When it comes to home security, windows and doors are often the most vulnerable points of entry for thieves or other types of intruders. By prioritizing safety throughout the process of selecting, installing, and maintaining new windows and doors for your home, you can create a more secure and protective environment for you and your family and all your precious belongings.
Safety should always be considered first when it comes to home renovations or new home construction, especially when it involves replacing or installing new windows and doors. These openings provide access to your home, making them potential entry points for intruders. Additionally, if you own an older home with the original windows and doors, they may have deteriorated over time, compromising their structural integrity, and posing safety hazards.
Windows and doors, like all homebuilding components, are subject to deterioration over time due to exposure to various factors, including our ever-present sunshine here in Florida. Physical damage such as high wind events and storms, and daily wear and tear are all normal when it comes to the aging of your home. The rate of deterioration depends on the initial materials used, the quality of construction, and the maintenance they receive.
Here at Carrollwood Window & Door, we inspect windows and doors regularly for signs of damage or wear and we recommend the kind of replacements or new home installations that put safety first, followed by style, design, and architectural integration. With upgrades in the kind of building materials now used, advancements in manufacturing technology, along with sustainable and energy saving construction processes, today’s windows and doors have become state-of-the-art additions to any home.
So, let’s first look at some of the common causes of window deterioration:
- Weather: Exposure to sun, UV rays, heavy rain, and high winds can cause window frames to fade, warp, crack, and rot. Here in Florida with over 245 days
of sun exposure each year, this is especially common. - Physical damage: Windows can be damaged by impact from flying debris during hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Normal wear and tear: Opening and closing windows can repeatedly cause wear and tear on the hinges, door handle, sashes, and weatherstripping. What are the signs to look for in window deterioration?
- Drafts: Drafty windows indicate that the weatherstripping or seals are damaged, worn out, or completely rotted, allowing our warm Florida air in and your air conditioning out. This increases your energy consumption and costs.
- Condensation: Excessive condensation on the inside of windows can lead to mold growth and damage to the window frames and sills.
- Difficult to open or close: Windows that become difficult to slide up or down may have warped frames, damaged hinges, or worn-out sashes.
- Rotting wood: Wooden windows can rot due to moisture exposure, especially if the paint or sealant is damaged. Living near salt water can also expose windows to deterioration.
How about doors? What are the common causes of door deterioration? They are actually much the same as windows.
- Weather: Exposure to sun, excessive UV rays, heavy rain, and high winds can cause doors to fade, warp, crack, and rot. It can also crack paint or sealants, leaving the wood below unprotected.
- Physical damage: Doors can be damaged by impact from flying objects, especially during hurricanes and tropical storms. Hinges can also be weakened by constant door slamming or banging into the wall.
- Normal daily use: Opening and closing doors repeatedly can cause wear and tear on the hinges, locks, and weatherstripping on exterior doors.
- Termites and insects: Wooden doors can be susceptible to damage from termites and other insects, especially here in Florida. What are the signs of door deterioration?
- Drafts: Drafty doors indicate that the weatherstripping or seals are damaged, worn out, or rotted, allowing air leaks. These leaks can also allow water to seep into the home, damaging floors.
- Sticking or jamming: Doors that stick or jam may have warped frames, damaged hinges, or worn-out rollers.
- Sagging or rubbing: Doors that sag or rub against the floor may have loose hinges, improperly aligned frames, or they may have warped from exposure to weather elements.
- Rotting wood: Wooden doors can rot due to moisture and UV exposure, especially if the paint or sealant is damaged.
All of these reasons emphasize the importance of choosing the right windows and doors when you’re building a new home or upgrading your current home. And all of these can affect your home’s security and your family’s well-being. That’s why it’s important to make sure you choose the right windows and doors when you’re building or remodeling your home.
Here are a few tips to help you select the best windows and doors to enhance your home’s security:
- Choose strong materials. The material of your windows and doors is one of the most important factors in determining their security. Windows and doors made from solid wood, fiberglass, or steel are considered the strongest, intruder-proof materials. They are strong and durable, and they will be difficult for burglars to break through.
