5 Ways To Increase The Security Of Your Windows When You Have Children
When you have children, windows can present a unique hazard to your child's safety. Children do not always understand the nature of windows, and try to push against the screen or try to lean out the window. You need window features that will keep your child safe.
1. Laminated Security Windows
One of the best ways to increase the security of your windows when you have children is to install laminated safety glass in your home.
Laminated safety glass is made out of really strong glass that is resistant to damage. In between each pane of glass in your window is a thin layer of polyvinyl butyral or PVB; this thin plastic layer will hold the glass from your window in place if it is ever broken. That means that if your window is broken, the glass will actually attach to the laminate layer and not fall out and injure anyone.
Another surprising benefit of laminated glass is that it is designed to help block out around 97%of ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is harmful to your skin and can cause household items to fade.
2. Security Screen
Security screens are made out of steel. They are extremely strong and can withstand hurricane force winds without breaking.
Security screens ensure are great to put in windows that your children can access. With a security screen in place, even if your child were to lean against the screen, the screen will support your child's weight and not break.
Security screens are also really difficult to cut through or damage, making it very difficult for an intruder to break through a window screen and get into your home.
3. Window Guards
Window guards are kind of like baby gates for windows. They can be installed inside or outside of your home.
Window guards are designed to cover up the bottom half of your window with tightly spaced horizontal bars. The bars are spaced tightly together to prevent your child from sticking their arm or head through the bars and out the window.
Window guards are designed to stop children from falling out of a window. Window guards are essential in all windows that have large drops under them.
4. Window Stops
Window stops are small wedges you attach to the track your window opens along. They look like a triangular-shaped wedge. The wedge shape prevents the window from being opened beyond where the wedge is placed.
To keep young children safe, while still getting a little air flow, you can place the window stop so you can only the window a couple of inches. Large enough to get some fresh air, small enough so that your child can't fall out the window or force the window open.
Window stops work on single hung windows, double-hung windows, and sliding windows. Window stops do not work on crank windows.
5. Childproof Blinds
The blinds on your windows can also be a safety hazard for your child. A child can easily get caught up and injured by the cord on your blinds.
If your blinds have cords, you can cut the cords on the blind so that they no longer create a dangerous loop. You can place the cords up high so that your child will not be entangled in them, or purchase one of the many little devices that allow you to safely wrap up your blind cords to keep your child safe.
You can also switch out your blinds with cordless blinds. You can install blinds that you can pull or push open. Or you can install motorized blinds that allow you to adjust the blinds without a cord.
If you have young children in your home, you want to make sure that your windows will work to keep your children safe. Installing safety glass windows with security screens, window stops, window guards, and cordless blinds will create a safe window environment for your child. To learn more, contact a window services company near you.