Home security is a top concern for many homeowners today. Although the number of break-ins and burglaries has decreased in 2025, the fact remains that break-ins are often a crime of opportunity. Instead of planning everything out like an elaborate heist, a home break-in is sometimes decided on the spot if a burglar sees an opportunity to nab something they want without getting caught. Since burglaries are unpredictable in so many ways, it’s important to find the best preventative measures to protect your family and your property.

There are many home security products on the market, but when it comes to a physical break-in deterrent, three stand out: security screens, burglar bars, and security film. Each has its own benefits, weaknesses, and best-use cases. In this post, we’ll look at how each system works, their differences, and which one could be the best fit for your home.

Screens, Films, or Bars: Pros, Cons, and How Each Security System Works

Before you choose a security solution, it’s important to know how each system works. This will help you make a smarter choice based on your needs and budget.

Security Screens

Security screens are made of strong metal mesh that covers your windows and doors. The mesh is designed to resist cutting, kicking, and even prying. When installed properly, these screens look almost like standard window screens but are much stronger.

Pros of Security Screens

Unlike traditional window screens, security screens are durable enough to keep intruders out on their own. So even if you leave a window open for fresh air, the strong mesh and secure construction makes it impossible for someone to smash through.

Security screens are professionally installed to the window or door frame, making it nearly impossible for someone to remove them without tools and a lot of time. Bulldog Security Screens come with a lifetime warranty and Home Security No-Break-In Guarantee.

Cons of Security Screens

The most common concern around security screens is their cost. Because they use high quality materials and are designed to last longer than most window furnishings, they are more expensive to initially install than other, temporary physical burglar barriers. This makes it a poor choice for renters or occupants who don’t plan to be in the property for longer than 5 years. For homeowners, security screens are a smart investment designed to last a lifetime, unlike standard screens that need to be replaced every 8 to 10 years.

Burglar Bars

Burglar bars, also called security bars, are metal bars that are fixed to the outside or inside of your windows and sometimes doors. Their main job is to create a physical barrier that is visible and obvious from the outside. When installed, burglar bars block easy access through windows and can stop someone from simply smashing a window to get in.

Pros of Burglar Bars

Some styles of bars are decorative, but most are clearly security products. The less subtle design is intentional, as these are commonly used in high-crime neighborhoods to clearly signal to burglars that the home is protected.

Cons of Burglar Bars

There are some cons to burglar bars, the main one being that they pose a fire hazard. The bars are often installed in a way that can potentially trap people inside in the event of a fire or other emergency. Before installing bars, homeowners will need to make sure other evacuation options are in place.

Another issue with security bars is corrosion. Over time, they can rust or corrode, especially in wet climates, which may make them weaker. Rust can also leave unpleasant stains on the home’s exterior that are hard to remove.

Security Film

Security film is a clear or tinted plastic film applied directly to the window to reinforce the glass. It is designed to protect the glass, but offers no protection on the window frame. The film is strong and flexible, holding glass together if someone tries to break it. It’s not meant to stop someone from entering completely, but it makes breaking in much harder by keeping the glass from shattering into pieces.

Pros of Security Film

Security film adds UV protection, which can protect your furniture and flooring from sun damage. Adding security film is usually much cheaper to install and can even be handled as a DIY project. The best safety use case of security film is during natural disasters. The main function of the film is to hold glass in place if it's been shattered, which can be extremely helpful for homes regularly impacted by high-winds.

Cons of Security Film

Unlike the other options, this is not a physical barrier and is best used as a backup or an add-on to other security measures. It will not stop a burglar or intruder, and the best case scenario is slowing them down for a few minutes.

What is the Difference Between Security Film and Security Screens?

While both security film and security screens use discreet design to help protect your windows, they do so in very different ways.

Security Film: Best if Used with Other Systems

Security film works by reinforcing glass and holding it together if someone tries to smash it. The film keeps broken glass from falling apart, which slows down intruders and reduces the risk of injury from sharp shards. Security film also adds UV protection, which is great for blocking the sun’s harmful rays and keeping your home cooler. However, security film does not actually stop someone from breaking in and is best when used alongside other security measures.

Security Screens: Works with or Without Other Safety Systems

Security screens, on the other hand, act as a physical barrier. They are made of strong metal mesh that covers the entire window or door, making it extremely difficult to break through. Unlike film, security screens can be installed on both windows and doors, and are built to protect your home’s window and door frames. This means you get protection at every entry point without sacrificing airflow or light. Security screens are much more effective than film alone if your main concern is keeping intruders out.

When to Choose Burglar Bars

Burglar bars are best when you need a security feature that’s obvious and intimidating. If your home or business is in a high-crime area and you want to deter burglars right away, the visible nature of burglar bars can help. Many burglars look for easy targets, and bars show that your property is not one of them. However, they can make your home look less inviting and may lower the value of your home depending on where you live. The actual durability of burglar bars is weaker than they appear, since corrosion and settling can weaken the bars or fixtures.

When to Choose Security Film

Security film is a good choice if you need a subtle, low-cost option to prevent dangerous glass shattering. If you have a tight budget but want something extra to reinforce glass windows, security film is a solid start. It won’t stop a determined burglar, but it can add resistance to your windows. Film is also ideal if you’re looking for UV protection or want to reinforce glass without changing the look of your home.

When to Choose Security Screens

If you want the best of both worlds, security screens are the way to go. They offer enhanced window protection without being obvious or unattractive. Security screens are tough and long-lasting, providing a strong barrier while blending into the design of your home. They do not draw unwanted attention to your property, making them a great choice for homes in any neighborhood.

Top Home Security Pick: Security Screens

When you invest in home security, you want something that will last. In terms of durability, security screens stand out as the top choice. High-quality security screens like Bulldog Security Screens are made of corrosion-resistant metals and are built to withstand years of use. Bulldog Security Screens even come with a lifetime guarantee, which means you won’t have to worry about them wearing out or losing their strength over time.

Secure Your Home with Bulldog Security Screens

Nothing comes close to the home security protection of security screens. When you choose Bulldog Security Screens, you get a custom-built solution tailored to your home. We create each security screen to-order at our manufacturing facility in Tucson, AZ. Screens are built using your home’s measurements and can be customized to any color of your choice.

Contact us today for your free in-home estimate and to learn about any offers available.