Choosing replacement windows in Seattle, WA for any room can be daunting. But it is more difficult when choosing windows for a child’s room or playroom, where safety is a top priority. Safety features on new windows are vital if you want to protect your family and reduce the risk of a serious fall or accident. Certain window styles, sizes, placements, glazing, and hardware will prove safer than others. Here are some of the features to keep in mind when selecting child-safe replacement windows.
Window Size
When it comes to meeting building codes, the windows in bedrooms must meet certain size and operational requirements. This is because egress windows must be able to function as an escape route in an emergency. So you can’t have only picture windows or tiny windows in a child’s room. You have to have an operational window of a certain size, even though smaller windows might be safer.
Window Placement
For a child’s room or playroom, you probably want to put windows higher up on the wall. You also want to avoid placing furniture or larger toys beneath windows. That way children are less likely to climb up and gain access. So think about window size and how you would like to arrange the furniture in the bedroom or playroom. That will help you find the right window placement.
Window Operation
Again, egress windows in any bedroom must also open and close. They are usually sliding windows, casement windows, awning windows, single-hung windows, or double-hung windows. You want to look for windows that have locks or latches. That way you can open them when you need ventilation, but also feel more secure when you can lock them closed. Double-hung windows are perfect for safe ventilation because you can open the top of the window and leave the bottom shut and locked.
Window Locks
Most modern windows come with locks or latches. The hardware is often located on the movable panes and you rotate the switch from one side to the other for locking and unlocking. But some windows go beyond the standard locks and feature multipoint locking systems. This allows you to open the window and lock it at different intervals. This is especially useful if you are looking for child-safe windows.
Window Glazing
Glazing options are also important safety features. Impact resistant windows feature a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer. This makes the glass stronger, but also helps keep it in place if the glass does break. And tempered glass is another glazing option. It improves the strength of glass as well. Also, instead of breaking into large, dangerous shards tempered glass will break into smaller, less harmful pieces. Combining these technologies on replacement windows will bring you an extra measure of safety and security.
Window Coating
Manufacturers can also apply special coatings to the glass on windows. Low emissivity windows have a special coating that reflects unwanted heat gains. It works by blocking the radiant heat and the harmful UV rays from the sun. So that is just one more protection to think about with child-safe windows.
For help finding the right replacement windows in Seattle, WA for your home contact Signature Window & Door Replacement.
