If you’re considering replacing your home windows, you have probably given plenty of thought to the style, color, and material you want. But have you thought about your homes security?

Signs of Unsafe and Vulnerable Windows

One of the best home window security tips focuses on making your home impenetrable for a thief to enter. But there are many signs that can let a burglar know that your house is a potential robbing target.

1. Old Windows – Older windows can be a security vulnerability to your home. If windows do not fit properly, open easily or just don’t shut — they may make it easier for someone to break and enter your home!
2. No Privacy – Can you see through the windows and see what valuables are in the house such as expensive artwork, electronics, antiques or collectibles? If you can see in – so can a thief.
3. Telltale Signs – Cracks and/or breaks in the glass of your windows, corrosion in the metal frames, and even the rot in your wooden window frame can indicate “easy access” for a criminal who intent on getting inside.
4. Other Access Points – Do you have sliding glass doors? Doggy doors? Glass inserts or glass around your entry doors? Even louvered windows are easy access points for a thief.

How Can Replacement Windows Improve The Safety and Security of Your Home?

Many older window models may have vulnerabilities such as thin glass that could allow a burglar to enter your home. Recent advancements in the window design have produced windows that are more secure than ever. Added locking features provide extra protection from intruders, delivering greater peace of mind whether you are at home or away.

Tips To Improve the Security of Your Home With Replacement Windows

There are a number of security measures you can take when it comes to the safety of new replacement windows:

1. Tempered Glass – Tempered glass is a type of safety glass manufactured with thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength. Should the glass break, it will crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into dangerous, jagged shards,
2. Laminated Glass — Laminated glass is another type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. It also has the added benefit of providing significant sound control and can be utilized to reduce outdoor noise with very good efficacy.
3. Window bars/window shutters – Home window security bars on the window are an option for home window security, but for safety reasons, make sure they can be released from the inside. Another idea for home window security is to install window shutters to keep your belongings from being easily seen by anyone on the outside, particularly if you have valuable and expensive items visible in a room.
4. Supplementary Locking Systems – In addition to the options above, you may also want to consider supplementary locks to delay and, ideally, deter unwanted guests. Casement windows can be closed with a door-bolt-like device. For double-hung windows, you could add a locking pin that goes through one sash and into the next to keep intruders from lifting the sash.  When possible, buy all latches from the same manufacturer so that the parts will be interchangeable.

The time to think about security is before something goes wrong so that you can prevent any issues beforehand. At Frontline Windows & More, Inc., our years of experience with window replacement allows us to provide our customers with facts they need to make an informed decision and help you consider the safety and security the replacement windows you plan to purchase.

If you’re ready to secure your home with safe and efficient windows, contact Frontline Windows & More for a free in-home consultation and estimate.