What are the Safest Windows?
By: Architectural Visions
Ensuring your home, family, and your belongings are safe and secure is every homeowner’s top priority. In 2018, the FBI reported 1.4 million burglaries, and 67.2% were at residential properties. Home invasions cost not only money but also peace of mind and feelings of safety.
While home security systems and cameras are obvious ways to ensure your house is safe, updating your windows is also one of the best ways to ensure your home is secure. However, not all windows are alike, so it takes a bit of research to understand the different types of windows and the ones that will most efficiently protect your home. Read on to learn how to ensure your windows are as safe as possible and the different types of windows you need to keep your home and family safe and secure.
Key Takeaways
- A window can be a main entry point for home burglaries. Casement windows, double-hung windows, and sliding windows are the most secure windows to prevent intruders.
- A window vibration sensor can be installed, and an alarm will sound if the window breaks.
- Fixed windows will provide extra security from the interior, helping to prevent falls. Types of fixed windows include picture windows, skylight, or glass block windows.
- Upgrading your window panes offer additional security against break-ins and window shattering.
Safest windows for home security
Windows are often the main entry point for home burglaries. First-floor windows, especially unlocked windows, are an easy way to enter a home. Therefore, keeping your windows locked and ensuring you have the correct windows is imperative for keeping your house secure. Several window types will help your home stay secure against break-ins and keep your family and belongings safe. Below outlines the best kinds of windows for home security.
Casement windows
A casement window is one of the most secure types of windows. A casement window has a single pane of glass with hinges on one side and a crank that opens the window. When the window is open, the space is narrow, making it difficult for someone to enter. You can only operate the crank from the inside. This means there is no way to open the window from the outside. The lock can also only be accessed from the interior.
If you want an additional level of protection, a glass break sensor can be installed. If the glass shatters, the alarm will be activated. If your home has a substantial amount of exterior foliage in the landscaping, casement windows might not be the best choice for your home because there won’t likely be enough clearance for the windows to open.
Double-hung windows
Double-hung windows are a classic shape that is common in many houses. Double-hung windows typically have two sashes top of each other. Both of these panes can move up and down. This type of window locks from the inside and are nearly impossible to open from the outside. However, it’s essential to keep the lock in the closed position.
Many double-hung windows come with hardware on the top of the window frame, which locks the window in place. Additionally, installing a window vibration sensor on the surface of the window can provide added security. If the window breaks, the alarm will sound.
Sliding windows
Sliding windows are two glass panes that slide horizontally and are parallel to each other. One pane typically remains in place, and the other pane slides parallel to the fixed window. The lock is on the inside and can’t be opened from the exterior. A sliding window isn’t as secure as a casement window because the window can slide open if the lock breaks. However, installing a window sensor will set off an alarm if the window opens. Also, dropping a rod into the groove where the window slides will prevent the window from opening.
Safest windows for interior safety
Windows can pose interior safety risks, particularly with families with young children. Selecting windows with safety at the forefront will bring added peace of mind and prevent any falls or accidents. A type of window that brings this level of security is a fixed window. Fixed windows are windows that don’t open or close, as the glass pane is within the window frame. The below explains the best types of windows for interior safety.
Picture window
A picture window is a large window with a fixed pane window without glazing bars. It provides a clear view of the outdoor surroundings, framing the scene like a picture. Picture windows can be combined with other types of windows, such as casement windows. A picture window allows you to have unobstructed outdoor views and ensures you can’t fall out from the inside.
Skylight
A skylight is a fixed window installed in a roofline. A skylight can bring light into small, dark spaces where light can be limited, such as an attic or loft. Skylights also bring light into large, open-concept rooms. Since skylights are fixed and set high on the ceiling, they bring in light without personal safety risks.
Glass block windows
Glass block windows are a type of fixed window. They are typically in bathrooms, garages, basements, or other spaces where you want to allow in light while providing privacy. Glass block windows are installed directly into the house’s mortar.
Window upgrades to increase safety
Regardless of the type of window you select, there are certain upgrades you can make to increase your window’s safety and prevent a shattered window. Taking these additional precautions can provide further peace of mind. The options below explain how to guarantee your window’s safety further.
Impact-resistant windows
Impact-resistant windows will stand up to damage associated with weather, debris, and potential break-ins. They are made of reinforced glass, mounted with a heavy frame, and firmly anchored within the frame.
Reinforced glass
Replacing your window glazing (aka the glass) with reinforced glass makes windows harder to break. This will help prevent the window from being smashed in from the outside, or broken by accident on the inside. As a more affordable option than reinforced glass, tempered glass is stronger than a standard window pane.
Security film
If you want to avoid replacing your windows, you can install security film directly on your glass. The film bonds to the glass, making the glass harder to break.
AVI Windows & Doors
Secure windows are the first step to ensuring your home’s security. With careful research, you can protect your home and family through thoughtfully selected windows. At AVI Windows & Doors, we can help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone, online, or in person at one of our southeast locations today: