Windows are not just a way to enhance the beauty of the house, but are also an important part of your family’s safety. The easiest way for thieves is often to break into the house through the window or door. To be honest, in 2021, 8,33,280 incidents of theft were recorded in the US, and most of these thieves forcibly enter and steal household items. Looking at these figures, it is clear how important it is to pay attention to window safety. To keep your home safe, first you need to understand the material of the window glass and frame, so that you can choose an option that causes less damage when broken or can prevent potential intrusion.
Major options for safe window glass
When choosing window glass, keep three main things in mind: how safe it is when broken, climate tolerance, and energy efficiency. The following options are considered good for the safest glass:
Tempered Glass
Tempered glass is prepared with a special heat treatment. It is about four times stronger than normal glass, and when broken, its pieces break into small, round pieces. This reduces the risk of cuts or injuries. For example, suppose a heavy object hits the window in a strong storm – instead of forming large, sharp pieces of glass, tempered glass will form small, safe pieces, which will keep the people living in the house safe.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is made by joining two or more layers of glass with an interlayer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). It is durable and can bear strong pressure. Even in the event of breakage, the glass pieces stick to the interlayer; that is, the glass does not shatter completely. This makes it difficult for thieves to enter the house and also reduces the risk of injury in an accident. Apart from this, UV rays are also not able to come out from laminated glass, which reduces the effect of heat and ultraviolet rays. For example, if you are on vacation and suddenly hear a sound of a window breaking, laminated glass will keep the pieces stuck in place and make it difficult for thieves to enter. Programs like the My Safe Florida Home program offer inspections and guidance to homeowners for window security upgrades, so check whether similar programs are available in your area.
Polycarbonate Panels
Technically, it is not glass but a very strong plastic, which is made like a transparent sheet. Polycarbonate sheets are many times stronger than normal glass. For example, a panel called DefenseLite has been found to be 250 times stronger than normal glass in tests. This means that it does not break easily, even in the event of a very big attack or explosion. Although it requires special framing and installation, it is an excellent option in terms of security.
Of these options, tempered and laminated glass are common for domestic use and provide a good level of security. Polycarbonate is used in special security needs (such as government buildings or showrooms). With both, you can also use a floor window security film or a metal grill for additional security. With both, you can also use a floor window security film or a metal grill for additional security. My Safe Florida Home program
Safe window frame materials and their benefits
Just like the glass, the material of the frame also determines the strength and safety of the window. The stronger the frame, the safer the window. The following frame materials are generally considered the safest:
Steel Frame
Steel frames are considered premium because they are extremely strong and durable. Steel frames can also have thin-wall moldings (mullions), but still support the weight of the entire window. If you want a more complex installation from a security point of view, a steel frame is best. The only downside is the price – it is more expensive than other frames. Still, if your home is not vulnerable, this option will still increase security by strengthening your home.
Aluminum Frame
Aluminum is a very light, strong, and rust-resistant metal. It is great for supporting large glass panels with clean designs in modern homes. Aluminium frames can also be energy efficient if they have thermal break technology (i.e., they prevent heat and cold from getting in). Thermal-broken aluminium windows are chemical-free, so are considered safe for health, according to experts. They are also easy to maintain and last for years. But keep in mind that they are not as insulating as wood, so it is best to choose them with gap sealing and quality glazing to keep the heat or cold out of the house.
Fiberglass Frame
Fiberglass is also a popular choice in window frames and is considered to be quite strong. These materials withstand temperature changes well, i.e., they do not expand or contract due to heat or cold. Therefore, they do not crack even in very cold or hot areas. The surface of fiberglass can be easily painted, and it remains as new for years. Like other frames, it does require maintenance (painting, checking joints), but does not require as frequent care as wooden frames.
Vinyl/PVC Frame
Vinyl frames are economical, lightweight, and maintenance-free. They are moisture-resistant, so they are good for humid areas. The colours are usually built-in, so most of the time they don’t need to be painted. However, prolonged exposure to bright sunlight can cause the colour to fade. Vinyl is not very thick for safety, but with proper glazing, it can be a good basic option.
Wooden Frame
Traditional wooden frames give a beautiful look to homes and provide good insulation. Natural wood can be decorated with a variety of finishes (stain or paint). But wooden windows are prone to insects and may rot from rain or moisture, so they require more maintenance, such as periodic painting or sealing. If wooden frames appeal to you, you can choose Akoya wood (such as Akoya), which has been chemically modified to resist moisture. Or you can also go for the wood-inner and metal-clad outer (aluminum-clad) option, where the outer part of the window is aluminum and the inner part is wood.
Unplasticized PVC Frame
Frames known as UPVC are made of hard plastic that does not contain biphenyls (BPA) or phthalates. It looks similar to traditional PVC but is healthier as harmful chemicals are not added. These frames are also lightweight and moisture-proof, so they come with ideal climate control. They can also be painted or laminated to give a colorful and metallic look.
You can choose from these frame options based on your budget, climate, and security needs. For example, if your area is extremely hot or cold, choose glass with thermal breaks or insulating gas in the window frame. If you need constant security (such as a high-rise building or shop), you can be safe with steel or metal frames.
At the end,
Having basic, plain glass and flimsy frames is no longer an option these days, especially when it comes to safety. Choosing safety glass such as tempered glass or laminated glass, as per your home’s needs, can increase safety for children or the elderly. It is also important to choose strong materials for the frame; aluminium or fibreglass are long-lasting and less troublesome to maintain. It is best to consider both the type of glazing and the quality of the frame when buying windows. These small choices together will be the key to your safety.
