Why Window Safety is Crucial to Consider when Replacing Your Home’s Windows

Windows allow a view of the outdoor, sunlight, fresh air, and a soft breeze to enter a home all while blocking unwanted pests to enter at the same time. Well-designed window replacement is also one of the highest-rated home upgrades in terms of recouping costs, and definitely adds an incredible “wow” factor to a home. It’s no wonder so many homeowners want great windows when designing or redesigning a portion of their home.

However, it’s important to remember when making recommendations to homeowners about their remodel or new build that those beautiful windows can also be an accidental exit for a loved one if they haven’t taken the appropriate steps to outfit their home for window safety. According to the Safe Kids Worldwide 2015 Report to the Nation: Protecting Children in Your Home, about 3,300 kids experience serious enough injuries from a window fall to be treated at a hospital each year.

Won’t screens prevent a fall from a window?

Although screens are part of what makes windows functional - as well as beautiful - some homeowners aren’t aware that screens aren’t designed to keep a child inside. In fact, in case of an emergency, they are meant to do just the opposite. If there is a fire at home, it’s possible that the doorways could be blocked, and homeowners will need a different escape route. Exiting through a window could save their life or the life of someone in their family. For this reason, screens are meant to pop out and allow for exit if necessary. Because of this very important design and function, the screens can’t be expected to prevent a fall.

What steps can be taken to improve window safety in the home?

If your homeowners are considering a remodel, whether or not they’ve considered window replacement, it’s a good idea to ask them if they’ve done a window safety sweep of their home, like the one recommended by the National Safety Council:

• Check to make sure no windows are nailed or painted shut
• Ensure that at least one window in each bedroom meets safety and rescue requirements
• Ensure that window guards, security bars, or grates have a release mechanism

What are some options if it becomes clear that windows need replacement for safety reasons?

If there is any uncertainty about their window safety, either from a fire or accidental fall perspective, encourage them to evaluate their options for window replacement. One option for encouraging window safety is a factory-installed WOCD, or Window Opening Control Device, like this one from Integrity® Windows. The WOCDs from Integrity meet ASTM F2090-10 standards and offer additional prevention to help children aged five and under from taking a fall.

What is a WOCD?

The WOCD ensures that a window opened can only be pushed out four inches at a time. These WOCDs will allow the window to open fully, but only when two independent actions are performed simultaneously. To open a window with a WOCD, one button must be pressed down and another pushed to the side. The mechanism reengages once the window is closed to ensure that the window will once again only open four inches the next time. While there isn’t a way to completely eliminate the risk of window falls, installing devices such as this one has led to a drop in the number of falls in recent years.

If your homeowners are looking to add this safety feature to their home, Integrity® Windows offers factory installation on casement, single hung, double hung, and glider window varieties. Your homeowners will be able to achieve the value and aesthetics that they expect from window replacement while also adding something priceless: a little peace of mind about family safety.

If your clients want more information about window safety and accident prevention, they can also check out this thorough report from the American Academy of Pediatrics which makes excellent recommendations for at-home window safety.

Are you or your clients interested in including WOCDs like these from Integrity® Windows to your next build or remodel? Connect with us today and let us help you give your clients a space that is both beautiful and safe.