Burglar-proof security screen tested out

This time of year many homeowners like to leave windows open overnight, when the outdoor air is still cool.

But there's one concern many parents have: your children's safety. A prowler could pop the screen, then climb inside.

So we decided to check out a new type of screen that claims even a burglar carrying a bat or crowbar could not get through.

Rock Through Window...or Not?

A typical suburban neighborhood on a weekday. Kids at school. Mom and dad away. All quiet except for a burglar about to do his dirty work.

But wait a minute: When we threw a rock against a suburban homes back window, the window didn't break! In slow motion you can see that the rock bounces off the screen.

It's hard to tell by looking at it, but the window has a Tapco security screen installed, designed to keep suburban prowlers out of your house.

Ed Grant of Allgood Home Improvement is the first contractor authorized to install these screens in the Cincinnati area.

Ed told me "there are two things a burglar doesn't want to do: take a lot of time and make a lot of noise. And this will definitely deter a burglar to the neighbors house or another location."

But are they really unbreakable?

We Test it Out

Since the the rock didn't do much, Ed agreed to let me test out my 5th grade batting skills, and take a metal baseball bat to the screen. Nothing. Not even a dent.

Admitedly, no one will ever confuse me with a major league ballplayer. So we enlisted the help of Big Steve, an installer. But even Steve could make only a tiny dent.

Tapco is so proud of its screen, it has a rig in its factory that shoots a 2 by 4 at F4 hurricane force. In a video taken by our sister station WPTV, the screen held up to the hurricane simulation.

Julie -- whose house served as our battering ram -- tells me she's impressed. She  said "it was quite amazing to be honest, quite a bit of force,and it is not even dented."

In urban areas, it's an alternative to ugly burglar bars. And unlike burglar bars it opens for escape in a fire. But even in quiet suburbs, It could provide piece of mind.

Julie said "it would definitely make my family feel a lot safer."

The Tapco screen sells for about $300 installed, roughly the price of a new window. For more information cn Tapco screens, click here, and as always don't waste your money.
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