Window Safety for Children

As spring arrives, you naturally want to open your windows and let in fresh air. If you have young children in your home, take a moment to make sure the open window doesn’t pose a danger.

According to a study by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury and Research Policy, every year in the US, falls from windows injure about 5,100 children. More than 3,300 are under age of five. Researchers also suggest that most could be prevented with simple window safety measures.

No Precaution Or Device Is A Substitute For Close Supervision

Tips To Help Protect Children From Window Falls

  • Keep windows closed and locked when not in use.
  • Keep window opening control devices (see more info below) securely engaged unless needed for use in an emergency.
  • If you open windows for ventilation, choose windows not easily reached by children. For example, open the upper sash of a double hung window. When not in use, keep windows closed and locked.
  • Don’t place furniture such as sofas, beds or bookcases under windows.
  • Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent falls — 83 percent of falls are from screened windows.
  • Landscaping can provide a cushion to break falls should they occur. Consider landscaping beneath windows with wood chips, shrubs or other soft surfaces.

Window Safety Features

Tempered Glass

Tempered (or safety) glass is used in applications where standard glass could pose a potential danger. Tempered glass is four to five times stronger than standard glass and does not break into sharp shards, but shatters into small oval-shaped pebbles when broken. Tempered glass is typically used on large glass panels like full view doors, storm doors and large windows that are installed less than 18″ from the floor.

 

 

 

Opening Control Devices

Opening control devices limit the window opening to help prevent falls from the window. The devices feature a release button to open the window fully.

Ask your Door Store and Windows design expert to show you how these features work.

 

 

 

Buying Tips: Window Screens

In Kentuckiana, window screens allow you to enjoy fresh breezes while keeping pesky bugs out of your home. Our seasonal transitions have us opening and closing our windows regularly. Today’s screens offer helpful new technologies and options which give homeowners new conveniences for enjoying fresh air in our homes.

Video Tips on Choosing Screens

Screen Options for Casement Windows:

Half Screens for Double Hung Windows:

Here’s more info to help you choose screens for your windows …

You Want A Clear View Through Your Windows

Many homeowners prefer the clear view of a screenless window but don’t like the inconvenience of removing and reinstalling screens. There are several options now available for improving the clarity and convenience of using screens.

Half-Screens

Half-screens are a nice option for double-hung windows particularly if you don’t open the top sashes. Half-screens are installed in the lower half of a double-hung window allowing a clear view through the upper half. It’s the easiest and most affordable way to get screen coverage and clarity in one package.

 

High Transparency Screens

Available in various levels of transparency, this screen style features a tighter, finer mesh for a clearer view to the outdoors. Since the clarity of these screens can make them harder to see, they are not recommended for sliding or storm doors.

 You Have Pets or Small Children

Pets and small children can wreck havoc on fragile screens. Screen technology has improved to help you avoid constant screen replacement or repairs.

Pet Screens

Ideal for sliding screen doors and low windows, pet screens are much stronger than traditional fiberglass or aluminum screening. Up to seven times stronger than traditional screen mesh, pet screen is more resistant to tears and damage caused by household pets and children.

 

Stainless Steel Screens

The ultimate in screen durability, stainless steel screens are available on select storm doors to keep small children and pets safely inside. Due to secure design, screens are non-removable.

You Have a Push Out Casement Window

Marvin Windows and Doors offers a beautiful casement window with a push out design. Turn the handle and push the window open. No fancy technology here, no cranks either. But that means you need access to the window at all times…you don’t want to have to remove your screen every time you open your window. We’ve got you covered.

Swing Out Screens

This screen features a wood frame hinge mounted to the side of the window. Swing the screen open, push your casement window open and close the screen. Voilå! Fresh air. It’s quick and one of the more attractive screen options we’ve seen. Retractable screens also work for push out casement windows.

Please note: Not all screen options are available on all windows or doors. Please consult your Door Store and Windows design specialist to help you find the best solution for your specific needs.