Home security system service costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
Window bar installation costs range from $200 to $2,350 per window depending on your chosen material and bar type.
The type of window bar you select determines both functionality and price, with fixed bars being the most affordable option.
You should budget for potential removal fees around $70 per window or replacement costs near $350 if your bars sustain damage.
Hiring a local home security system professional ensures your window bars meet building codes and keeps your household safe during emergencies.
In 2026, the national average cost to install bars on windows is $940. Most homeowners spend between $725 and $1,750 per window, with the spread driven by bar material, bar type, and whether you opt for professional installation. Whether you're securing ground-level windows or adding fall protection to a child's bedroom, window security bars are a practical solution worth planning for.
The main factors that determine window security bar costs are the type of bar, the material, and professional labor. Costs vary meaningfully across each of these variables, so understanding how they interact helps you build an accurate budget before contacting a pro.
You'll find a variety of window bar types depending on the level of convenience and functionality you want.
Fixed window bars are affixed to a window permanently during installation.
Removable window bars can be released from the inside to allow better vision.
Swing-away window bars can be unlocked to swing open when not in use.
Here is how window bar installation costs in 2026 break down by bar type:
| Window Bar Type | Average Cost in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fixed | $40–$260 |
| Removable | $50–$330 |
| Swing-away | $40–$350 |
Window bars are most commonly made from aluminum or steel, both of which can be powder-coated to match your home's exterior. Transparent bars, made from the same material used in airplane windows and helmet visors, cost more and are harder to source in the U.S., but they offer rust resistance, easy maintenance, and bullet-proof strength. Wrought iron is a heavier premium option for homeowners who want maximum strength, while custom or decorative designs in any of these materials are available in a range of colors and shapes at an additional cost. Costs vary by material, as the breakdown below shows.
| Window Bar Material | Average Cost per Window in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | $90–$500 |
| Steel | $100–$1,000 |
| Transparent | $150–$750 |
| Wrought Iron | $100–$1,000 |
| Decorative | $100–$1,000 |
A home security service near you can handle window bar installation, with labor averaging $150 per window for most standard windows. Oversized windows, such as picture windows, require multiple technicians to lift and position the bars, which raises the labor cost to about $300 per window.
Beyond the base installation price, a few additional costs can affect your total budget for window security bars.
Removing affixed window bars costs about $70 per window when you hire a handyperson near you, though that figure applies to small windows and will be higher for larger windows or multi-window jobs.
Replacing damaged window bars, including installation, runs about $350 per window, whether the damage stems from natural causes or an attempted break-in. Your homeowner's insurance policy may cover some or all of that cost, so it's worth reviewing your coverage before paying out of pocket.
If you purchase your own window bars, you can learn how to install bars on windows and attempt a DIY project. DIY window bar installation will save you about $150 per window on labor costs.
However, installing window security bars requires precise placement and compliance with local housing codes. Improper installation can result in not just a less secure window but potentially even a dangerous one. Mistakes related to building code can make it difficult or even impossible for people in the home to escape if there's a fire or other threat.
Have your window bars put in by a trained local window installer or security company to avoid these risks and ensure that your window bars are effective.
What if you want to secure your windows but hate the look of bars? Here are a few options for securing windows without using bars:
Upgrade your windows: Consider replacing old windows with new ones that have enhanced security features like strong locks and reinforced glass.
Install secure locks: To prevent windows from being easily opened, use advanced locks such as sash locks, folding locks, or keyed locks.
Add window security film: This film holds glass together if broken, making it harder for intruders to enter.
Plant thorny shrubs under the window: These can deter intruders physically while adding to the landscape.
Consider window alarms: Alarms alert you to unauthorized window openings, providing an early warning of a home intrusion.
Some homeowners have window bars installed as part of the larger cost of a home security system. These systems cost about $700 on average. Additional measures you might consider to boost your home's overall safety include:
Smart locks: $150 each
Smart smoke, fire, and CO alarms: $35–$100 each
Security cameras: $200 each
Panic button: $30
Motion-sensor lights: $425
You may also wish to install a deadbolt lock to reinforce your front door. This can be done as a DIY project or by a local locksmith for $50 to $100.
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