between 15 and 20 minutes for most windows. For a detailed walkthrough with measurements and fit-testing instructions, the SWB Window Bar Installation Guide covers every step with clear visuals. Below is a simplified overview specific to Chicago apartment window configurations.
Measuring Your Chicago Apartment Window Correctly
Before ordering, measure the interior width of your window frame — not the glass pane, but the clear opening between the two side jambs. Most Chicago apartment windows fall between 24 and 34 inches wide, well within the SWB Model A’s 22–36 inch adjustment range. Measure at three points (top, middle, and bottom of the frame) because older Chicago window frames often have slight variations due to building settlement. Use the smallest measurement to ensure a secure fit. Also measure the clear height of the opening if you’re in a garden-level unit with full-length windows, as this may inform whether you need single or stacked bar configurations for full coverage.
The No-Drill Installation Process for Apartment-Safe Security
With your measurements confirmed and your SWB bars adjusted to the correct width, installation in a Chicago apartment proceeds in four steps. First, position the bars horizontally across the window at the desired height — typically one-third and two-thirds up the window height for maximum coverage. Second, extend the telescopic mechanism until the end caps make firm contact with both interior side jambs. Third, engage the locking mechanism to prevent compression release. Fourth, test the installation by applying lateral pressure — the bars should not move, rattle, or disengage under normal force. For Model A/EXIT units, also test the quick-release mechanism to confirm it operates smoothly from the inside. The full installation guide at securitywb.com/installation/ includes torque guidelines and frame-type specific tips.
Lease Compliance: What to Tell Your Chicago Landlord
If your Chicago landlord asks about the window bars you’ve installed, the key points to communicate are: no drilling was performed, no permanent fasteners were used, no damage was made to the window frame or surrounding wall, and the bars can be removed completely in under five minutes without tools. For landlords who are still hesitant, it may help to point out that visible window security hardware can actually reduce their liability exposure in the event of a break-in at the property. Some Chicago landlords — particularly those managing buildings in higher-crime areas — will actively encourage tenants to install this type of security hardware once they understand it’s non-damaging.
Window Bars vs. Other Security Options for Chicago Apartment Renters
Chicago apartment renters have a range of security options available to them, and it’s worth understanding how window bars compare to the alternatives — not to dismiss other tools, but to understand why bars remain the most physically reliable first line of defense. Alarm systems and smart sensors detect break-ins after the window has already been breached. Security cameras deter some criminals but do nothing to physically prevent entry. Window locks are essential but are often the first thing bypassed by experienced burglars — a simple glass break allows a hand to reach in and flip a standard window latch in seconds. Window films can slow glass breakage but do not stop a determined intruder. Window bars, by contrast, create a physical barrier that cannot be bypassed by any of these vulnerabilities. Even if a burglar breaks the glass, the bars prevent body entry — which is the actual goal of residential security. The FBI’s annual Crime in the United States report consistently shows that burglars strongly prefer unobstructed entry points; physical barriers like window bars directly influence their target selection.
Why Alarm Systems Alone Are Not Enough in Chicago’s Urban Density
Chicago’s urban density creates a paradox for alarm-based security: the high volume of false alarms in the city means police response times to residential alarm triggers can be slow. According to the Chicago PD’s own data, the city experiences thousands of false alarm calls annually, which has led to a tiered response protocol that deprioritizes unverified residential alarms. A burglar who knows this — and experienced residential burglars frequently do — can complete a window entry and exit in under three minutes, well before any response arrives. Window bars eliminate this window of vulnerability by making entry physically impossible, regardless of response time.
Cost Comparison: DIY Window Bars vs. Professional Installation in Chicago
The average cost of professional window bar installation in Chicago ranges from $600 to $1,800 per window, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2023 national cost guide. This includes materials (typically custom-welded iron or steel), labor, and any required permits for exterior permanent modifications. For a two-bedroom ground-floor Chicago apartment with four windows requiring coverage, a professional installation could cost $2,400 to $7,200 — an unrealistic expense for most renters who don’t even own the property. By contrast, four SWB Model A or Model A/EXIT units total $360 to $368, ship free via Amazon Prime to Chicago addresses in one to two days, and install in under an hour total. There is no professional security outcome that justifies a 15x to 20x price premium for a rental unit.
Child Safety and Fall Prevention: Window Bars as a Dual-Purpose Security Solution
For Chicago families renting apartments with young children, window bars serve a critical second function beyond burglary prevention: they prevent accidental falls. Chicago, like New York City, has documented a recurring public health problem with children falling from apartment windows, particularly in multi-story buildings. The Illinois Department of Public Health has identified window falls as a leading cause of injury and death among children under 10 in urban apartment settings. Chicago’s building code, while not as prescriptive as New York City’s Local Law 57 — which mandates window guards in all apartments housing children under 10 — strongly encourages landlords and tenants in multi-story buildings to install window guards or bars as a fall prevention measure. SWB’s telescopic bars, installed with the bars oriented vertically (perpendicular to the window sill), create an effective fall barrier while simultaneously providing burglary deterrence. The Model A and Model A/EXIT systems are specifically adaptable to this dual-use configuration.
