Casement windows are known for their traditional look and ability to provide great ventilation. However, some homeowners steer clear of these windows because they’re afraid they are unsafe or insecure. This could not be further from the truth! While old, broken casement windows surely present some safety risks, today’s replacement windows are made with safety as a chief consideration. Here are five things to keep in mind when considering new casement windows as a safe, secure option for your Dayton home.
If you have kids or pets, you may worry about them tumbling out an open window. Old-fashioned casement windows did not always feature locking mechanisms to keep the window from being pushed further out when opened slightly. Or, the locking mechanism may be broken, making it easy for a child to push a window open far enough to fall out. Replacing your older casement windows with new ones will prevent this type of accident. You can crack the window open just a little and then enact the mechanism that keeps it from opening any further.
When it comes to keeping intruders out, casement windows are perhaps the most effective choice for your Dayton home. When you close the window, it locks tightly into the frame. There’s no way for an intruder to jimmy it open or reach the opening mechanism from outside. You just have to remember to lock the windows shut before you leave the house.
If you have older hung windows, you may worry that the rope that holds the lower window up will break, causing the lower window sash to fall on someone’s fingers. This is not an issue with casement windows since the windows hinge open to the side rather than sliding upwards. If you have kids, you will want to make sure they keep their fingers away from the hinges when you open and close the windows, but this is a lot easier than preventing a freak accident from a falling window.
When you buy new casement windows, you can choose the type of glass you have put in them. If you are worried about the glass shattering if someone tries to break in or in the case of a bad storm, choose security glass. It’s coated with a special film that will keep glass shards from flying all over if your window shatters.
You don’t want your children to be able to open windows as this could put them at risk for falls and hurt fingers. The cranks that open and close casement windows are hard enough to turn that young children won’t be able to operate them with their tiny hands. The locks are usually located further up on the window frame where kids cannot reach them.
If your windows are no longer keeping your family and your Dayton home safe and sound, consider replacing them with new casement windows from Renewal by Andersen. Our trained technicians can help you choose the glass and style options that are best for your home. Contact us today to set up a free, in-home consultation.
