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Your windows let you admire the world outside your Michigan home. They provide a barrier between the hot outdoors and your cool indoor in the summer, and they even offer some ventilation on muggy, warm days. If you’re not careful, however, windows can also become a hazard. Children have fallen through glass windows, and even adults have smashed their hands in old windows with loose, falling sashes. Thankfully, there are ways to keep yourself and your family safe. Read on to discover six useful tips for window safety.
1. Open Double-Hung Windows From the Top When Possible
If you have children, make sure you open your double-hung windows by sliding the top panel down, rather than by sliding the bottom panel upwards. The top opening is usually high enough that a child will not be able to reach it. Remember that a screen alone is not strong enough to stop a child from falling through the window; follow this guideline even if your windows have screens.
2. Don’t Put Furniture Near Windows
Children are more likely to fall through a window if they are climbing on furniture nearby. So, move all of the furniture so that it is at least a few feet from any windows in your Michigan home. If your children have been known to move items and climb on top of them, you may want to also remove any stools or chairs from their bedrooms so they don’t start climbing when unsupervised.
3. Use Window Guards
If your windows do not open from the top or you prefer to open them from the bottom, you can purchase little devices known as window guards to improve their safety. These guards fit into your window tracks and keep the bottom window from sliding up more than four inches. A child cannot fit through such a narrow opening, so you don’t have to worry about falls.
4. Replace Broken Windows
Windows with broken glass are more likely to completely shatter, putting you and your kids at risk for cuts and scrapes. Windows with broken locking mechanisms are also dangerous as they may fall on your fingers or allow an intruder to break in more easily. If a window is broken, replace the window as soon as possible to protect your safety.
5. Consider Tempered Glass
If you are replacing your windows, consider choosing tempered glass — especially for the kids’ rooms. This type of glass does not create such sharp shards if it does shatter. Plus, it is a lot stronger than plain glass, so it is less likely to crack if a strong storm rolls in.
Also make sure you choose good-quality materials for your new windows. Choose a composite material, like Fibrex®, over vinyl, which is prone to cracking and premature damage. Windows that stay strong are safe windows.
6. Take Care of Your Windows
If you have new windows, make sure you are taking good care of them. Cleaning them regularly will help keep the sashes in good shape so the glass is less likely to come loose and break. Keep an eye out for signs of deterioration as you clean and care for your windows, and have any problems addressed without hesitation.
Practice these window safety tips for a safe, secure Michigan home. If you are in need of replacement windows, schedule a free, in-home consultation with Renewal by Andersen today.