Safety and Replacement Windows

Choosing the right replacement windows in Portland, OR isn’t just about style. It is also about functionality, and getting the right products and technologies can make your home substantially safer. Do you know what to look for in safer windows? Here are just a few things to put on the list.

Choose Secure Window Styles

Windows come in a variety of operational styles, and not all of them provide the same level of security. Some of the safest window styles include picture windows, casement windows, and awning windows. These are not easy to break into from the outside and will help keep your homes, loved ones, and belongings safe.

Install Reinforced Frames

When shopping for new windows it is also important to invest in strong, durable, and reinforced window frames. Wood and vinyl replacement windows do not have the same level of strength and durability as aluminum and fiberglass windows. These higher-end materials may cost more upfront, but the windows will last for 30 years or more with proper care and maintenance.

Increase Privacy

Most intruders do not want to break into a home when they cannot see inside. This is why privacy glass is a good option for people looking to improve the safety of their homes. Manufacturers offer a variety of styles for etched or privacy glass that will help protect the home and the occupants against prying eyes.

Consider Impact Resistant Glass

Safety glass is an important feature of modern windows. Impact resistant glass has an interlayer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fused between two layers of glass. This interlayer makes the windows nearly impenetrable and if shattered, the glass will remain largely intact.

Invest in Stronger Glazing

Tempered glass is another option to keep in mind. This technology involves heating the glass to a certain temperature and then rapidly cooling it to improve the tensile strength. This makes the glass more difficult to break. And if the glass happens to shatter, it breaks into smaller cube-like shapes into large and dangerous shards.

Look for Strong Locks

Did you know that 88% of home invasions have no broken glass? Broken glass is noisy and hazardous, and it is often much easier to simply pop the flimsy locks on older windows. For this reason, many modern windows feature more robust locking systems. These are made from more durable materials and are not so easily broken. This is an important feature if you are looking to boost the safety and security of your home.

Add Supplementary Locking Systems

Still not sure your new windows are secure? There are plenty of additional products you can purchase to beef up the security of your windows. You might consider supplementary locking systems, window bars, or even invest in a security system to help keep your home safe.

Managing the balance of style and functionality can be difficult when you are shopping for replacement windows in Portland, OR. For help navigating all the products and technologies contact our experts today. With over 40 years of experience in the window business, we can help you find the best possible products for your home and your budget.