In this blog:
Explore common window safety risks, how to improve your window safety throughout your home and features to look for in new windows. Some highlights:
- Watch for hidden window safety risks like weak locks and aging window frames.
- Don’t rely on window screens for safety, since they’re designed for pests, not fall prevention.
- Check for signs you need new windows, like difficulty opening and closing, drafts or moisture between panes.
- Replace old or poorly installed windows to boost safety, security and energy efficiency.
Window safety matters in every home. Whether you have young children or curious pets, taking proper safety measures ensures your family’s security while making your home more comfortable and energy efficient. In this blog, we’ll take a look at window safety risks you may not know about, as well as simple ways you can act to protect your home.
Common Window Safety Risks Homeowners Overlook
When was the last time you took a good look at your windows? If it’s been a year or more, it’s time to reexamine. Here are some of the most overlooked reasons windows pose safety risks. (Don’t worry, we’ll cover how to counter these risks further down.)
Fall Risks for Children and Pets
Love keeping your windows open when the weather’s warm? There’s nothing quite like allowing a fresh breeze indoors. If you don’t have appropriate measures in place, though, this can pose a risk to children or pets trying to get outside. This applies even to windows covered with screens. They’re great at keeping pests out, but not designed to prevent falls.
Weak Locks and Entry Points
Older or weakened window locks pose a serious security risk to your home. Older locks may not meet appropriate childproofing standards, allowing little ones to easily access and open windows on their own. Weak locks may be manipulated by intruders, allowing them to enter your home. Strong locks keep family in and intruders out, so it’s crucial to make sure your locks operate properly.
Glass Breakage and Injury Hazards
If you have non-tempered glass in older windows, you risk injury to your family if the window panes break. Glass breakage is always a risky, messy and inconvenient matter, and the best way to prevent injury is usually to incorporate stronger glass. It’s why certain modern window styles use tempered glass for additional structural security and safety.
Poor Installation or Aging Frames
If your window frames are older, warped or rotting, take a look and determine whether it’s time to replace them. Improper installation and older windows pose significant risks to your family’s safety. Installation done incorrectly can make it easier for intruders to access your home, and older, degraded windows can also be more easily breached.
Window Safety Features to Prioritize
Now that you know risks to watch out for, here are safety features to incorporate into your next window replacements.
Secure Locks
Vital for home security, well-made locks should be designed to be child-proof and tamper-proof. Multi-point locks are the gold standard, with reinforced latches to keep windows shut tight.
Tempered Glass
As mentioned above, tempered glass prevents injuries before they happen with impact resistance and safer breakage patterns. It’s stronger than standard glass, making it ideal for windows that protrude from the home’s exterior, such as garden or bay and bow windows.
Proper Seals and Frame Integrity
A key aspect of why proper professional window installation is so important: you know your windows are sealed tight. Seals around your window frame can play a surprisingly important role in your home’s security, preventing damage to the window and keeping the frame intact over the years.
How To Improve Window Safety in Your Home
Ready to boost your home’s safety? Here are some steps you can take today to bring your windows up to par.
- Inspect current windows for wear and tear: Starting here will give you clues on where your windows are falling short and how you can best act to keep your loved ones safe.
- Install window guards where needed: For homes with security concerns or adventurous children or pets, window guards can be wonderful. They’re ideal for homes with multiple stories, and they keep windows shut tight for peace of mind.
- Replace aging or inefficient windows: Call your local window replacement company to talk over your options for replacing windows that are no longer protecting your home. Best of all, this will also make your home more energy efficient, lowering utility bills while securing your home.
When It’s Time to Consider Replacement Windows
If you’ve taken a look at your windows and you’re not sure whether to replace them, here are a few quick signs that it’s time to act.
- Difficulty opening or closing: Your window frames could be warped or simply worn out.
- Drafts inside your home: This could be due to failing window seals or improper installation.
- Moisture between panes: The seal between panes has failed, with insulating gas no longer present.
- Visible damage or warping: Bent, warped frames or cracked glass almost always mean you need to replace.
Choose Window World for Lasting Peace of Mind
At Window World, we’re proud of the windows we sell and the professional installation services we provide to our neighbors in our community. With Window Safety Week in April, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the standards your windows should meet—and if your windows need replacement, we’re here to help. Reach out to get your free estimate!