Keeping your property and family safe is essential these days. Windows—especially those that are aging or damaged—are a potential target for unwanted intruders. Outdated window styles can also be risky in terms of performance and upkeep.
As you work to make your home safe in every way, consider the benefits that strong replacement windows (with the latest features) offer. Here’s a recap of how they’ll help you—especially when installed with precision by pros (like us!).
7 Ways New Windows Boost Your Home Security
1. Reinforced Frames Made of Lasting Materials
If your windows are decades old, they may be made of materials that are vulnerable to weather, pests, and thieves trying to break in. And as windows age, they often lose their initial strength, making it easier to pry them open.
Replacement windows solve this issue because today’s materials are built to last. Fiberglass frames are especially sturdy and able to resist warping or cracking when exposed to moisture or struck by debris. They’ll stay snug, so they can’t easily be jimmied out of place.
2. Window Styles that Lend Added Security
New windows of any type will create some protection for you—simply because they’re in their best shape. And of course, professional installers (like us!) will ensure your replacement windows are snugly in place and secure.
Beyond that, though, there are some window styles that may offer additional protection depending on your needs. Picture windows are inoperable by their very nature—so you don’t have to worry about locking them. Double-hungs can be opened from the top, allowing in fresh air—out of reach of children and pets. Casements are extremely hard to pry open from outside. Wide slider windows provide an easy escape in an emergency like a house fire.
3. Enhanced Locks that Protect Your Home
Older windows have an obvious security problem—they often don’t lock easily. Whether the latches no longer work as they should or they’re simply weakened with age or made with inferior methods, that’s a concern. Your windows need to stay firmly closed against anyone who’d try to sneak in.
Modern windows offer many strong locking mechanisms that are made to resist forced entry. Options include lever-action locks you set manually, automatic locks that kick in as soon as the sash is shut, and operating controls that prevent windows from being opened more than four inches unless you manually release the lock from inside your home. You can get keyed locks too, so young children can’t accidentally open the sash when you’re not around.
4. Safety Glass that Resists Being Broken
Today’s windows are better than ever at preventing the most vulnerable area of your windows—the glass—from causing safety concerns. It’s especially important to replace windows that are already broken, as they are both susceptible to break-ins as well as producing shards that can cause injuries for you and your loved ones.
As you examine different windows for this feature, you might come across terms such as reinforced glass, tempered glass, or laminated glass. Regardless of terms and manufacturing techniques, the point of safety glass is that it is stronger than normal glass and therefore harder to break, even if someone tries to smash it. Safety glass is more likely to crack but stay in place than it is to shatter into large, dangerous shards. This helps prevent break-ins as well as keeping loved ones safe in the event of something like storm damage.
5. Privacy Glass for Peace of Mind
Prying eyes can peer into your home to spy on you and your loved ones, as well as get glimpses of precious property that thieves might want to steal. But there’s no need to stick with windows that offer unwanted views inside.
Look for new windows with privacy glass options that can allow in sunlight while making it hard for people to see inside. Textured and opaque glass are great for bedrooms and bathrooms. And if you want added style, stained glass can also create privacy with beautiful, colorful designs.
6. Tilt-in Cleaning for Safe Home Upkeep
Home safety comes in many forms—one of which is taking practical steps to remain healthy and well. What does this have to do with windows? That’s simple—the act of cleaning outdoor windowpanes can send you to the hospital if you’re not careful. Older windows weren’t made for easy cleaning, so you may have to straddle shrubs or climb ladders to second stories to wash the glass. Tripping and falling at home leads to serious injuries for homeowners every year.
For hard-to-reach spots and second floors, look for window types that pull inward so you can clean both sides of the glass from the comfort of indoors. Double-hung windows offer a handy tilt-in feature for safe and easy cleaning.
7. Security Sensors for Another Layer of Defense
Many homeowners use outdoor cameras and security systems already, but today’s windows can add another layer of protection.
Choose replacement windows with optional built-in sensors that can be switched off when you’re home and want the sashes open, and switched on for protection when you go out or go to bed. If someone tries to open or damage the window while the sensors are on, an alarm goes off, alerting you and scaring away would-be thieves.
Create a Safer Home with Secure New Windows Installed by Our Experts
The best way to ensure your windows are giving you the most in terms of safety inside and out is to choose strong, durable new windows that are rich in the security features that matter most to you.
At Siding & Windows Group, we’re committed to installing windows with exacting high standards—which is why our team focuses solely on windows. We create in-house experts who ensure your window replacement is done right, giving you peace of mind. Check out how our residential replacement windows can transform your Chicago home.
