Window Safety Made Simple

Window Safety Made Simple

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March 14, 2017

Window safety is a paradox in some ways.

You need to leave windows accessible and open so they can serve as escape routes if necessary, while needing to secure them to make sure your home is burglar-proof and that children cannot fall from them.

Thankfully, there are several different window safety devices that offer increased security for nearly any situation.

Window Safety Devices for Homes with Children

Every year roughly 10 children die and 4,000 are injured by falls from windows.  Almost every one of these incidents could have been avoided if the homeowners would have taken proper safety measures.  Window guards, window stops, and window wedges can all be installed to make it nearly impossible for children to fall out.

You can also instal double sash windows so you can open them at the top rather than down where children often play.

Window Safety Devices for Shatter Prevention

Flying objects of all shapes and sizes are enemies to windows.

There are several products on the market that can block objects from hitting your windows and prevent glass from shattering when hit.  By keeping glass in one piece, you have a bit more time between impact and replacement without worry of drafts, increased energy bills, or stray animals entering the house.

The following window safety devices are particularly useful in areas where powerful storms and winds are common — while also enhancing home security:

• Window Safety Film:  Its invisible appearance leaves your panes crystal clear while its added strength makes window glass less prone to damage.  Window safety film is great for those who want to increase security without adding bars, as it makes normal windows far more difficult to break into.  It is not impenetrable but very durable.
• Window Safety Screens:  Stronger than your average insect screen.  They’re used to prevent impact from flying objects and to deter would-be burglars.  Window safety screens are comparable to bars, but without the prison-like feel.  The grid-like openings in window safety screens are large enough to let in plenty of light, but small enough to block impact from most objects.  Some window safety screens are designed for easy opening and closing (with locks on the interior, of course), while others are fixed in place.

Window Safety Devices for Enhancing Home Security

When a home or business is situated in a crime-ridden area, there are window safety devices that act as lifesavers.

Though their appearance may not be “homey” — when the purpose is to keep would-be intruders from entering a residence or business, visible safety devices are actually a deterrent and barrier.

Here are two to consider having professionally installed…

Window Security Shutters:  These are typically seen in commercial settings.  Some savvy homeowners have taken the hint and installed them on their homes.  Window security shutters are available in both manual and automated models, and can provide an extra barrier between the inside of your home and just about any animal, mineral, or vegetable outside.

In some cases, your installation cost is compensated in insurance premium reductions.  The added security, fire-protection, and storm protection provided by roll-down window security shutters is not the best choice for every property, but where appropriate, these devices perform extremely well.

Window Bars:   These are one of the least loved window safety devices; but they do work!  Though the appearance of window bars is not something every homeowner dreams of, the additional security they provide simply can’t be beat.

Window bars are available in several different styles, and in some cases, can actually add a bit of aesthetic appeal to a property.  To further enhance security, window bars are beginning to be installed on the interior side of window glass, so anyone trying to get in will have to break the glass before even dealing with the bars, the noise of which can alert you of the intrusion attempt.  Window bars are also available with an interior release mechanism; this allows the people inside to easily remove the bars in case of a fire, but is not accessible to anyone outside trying to enter.

Hopefully this article helped you with your choice of window security.

We feature Jeld Wen windows.

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding windows, security, kitchen cabinets, remodeling, construction, contractors, designing/installing a new kitchen or bathroom — or anything else.  We can help you through the entire design and installation process from A-Z.  Or call us anytime in Broadview, IL at 1-708-343-3900.  You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our Edge Kitchen and Bathroom designers at no charge by clicking here.