Best Security Alarm Options for Detached Homes

A detached home, also called a single-family dwelling, is a popular choice among families who prefer space, privacy, and the freedom of living without shared walls or neighbours. The standout features of these properties are that they are not attached to other houses, are generally larger than other types of properties, and are often located in suburban or rural areas.

Detached homes also often feature large gardens and swimming pools, making them more valuable in the property market and a great investment for homeowners. On the flipside, while these features add great value to these homes, they also come with a hefty price tag, higher utility costs, more maintenance, and above all, a unique set of security challenges.

Read on to find out all about detached house security, the best alarms for large homes, and the best security systems for higher risk detached homes with larger perimeters:

DETACHED HOUSE SECURITY

Every property faces a unique set of security challenges based on its layout, location, and accessibility. Like other residential properties, detached homes also face security threats such as break-ins, intrusions, and burglaries. Oftentimes, detached homes are seen as easier and more lucrative targets than other types of homes.

When looking for a target and choosing a house to break into, there are a few things that criminals take into consideration. They include the presence of valuables, ease of access, and a lack of visible security measures.

Isolation is perhaps the biggest challenge faced by detached homeowners when it comes to securing their property. A secluded home in an isolated area is easier to break into due to the absence of close neighbours and the reduced likelihood of someone noticing and reporting any suspicious activity.

Since detached homes do not share a wall with other homes and are generally surrounded by open space, they are more exposed than homes with adjoining walls and close neighbours. Additionally, the fact that most of these homes are situated in rural or scarcely populated areas makes them even more vulnerable to security threats.

Detached homes are usually large properties with outdoor features such as gardens, sheds, garages, and pools. Other than being an apparent sign of wealth, the large perimeter of detached homes makes them difficult to monitor. Covering all areas of the property becomes a challenge and there are bound to be a few blind spots that intruders could use to their benefit.

A large perimeter also means multiple entry points. Without any shared walls, every side of a detached home could be a potential access point for intruders. This makes it more difficult to keep a check and prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining access to the property.

BEST SECURITY ALARM FOR DETACHED HOMES

Given the open space and multiple potential entry points of large, detached homes, keeping a check on all areas of the property not only is challenging but nearly impossible. The best way to secure it and prevent intruders from gaining access to it is with security alarms.

Security alarms are designed to detect burglaries and intrusions and to send alerts when an unauthorised or suspicious activity is detected. They consist of a series of electrical components that work using different sensors such as motion sensors, door and window sensors, and glass-break sensors.

These sensors are strategically placed throughout the property and are connected to a loud siren or alarm that gets triggered every time the system detects something unusual and out of the ordinary, such as someone opening the door when it is least expected or someone making their way inside the property.

Security alarms are one of the most effective burglary deterrents, the mere sight of which is enough to take your home off criminal target lists. In the event of someone trying to break into the property, the sensors will pick up their presence and trigger the alarm to send out an audible alert and possibly scare away the intruders.

There are several types of security alarms, from simple bells-only systems to fully monitored systems with smart capabilities. When choosing one for high-risk detached homes that are built over a large, open area, it is important to factor in the unique security needs and challenges of the property and look for systems that can provide complete control and security.

MONITORED SECURITY ALARMS FOR DETACHED HOMES

Monitored alarms are one of the best security alarm options for detached homes. The concept behind these systems is that they are connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) manned by trained professionals who check and verify every alarm that they receive and take the necessary action, such as notifying the keyholders, the property owners, or the police, depending on the monitoring plan.

The biggest advantage of security alarm monitoring is that it guarantees a response and makes sure that no alarm goes unnoticed. In the case of unmonitored burglar alarms, a lot is left to chance. The alarm may not be responded to due to several reasons such as the homeowners being away or the house being empty. The probability of an unnoticed alarm is even higher in detached homes due to the absence of close neighbours and the houses generally being in isolated areas.

With alarm monitoring services, a response to an alarm trigger is always guaranteed – whether it is to contact the homeowners, emergency contacts, keyholders, or the police. The relevant people will always be notified, and action will be taken to mitigate and minimise the security threat.

In case of a false alarm – which is an alarm trigger caused due to reasons other than a security threat, such as a pet walking by, the homeowners forgetting to disarm the alarm, or a fault in the alarm system – monitoring services can be particularly useful as the professionals monitoring the alarm system will first vet the alarm trigger, and in case of it being a false one, will deactivate the alarm.

According to UK law, your burglar alarm can be triggered for a maximum of 20 minutes, after which it is considered a nuisance. You run the risk of the police visiting you and you having to pay heavy fines as a result. However, when your alarm system is professionally monitored, these issues are taken care of beforehand, allowing you peace of mind, both in terms of security as well as legal compliance.

