How Much Does it Cost to Install Window Security Bars & Gates?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing window security bars is a proactive way to enhance your home's safety and deter potential intruders. On average, homeowners spend $959 on this upgrade, with costs typically ranging between $510 and $1,420. The final price depends on factors like your window sizes, the type of security bars you choose, and the number of professionals needed for installation. By hiring a professional, you ensure the bars are installed correctly and comply with safety standards, giving you peace of mind and potentially reducing your home insurance premiums.

Most homeowners pay between $725 and $1,750 to install window security bars, with the average cost being $940. Your total may be as low as $200 if you install them yourself or as high as $2,350 for professional installation. The exact amount depends on factors like your window sizes, the type of security bars you choose, and the number of professionals needed for installation. Aluminum security bars are the most popular choice, averaging between $90 and $500.

Installing security bars on your windows is one of the most effective ways to deter burglars. This addition can also lower your home insurance premiums since your home is less at risk for a burglary.

To ensure effectiveness, it's important to install the right type of bars correctly. Hiring a professional installer ensures your safety and security needs are met.

Burglar Bars Price by Type

Burglar bars typically cost between $90 and $1,000, depending on the window size and material. Most window bars are made of steel or aluminum, with heavier options in wrought iron available. Custom and decorative designs are usually on the higher end of the price range. Below are the average costs for the most popular types:

Aluminum and Steel Metal Window Security Bars

Steel and aluminum window security bars are the most popular options, starting at $90 per window. They come in expandable styles and often feature a white powder-coated finish to match lighter-colored homes.

Wrought Iron Window Bars

Wrought iron window bars range from $100 for a small 27-by-13-inch window to over $1,000 for a custom design (installation not included). Their strength and ease of customization make them a favorite among homeowners, and they are readily available in various designs.

Transparent Burglar Bars

Transparent burglar bars start at $150 for a small window and are a more expensive option than traditional steel or aluminum bars. Made from the same materials used in riot shields and airplane windows, they offer bullet-proof strength and are resistant to rust and corrosion. While they are newer to the market and may have limited availability in the U.S., their benefits include:

• Difficulty to break without special tools

• Ease of cleaning

• Exceptional durability

Decorative Security Bars for Residential Windows

Decorative security bars start at around $100 per window for small sizes, with prices exceeding $1,000 for larger, custom-designed models with quick-release features. Typically made from wrought iron, steel, or aluminum, these bars, while more expensive than standard styles, offer benefits such as:

• A variety of colors to choose from

• Design options include scrolls, flowers, and custom motifs

• Enhanced aesthetic appeal, adding character to your home

Interior vs. Exterior Bars

There's no significant difference in price between interior and exterior burglar bars. Most mount to the outside of a home or building. Interior security bars can make break-ins more challenging for burglars because they mount on the inside of a window, requiring intruders to break the window before facing the security bars.

Bars for Windows that Open

Security bars for windows that open (also called swing-away bars) cost $40 to $350. They are available in aluminum, steel, and wrought iron styles. Known as "swing-open" or "swing-away" security bars, they have hinges that allow the bars to open for an easy exit. Many people prefer them because they promote safety and make window cleaning easier.

Installing Bars on Windows Cost

The average cost to install bars on most windows is $150 per window, not including materials. Picture windows and other oversize windows will average $300 per window due to the need for multiple pros to lift and install the bars.

Fire Escape Window Gates Prices

Fire escape window gates cost between $300 and $450, including installation. Before buying, ensure it adheres to the proper safety regulations set by your local fire department.

Cost to Remove Burglar Bars

A skilled handyperson can remove bars from one small window for about $70. The cost to remove them will depend on the number of windows and their size. In general, removal is less expensive because it takes less time, without the need for measuring, drilling pilot holes, or anchoring screws.

Replacing Broken Gates

The cost to replace a broken security gate is $275 to $425, including removal, repairs, and touch-ups.

Placement of Window Security Bars

The placement of your security bars will affect purchase price and installation costs. Some of the most popular places to add window security bars include:

Basement Window Security Bars

The cost of basement window security bars is lower than average, ranging from $100 to $200, including installation, because they tend to be smaller.

Egress window installation costs between $100 and $700 per window. Basement windows and egress windows, found in basements with living spaces, are popular locations for security bars. Their location makes them common entry points for burglars.

Ground Floor Homes or Apartments

Security bars for picture windows and doors can cost over $200 due to their larger size compared to egress windows. Burglars can hide behind bushes or trees as they try to gain entry through a ground-floor window or door. Bedroom fire escapes are another popular point of entry for criminals, highlighting the need for security bars.

Bars for a Child's Room

Kid-friendly child safety bars are growing in popularity among safety-conscious parents. Security bars for a child's room not only provide added protection from burglars but also help prevent a small child from falling out of a window. Just make sure to establish a means of entry in case a fire blocks the main door or exit.

DIY Window Security Bars vs. Hiring a Pro to Build & Install

Installing security bars requires precision to ensure safety and compliance with local codes. Improper installation can impede emergency exits during fires or other hazards. Therefore, hiring a professional window installer is the best way to guarantee effective and safe installation. If you choose to DIY, ensure you're adequately trained. Enhance your home's security by hiring a professional installer.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.