Window Guard Requirements and Recommendations for Chicago Families
While Chicago has not yet enacted a mandatory window guard ordinance as comprehensive as NYC’s, the Chicago Department of Public Health recommends that all apartments above the first floor housing children under 10 install window guards or security bars as a fall prevention measure. The American Academy of Pediatrics reinforces this recommendation, noting that window falls are almost entirely preventable with proper physical barriers. SWB bars installed in Chicago apartments with children provide an immediately actionable solution — no waiting for a landlord to act, no city permit required for the telescopic no-drill models, and full protection in under 20 minutes of installation time.
Balancing Child Safety with Emergency Egress in Chicago Apartments
Parents installing window bars for fall prevention face the same egress compliance challenge as those installing bars for burglary prevention: the bars must not trap occupants in the event of a fire. This is precisely why the Model A/EXIT Egress Compliant Window Bars are the recommended solution for any Chicago apartment where children are present. The quick-release mechanism allows an adult to open the egress path in seconds during an emergency — while the bars remain securely in place under normal conditions, preventing both accidental falls and unauthorized entry. This single product addresses three critical safety concerns simultaneously: child fall prevention, burglary deterrence, and fire egress compliance.
Ordering and Shipping Window Bars to Your Chicago Address
One of the most practical advantages of SWB window bars for Chicago apartment renters is the purchasing and delivery experience. All three SWB models — the Model A Telescopic ($90), Model B Wall-Mount ($91), and Model A/EXIT Egress Compliant ($92) — are available through Security Window Bars’ Amazon storefront, with Amazon FBA fulfillment ensuring delivery to all Chicago ZIP codes within one to two business days for Prime members. Chicago covers over 60 distinct ZIP codes across its 77 community areas, from 60601 in the Loop to 60644 in Austin to 60617 in South Chicago — all served by Amazon’s extensive Midwest fulfillment network, including the large Joliet, Illinois distribution center. This means you can identify a security concern on a Monday morning and have your window bars installed before Wednesday evening. There is no waiting period, no contractor scheduling, no permit application, and no minimum order quantity. For those who prefer to order directly, SWB products are also available at securitywb.com with customer support available for product selection guidance specific to your window dimensions and security situation.
Which SWB Product Is Right for Your Chicago Apartment Window?
Use this simple selection guide: If you are a renter with standard lease restrictions and your window is NOT in a sleeping area, choose Model A Telescopic ($90) — no drilling, fully removable, fits windows 22–36 inches wide. If you are a renter and your window IS in a bedroom or sleeping area (which describes the vast majority of Chicago apartment security concerns), choose Model A/EXIT ($92) — same no-drill telescopic convenience with full egress compliance for IBC and NFPA 101 requirements. If you own your Chicago property or have explicit landlord written permission for permanent modifications, choose Model B Wall-Mount ($91) for maximum fixed-installation security on ground-floor windows, garage windows, or commercial-adjacent spaces. For questions specific to your building type or window configuration, the SWB team is reachable at securitywb.com/contact/.
What to Expect After Your Chicago Delivery
SWB window bars ship fully assembled and ready for installation. Each unit includes the steel bar assembly, telescopic adjustment mechanism, end caps, and a printed quick-start installation guide. No additional tools, hardware, or materials are required for the no-drill telescopic models — everything needed for installation is included in the box. The matte black powder-coated finish is durable enough for Chicago’s extreme weather cycles (the city regularly sees temperatures ranging from -20°F in January to 100°F in July), and the steel construction will not warp, rust, or degrade under normal indoor window installation conditions. For the full installation walkthrough before your product arrives, review the SWB Installation Guide to have your measurements ready and your installation plan confirmed.
🏆 Conclusion
Chicago apartment renters face a genuine and well-documented security challenge: high property crime rates, older building stock with vulnerable window configurations, and lease restrictions that prohibit the permanent modifications that would otherwise solve the problem. The good news is that modern telescopic window bar technology has completely eliminated the trade-off between security effectiveness and renter-friendliness. Security Window Bars’ Model A and Model A/EXIT systems provide the same physical deterrence as permanently welded iron bars — at a fraction of the cost, without a single drill hole, and with full egress compliance for Chicago’s building code requirements. Whether you’re in a ground-floor garden apartment in Pilsen, a second-floor unit in Logan Square, or a basement studio in Hyde Park, the right window bars for your Chicago apartment are available, affordable, and deliverable to your door within 48 hours. Don’t wait for a break-in to act — the deterrence value of visible window security hardware is well established by criminological research, and the cost of not acting is measured in far more than dollars. Secure your windows today with Security Window Bars.
