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As a parent, your responsibility for your child’s safety is in the forefront of your mind with every decision you make regarding your home. When replacing windows, it’s important to consider safety features that help ensure a secure environment for your children. You can prevent the risk of falls and other accidents by including safety among your priorities when planning your window upgrade.
With child-safe windows, you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your little ones are protected. Read on to gain knowledge of useful tips and innovations that boost the child safety of your windows.
Child Safety Window Features That Marvin Windows Offers
There are a variety of modern features you can include in your replacement windows to create a secure environment for your kids. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Install Window Opening Control Devices (WOCDs)
WOCDs are designed to keep small children from opening a window wide enough to climb out through it. They prevent fall injuries and ensure your child can’t open a window and leave the protection of your interior. In some locations, WOCDs are code requirements for low placed windows that are more accessible to children. They limit the window opening to less than 4 inches when the sash is opened. The handy thing about these devices is that they can be disengaged when you need to clean the window, or in the rare situation that requires the need to exit through a window during an emergency. And the WOCD re-engages once your window sash is closed again. Pretty amazing, right?
2. Beef Up Your Window Glass
Laminated glass windows offer an extra layer of safety when you have small children in your home. Made much like the windshield in cars, this superior glass option by Marvin Windows is constructed by sandwiching a thin, invisible, vinyl film between two layers of glass. The thin layer won’t keep the glass from cracking, but if it breaks, the glass will stay in place in the window sash, preventing cuts in little ones. Laminated glass is super strong, and as a bonus, it has exceptional noise-reducing qualities.
3. Install Smart Windows
Marvin Windows offers some great smart window options to consider when planning for your replacements. You can either opt to set up motion detectors that sense movement within your home or install lock status sensors that inform you if your windows are locked or unlocked. You can choose either or both systems depending on your needs. While other manufacturers offer visible sensors that can stand out, Marvin Lock Status Sensors are built into the windows themselves, so sensors aren’t visible and won’t detract from your home’s beauty. They are hardwired for your convenience, so there’s no need to replace batteries.
4. Consider Double-Hung Windows
Double-hung windows deliver a classic look, exceptional breezes, and easy tilt-in cleaning homeowners love. And they are also a smart choice for those with small children! Why? Because they have two operable sashes: one opens from the top down, and one from the bottom up. If tiny hands can reach the bottom sash, but not the top, opening only the top sash can add a measure of safety to your house. Double-hung windows look fabulous on a variety of home styles including colonial, split ranch, historical homes, and more.
Window Tips to Keep Children Safe at Home
Make a Habit of Locking Your Windows
While it seems obvious, intentionally keeping your windows locked is a smart habit to create for the safety of the small children in your home. This is also a major deterrent in preventing intruders from entering your house.
If you tend to forget to lock your windows, consider choosing casement windows to boost child safety. While they are a stylish upgrade that offers generous amounts of glass for more expansive views of the outdoors, they are also harder to open than other window styles, making them a smart choice for homeowners with young children.
Select Cordless Window Treatments
Choose cordless shades or blinds to prevent the possibility of the danger associated with corded window treatments. Integral blinds make window treatments safer by eliminating the hazard of strangulation. These blinds are located between two panes of glass and are operated without a cord. Simply move the magnetic slide up and down to adjust blinds to your preferred position. As a bonus, integral blinds don’t accumulate dust or dirt, making them a more allergy friendly option than other window treatments. And they will simplify your cleaning routine. That’s a win!
Choose Child-Proof Window Locking Mechanisms
Move furniture away from windows so children don’t have anything to climb on to access your windows. This is a great start when looking to increase your home’s security if you have small children. You can also boost child safety by selecting window hardware that they can’t operate.
Create a Safe Home with Marvin Replacement Windows Installed by Our Experienced Team
When windows fail, they create vulnerabilities in your house that open the way to moisture intrusion, outdoor temperatures, pests, rot, deterioration, mold, and more. Additionally, they compromise your home’s safety from intruders and can contribute to unsafe conditions for small children. Don’t risk the spectrum of troubles faulty windows can cause. Get reliable, durable new windows with safety features that give you peace of mind.
At Giant Siding & Windows, we are a Marvin Windows Authorized Replacement Contractor. Our Marvin-trained crew specializes in the installation of these premium windows. Learn more about how our window services can enhance your home’s beauty and safety while defending it from the elements.