- Install laminated glass windows. Laminated, impact resistant glass is a type of safety glass that is made up of two or more layers of glass that are bonded together with a layer of plastic. This makes the glass much more resistant to breakage, and it will also help to keep shattered glass from flying in the air if the window is broken. Most impact resistant glass is manufactured to withstand impact from flying debris up to 250 mph.
- Consider installing a security system. A security system can be a great way to deter burglars and to alert you if someone is trying to break into your home. There are many different types of security systems available to fit your needs and your budget.
- Use high-quality locks. The locks on your windows and doors are an additional important security feature. Look for locks that are pick-resistant and that have a deadbolt that extends into the door frame. The deadbolt makes it much more difficult to force the door open.
- Install security bars. Security bars are a great way to add an extra layer of security to your windows and doors. They can be installed on both the inside and outside of your windows and doors, and they make it more difficult for burglars to break in.
Here are some suggestions for the best windows and door choices for home safety:
Windows
- Casement windows. These windows are hinged on one side and crank open.
They are difficult to pry open from the outside and they provide a good seal
against inclement weather.
- Double-hung windows that slide up and down. These are a good option for easy cleaning and ventilation.
- Sliding windows. These windows slide from side to side. They are a good option for large openings and provide a clear view.
- Impact-resistant windows. These windows are designed to withstand the impact of flying debris, from hurricanes, high winds or rain. They are a good option for homes in areas such as Tampa.
Doors
- Solid wood doors are strong and durable. They are a good option for entryway doors and work well for home safety. They can be custom made to accentuate your entryway, painted, or stained, and are solid protection against wind, weather, and intruders.
- Fiberglass doors are lightweight and resistant to moisture. They are low maintenance and a good option for exterior doors. And they cost about half the amount of solid wood doors. They are also very energy efficient.
- Steel doors are the most secure option. They are a good choice for entry doors and doors that lead to garages or other vulnerable areas of your home. Steel doors are not as customizable.
Locks
- Deadbolts are the most secure option. They should be used on all exterior doors.
- High-security locks are more resistant to picking and drilling than standard locks. They are a good option for entry doors and doors that lead to valuable items within your home.
- Sliding door locks are designed to secure sliding doors. They should be used on all sliding doors, even if they are not used as entry doors. Sliders that open to the lanai should always have locks on them.
- Security bars are another good option for windows and doors that are easily accessible from the outside. These bars can be permanently mounted to the window or door frame, or they can be removable when not needed.
Bottom Line
Choose strong and long-lasting materials like solid wood, fiberglass, or steel for both windows and doors. These materials offer better resistance to forced entry and withstand extreme weather conditions.
Consider impact-resistant or laminated glass for windows, especially those on lower levels if you have a two-story home, or in areas unprotected from strong winds or flying debris. These types of glass are less likely to shatter and cause injuries.
Install high-quality locks, preferably deadbolts, on all exterior doors. Consider additional security measures like secondary locks, reinforced frames, and door reinforcement bars. Ensure proper installation by experienced professionals who are familiar with building codes and safety standards. Improper installation can compromise the security, safety, and functionality of your windows and doors.
Regularly inspect windows and doors for signs of damage, wear, or loose or missing components. Promptly address any issues to maintain their structural integrity and security.
As technology continues to advance and evolve over time, more innovative, eco-friendly designs and safety features will emerge, offering homeowners a much wider and varied selection of doors and windows. In addition, social responsibility and environmental fluctuations will have a direct impact on the future architectural features, materials that are used, energy efficient craftsmanship, and home safety.
The future of window and door design is bright and only limited by our imagination. We can expect to see more innovative and energy-efficient windows and doors emerge in the future. We can look forward to additional safety features and more sustainability.
More design features. Higher quality construction. And more. With 32 successful years and an outstanding track record of installing windows and doors in the Tampa Bay area, you can trust Carrollwood Window & Door to help keep your home, your family, and your business safe and sound 365 days a year.
Give us a call or contact us. Stop by our showroom today.