According to statistics, 23% of intruders access a home through ground floor windows. Windows are the weakest part of a home, at least when it comes to unwanted visitors. Windows make the weak link that intruders mostly exploit, often very successfully. Windows get weaker as the years go by. Those with wooden frames are the most affected by constant exposure to the elements. With temperature changes and water retention along the way, the window frames develop mold, cracks, and even warp. Such a window is a burglar’s “good day in the office.” They don’t even need to break it; they can simply kick it in.
New windows do not come cheap, but they’re a worthy investment. Old windows will not only expose your loved ones and possessions to intruders but will also make your house an uncomfortable place to live in, not to mention the high energy bills that you have to contend with. With constant technological improvements occurring every day, you can be sure that new windows come with a host of sophisticated security features, so unauthorized entry will no longer be on your list of worries.
Common Security Problems with Windows
When the security of your windows is compromised, it provides an easy path of entry for all unwanted visitors and compromises the safety of your loved ones. Safety extends beyond forced entry, though. Quality windows secure your peace of mind, health, and even finances. Here are the most common problems that go hand in hand with windows that are way past their prime:
Faulty Windows
These windows do not open or close smoothly, if at all. A properly functioning window should open and stay open. The same applies when closed. The lock could be affected as well. This means that the window does not lock, and anyone can easily open it from the outside. If a window slides open after you’ve closed it, it’s nothing more than an open invitation for an intruder.
Faulty window operation points to faulty hardware, mostly the frame. Wooden frames are especially vulnerable to weather-related damage. They could be swollen/rotting due to water absorption or warping due to temperature changes, compromising their ability to hold the window together.
Condensation
The temperature difference during summer and winter causes condensation on the outside and the inside of the windows, respectively. The fog collects on the glass, gathers into water droplets, and trickles onto the frame. If you’re dealing with a double/triple pane window, the moisture seeps in between the panes, which is an indicator of broken seals. Water damage causes the wooden window frame/sill to rot, weakening the entire structure of the window. An intruder will target these windows because it won’t require a lot of effort to open them.
Foggy windows also reduce visibility. A burglar could sneak into your home even when you’re indoors, and you’ll discover a tad too late because you can’t see clearly through the windows. Did you know that up to 80% of burglaries take place during the day? To be precise, between noon and 4:00 PM. The culprits know that they will draw less attention walking around during the day than at night. They target homes that seem unoccupied, and in the afternoon, when most people are out. Even those who do not have regular jobs are likely to be out in the afternoon running errands. Visibility is essential here. You need to see anybody who may step into your yard.
Milgard replacement windows address the issue of condensation in two ways. First, with the double/triple pane windows which prevent condensation by enhancing insulation. By installing high-quality seals to keep the moisture from seeping in between the layers of glass.
Draft
Have you experienced that chilly breeze that seeps into the room even when all your windows are closed? This is an indicator of damaged seals or poor window installation. Where exactly is the draft coming from? Place your hand near the frame and take it around the window. You will feel the points where a sharp breeze hits your palm. Can you repair the seal on such spots? Yes, you can, but it’s only a temporary measure. By the time the seals begin to leak, the windows are pretty old. Remember, a good seal can last for decades. Older windows have already experienced wear and tear over the years, so you’re better off replacing them.
Other than the chill it brings, the draft also increases energy bills in the long run. More power is needed to heat the house during winter. In the hotter months, hot air comes in through the gaping seals, and again, cooling your home requires more energy. You may ignore the draft, but rising power bills are hard to ignore. Remember, we said that security comes in many forms. In this case, your faulty windows are compromising your financial security. With window replacement, your home will become a safer environment, and you’ll notice a significant difference in your bills.
What Security Features to look for in Replacement Windows
Locks
The most basic security feature on any window, locks make a whole lot of difference. Most windows feature preinstalled primary locks, offering adequate protection in most cases. If you want extra secure windows, you can add secondary locks with multiple locking points, which make forced entry nearly impossible. Milgard offers different types of locks for different types of windows, such as:
Milgard provides durable locks that are difficult to tamper with from the outside, yet easy to operate from the inside. Why is this important? Windows act as emergency exits. Should the house catch fire, God forbid, you should be in a position to open the windows in split seconds, securing a safe exit for your loved ones. This way, the lock protects you from the likely external and unlikely internal danger.