Security Window Bars · USA
Secure Your Home Today
Protect your Chicago apartment now — starting at just $90. Shop Security Window Bars on Amazon with fast 1-2 day shipping to all Chicago ZIP codes. Or build your custom security solution at securitywb.com.
Shop on Amazon →Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, window bars are legal to install in Chicago apartments, but they must comply with the Chicago Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements. Specifically, any window bars installed in a sleeping area (bedroom) must include a quick-release egress mechanism operable from the inside without keys or tools. Fixed, non-releasable bars in bedrooms are a code violation and a life safety hazard. For non-sleeping areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or living rooms, standard fixed or telescopic bars are generally permitted. Always check your lease agreement before installation — SWB’s no-drill telescopic models are specifically designed to be lease-compliant.
This depends on your specific lease agreement. Most Chicago residential leases prohibit “alterations” or “modifications” to the unit — but SWB’s no-drill telescopic window bars do not alter or modify the window or frame in any way. They install via compression fit and leave zero permanent damage. Many Chicago tenants legally install these bars under the interpretation that no-damage, fully-removable hardware does not constitute an alteration. However, to be safe, it’s advisable to notify your landlord in writing and document that the bars are non-damaging and fully removable. Under the Chicago RLTO, your landlord cannot unreasonably withhold approval for non-damaging security measures.
Absolutely yes. Chicago’s building code, aligned with IBC Section 1030 and NFPA 101, requires that any window in a sleeping area function as an emergency escape route. Window bars that prevent egress in a bedroom are not only a code violation — they are a life-threatening fire hazard. The Chicago Department of Buildings has cited multiple property owners for non-compliant bedroom window obstructions. The SWB Model A/EXIT was specifically engineered to address this requirement: its patented quick-release mechanism allows the bars to be removed from the inside in seconds, meeting full egress compliance while still providing maximum security deterrence during normal conditions.
According to Chicago Police Department crime data, the neighborhoods with the highest residential burglary rates include Austin, Englewood, West Garfield Park, South Shore, Humboldt Park, and Roseland. However, property crime is not limited to these areas — the Near North Side, Rogers Park, Uptown, Logan Square, and Pilsen all report consistent burglary activity targeting ground-floor and garden-level apartments. Any Chicago apartment with street-accessible windows — regardless of neighborhood — benefits from window bar protection. The Chicago PD’s CLEAR crime portal allows residents to check specific block-level crime statistics for their address.
SWB window bars cost $90 to $92 per unit, with free Prime shipping to all Chicago ZIP codes via Amazon. A typical two-bedroom Chicago apartment might require three to five units for full ground-floor window coverage, totaling $270 to $460. By comparison, professional window bar installation in Chicago costs an average of $600 to $1,800 per window, according to HomeAdvisor’s 2023 cost data — meaning professional installation for the same two-bedroom apartment could cost $1,800 to $9,000. For renters who don’t own the property, investing $600+ per window in a unit you’ll eventually leave makes no financial sense. SWB’s DIY approach delivers equivalent steel-strength protection at 90% lower cost.
SWB window bars are designed with ventilation compatibility in mind. The horizontal bar spacing in all three SWB models allows windows to be opened for airflow while the bars remain in place, maintaining security even with the window open — which is one of the most common vulnerability scenarios in Chicago during summer. The telescopic mechanism does not obstruct the window sash movement, meaning double-hung windows (the most common type in Chicago apartment buildings) can be raised or lowered freely while the bars maintain their protective position across the opening. This means you can sleep with your window cracked in August without leaving your apartment vulnerable to entry.
Yes, and basement apartments are arguably the highest-priority use case for window bars in Chicago. Garden-level and basement units are the most frequently targeted by residential burglars due to their direct street access, lower visibility from neighbors, and the prevalence of large, easily accessible window openings. SWB’s Model A Telescopic Bars are an excellent fit for the wide, low basement windows common in Chicago’s greystone and brick apartment buildings. For basement bedroom windows — including those in converted coach houses and English basements — the Model A/EXIT is required to maintain egress compliance, since basement windows often serve as the primary emergency escape route in the event of a fire.
All SWB window bar models are available through the Security Window Bars Amazon storefront. Chicago is served by Amazon’s Joliet, Illinois and other Midwest fulfillment centers, enabling one to two day delivery for Prime members to virtually all Chicago ZIP codes. Orders placed before noon on weekdays typically arrive the following day. You can also order directly through securitywb.com, where the SWB customer support team can assist with product selection based on your specific window measurements and security requirements. No tools, contractor, or additional hardware is required — everything needed for installation is included in the box.