SECURITY ALARM INTEGRATION WITH CCTV CAMERAS

CCTV cameras are another effective deterrent for burglaries which, when placed strategically around the property, can provide enhanced coverage and monitoring capabilities. These security systems have gained immense popularity over the years and are now used in residential, commercial, and industrial properties for security purposes.

All CCTV systems work on the same principle – using cameras to record events happening around the premises and displaying them in real time for surveillance purposes. The footage can also be recorded and saved to be viewed later.

The main purpose of CCTV cameras is to increase security around your property and have all the key areas, especially high-risk areas and those that can’t be physically monitored, under constant surveillance. With the use of CCTV cameras, you can effectively keep an eye on your detached home and monitor every corner without having to be physically present there.

Both security alarms and CCTV cameras are a great choice for increasing the security of your detached home. Although they work great as standalone security systems, combining the two leverages their strengths and unlocks a more comprehensive and layered approach to detached home security.

An integrated and monitored CCTV and alarm system allows users to visually assess an alarm trigger and takes the guesswork out of the situation. This is particularly useful in remote monitoring services as it allows the professional monitoring team to keep an eye on the property 24/7 and act instantly in case of an alarm trigger.

If you wish to integrate your security alarm system with CCTV cameras, it is very important to check the compatibility of both systems. Make sure the components of both systems are compatible and enable seamless communication during security emergencies.

Some key areas to install CCTV cameras and a security alarm system in detached homes include:

• The main door
• Any back and side doors
• All windows
• Garages
• Driveway
• Garden
• Backyard
• Perimeter

There are different types of CCTV cameras you can choose from depending on the area of installation and the intended field of view. There are specific ones for indoor and outdoor surveillance, and they come with features such as night vision, motion sensors, notification alerts, and pet-friendliness.

Some great CCTV cameras to integrate with security alarms for enhancing detached home security include:

• Bullet CCTV cameras – ideal for outdoor use and applications that require long-distance viewing such as open spaces that include the driveway, garden, and front and back yards.
• Dome CCTV cameras – ideal for both indoor and outdoor use as a discreet deterrent due to their size and shape.
• PTZ CCTV cameras – ideal for remote viewing and monitoring as they can pan sideways, tilt up and down, and zoom in and out of objects.
• Infrared/Night Vision CCTV cameras – ideal for surveillance in low-light conditions as well as absolute darkness.
• Wireless CCTV cameras – ideal for situations where hardwiring the cameras is not an option due to accessibility or aesthetics.

TIPS FOR ENHANCING DETACHED HOME SECURITY

If you are considering investing in a security alarm and CCTV camera system for your detached home, you are moving in the right direction. Choosing the right systems is crucial in ensuring maximum effectiveness. That’s not all there is though. Here are a few tips for enhancing your detached home security and getting the most out of your security systems:

Professional installation

Make sure to have the systems professionally installed by experts in the field. Not only will this guarantee great quality and state-of-the-art hardware, but the installation process will also be conducted meticulously and with great precision. Professional installers have a deep understanding of all types of security systems and know how and where to install them to get the most out of them.

A poorly installed security alarm or CCTV camera system will not only be less effective or ineffective, but it may also start to show signs of faults and issues down the line. This can expose vulnerabilities and put your property at risk.

Regular maintenance

Like any other piece of machinery, a security alarm and CCTV cameras are made up of several complex components that tend to wear out over time and with prolonged use. To ensure that your security systems are working as they should and to prevent future faults from developing, it is best to have them serviced regularly.

Other than having regular professional maintenance checks for your security systems, you can try to keep them clean and free of any obstructions to prolong their life and ensure they keep functioning reliably.

OTHER SECURITY MEASURES FOR DETACHED HOMES

Security alarms are CCTV cameras are a killer combination when it comes to securing your detached home from burglaries and intrusions. However, for maximum effectiveness, it is important to adopt a more holistic approach that includes physical reinforcements, strategic lighting, landscaping, and proactive habits.

Here are a few other things you must do to secure your detached home from all ends:

• Use doors made with secure material and consider investing in security doors at least for the main access points.
• Do not forget the side and back doors as they are often seen as an easy way in by intruders.
• Reinforce all doors and windows with high-quality locks.
• Secure the perimeter by installing gates and fences.
• Keep the entirety of the property well-illuminated.
• Use motion-activated security lighting around the property.
• Focus on securing your garden.
• Keep hedges trimmed and the garden well-maintained for maximum visibility.
• Secure the shed, garage, and any outbuildings on the property.
• Get a security dog to patrol the property and keep intruders away.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards. We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on detached home security and the best security alarm options for higher risk detached homes with large perimeters.

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