♦ Sash/hinged wedge locks – Used in double-hung windows, which are typically opened either from the top or from the bottom. Such locks can be regulated so that the window opens partially to allow the fresh air in, but still keep out potential intruders.
♦ Pin Locks – Mostly used on ground floor windows to keep them from being opened from the outside.
♦ Keyed Locks – For windows that are opened and closed exclusively with a key.
Remember to lock your windows when going out. Sounds like an obvious detail, right? Apparently not. About 30% of all burglaries are due to an unlocked window. When you’re in a hurry to leave the house, you’ll likely just slam a window shut and not bother much with the lock, leaving intruders with an easy entry point. Take a minute to ensure all windows are locked; it could make a whole lot of difference.
Bars and Grills
If tampering with the locks does not work, a potential intruder’s next attempt is smashing the window pane. The average glass breaks easily, a common weak link that burglars often exploit. Metal bars provide an extra layer of security that is hard to penetrate. The spaces between the
bars are usually too small for an adult to squeeze through. Should one decide to attempt anyway, the process will be cumbersome and time-consuming, and time is a luxury that a burglar does not have. If the bars do not put off the culprit, it only increases their chances of getting captured in the process, either physically or via the surveillance system.
Are you worried that the bars or grills will make your windows unsightly? Fortunately, gone are the days when window bars were just plain and dull. Now you can have them beautifully designed, with decorative features that complement the rest of your home’s décor and make a beautiful aesthetic addition. Consider leaving one window without a grill so that it can be used as an exit in case of an emergency.
Safety Glass
Regular glass is brittle and easily compromises your security. Milgard offers the option of fortified glass for your window replacement. One of the options available is tempered glass, which is up to four times stronger than annealed glass. The extra strength is achieved by subjecting the glass to multiple heating and cooling phases during production. This glass is difficult to break by normal means, such as hitting with a stone or metal bar. Even if it breaks, it will not shatter into rough pieces but crumble into many smaller fragments.
Plexiglass is another sturdy option that you can utilize in your window installation. This type of glass is made of acrylic. Impact resistance of plexiglass is up to ten times higher than regular glass, and can only be broken by specialized equipment.
If you’re using single-pane windows, you can upgrade to double/triple pane ones. As the names indicate, they have more than one layer of glass. The multiple layers make the entire structure stronger and harder to tamper with.
The enhanced glass options cost more than regular windows, but the security assurance that they offer for your home and family is worth the expense. If you’re on a budget, consider installing this reinforced glass only on the windows that would easily be accessible by an intruder, mostly those on the ground floor.
Window Sensors
How about receiving an alert whenever there’s an attempted forced entry through your windows? You can achieve this by installing a sensor that triggers the alarm when the window is forced open. The sensor comes in two pieces, one smaller than the other. The entire gadget is pretty tiny, though – it should fit in the palm of your hand. The smaller piece is connected to the windowpane while the larger one is secured to the frame. A wire between them completes the circuit. Once the window opens, the two pieces are separated, and the circuit breaks. The sensor is alerted, which then activates the alarm.
For maximum window security, you can have a sensor on every window. If the circumstances do not allow this, give preference to the windows on the ground floor, which are easily accessible to an outsider. Some window sensors are connected to a mobile device and give you an alert in real-time. Even when you’re away, you will be notified if anyone tries to enter your home through the window. Others store the information, which you can then review at your convenience. Such sensors are part of a more extensive home surveillance system. If you notice any suspicious activity, you can then scrutinize the CCTV for details.
Conclusion
There you have it; the security features that you stand to benefit from once you acquire a new set of Milgard windows. If you cannot replace all the windows at once, at least plan to have those at the bottom floor replaced at once, as we have already established that they’re the most vulnerable to illegal entry. Again, don’t just sit back and assume that window replacement is super expensive. Did you know that you can have a replacement plan crafted just for you with your budget in mind? You’re definitely in the right hands.
Seeing that you found your way here, you must be concerned about the security of your windows or the lack of it. Have you been experiencing one or a number of window security problems listed above? Well, Milgard windows incorporate the security features mentioned above to ensure that your home and loved ones are safe at all times.
US Windows & Doors is your expert partner for all your window installation needs. Join the list of satisfied customers whose homes have been transformed by Milgard windows, which come with a lifetime limited guarantee. Contact us at any time if you have questions, feel free to request an online quote to get started or call for a free in-home evaluation and estimate for your project.
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