Will Replacing Home Windows Improve Security? (3 Features For Secure Replacement Windows)

Have you lived in your home for decades, and your windows have become old and worn? Maybe you just moved into a new-build home with cheap windows that aren’t up to your standards. 

Whether your home is old or new, having windows that protect you and your family is important. 

If you’ve been considering replacing your home’s windows for a while, you want to know how to make your new windows as secure as possible.

Southwest Exteriors has provided strong, high-quality replacement windows for San Antonio homes since 1989. 

Our expert design consultants have helped thousands of homeowners design their perfect replacement window.  Whether you want more security, better energy efficiency, or something that looks great in their home, we're here to help. 

Nobody wants their home to be easily accessible for potential intrusions. You want to know how to make your new replacement windows as secure as possible to protect your home and make you feel safe. 

This article will detail the top three ways you can make your replacement windows as strong and safe as possible to improve the security of your home. 

Will New Windows Improve The Security Of Your Home? 

Before we get into the specifics of designing the most secure windows possible, we first must debunk a myth…

While new windows with certain additions can improve the security of your home, they do not guarantee your home will never be broken into. 

The truth is if an intruder wants to get into your home, they will. New windows do not ensure it will never happen. 

However, there are certain things you can add to your new windows to make them more secure. These additions will make it more difficult for any intruders to get into your home. 

3 Additions For Replacement Windows To Improve Home Security 

Now that we’ve debunked the myth that new windows ensure your home is exempt from intrusions, you want to know what you can do to make your windows as strong as possible. 

You can make three major additions when designing your replacement windows that will improve their security and make it harder for an intruder to get into your home. 

Let’s dive into each of these features more so you can understand how they improve the security of your windows and positively impact your home. 

1. Upgrade Single-Pane Windows To Double Or Triple-Pane Windows

One of the first ways to improve the security of your replacement windows is by upgrading single-pane windows to double or triple-pane windows. 

The number of panes in a window refers to how many layers of glass there are. The more panes there are in a window, the stronger it is. This means the stronger the window, the harder it will be to break. 

Many older windows are single-paned. Most newer vinyl and fiberglass windows are double or triple-paned. So, if you have older windows in your home, upgrading will automatically improve their strength and security. 

Adding multiple panes to your replacement windows is one of the simplest customizations you can make to improve the security of your home. 

2. Strengthen Windows By Using Tempered Or Laminated Glass

The second way to make your windows stronger and less susceptible to break-ins is by upgrading the window glass to tempered or laminated glass. 

Tempered glass is made by heating the window glass to extreme temperatures. Once it is cooled, the tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass. When it breaks, tempered glass shatters into small diamond-like pebbles. 

Laminated glass is made with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). This makes the glass much stronger, and when it is broken, the glass shatters and stays together, held by the plastic laminate. 

When laminated window glass is shattered, it is much more difficult to remove from the frame. This makes it an ideal glass type to protect your home from potential intruders. 

Both tempered and laminated window glass increases the strength of your windows and thus makes them more difficult to break. The harder it is for your windows to break into, the more an intruder is deterred from entering your home. 

3. Include Multi-Point Locking Systems On New Replacement Windows

Keeping your windows locked is one of the easiest ways to improve the security of your home. When designing new replacement windows, choosing windows with multi-point locking systems will take security up a notch. 

These types of locks are most common on replacement doors but can be included on certain types of windows as well. 

Multi-point locking mechanisms mean the locks on your windows have more than one step to lock them fully. A multi-point lock secures the window closed and makes it much more difficult to open. 

For example, casement and awning windows typically open and close with a cranking mechanism. To close and lock the windows, the locking crank must twist to pull the window completely closed, then must be pushed down to the frame to lock the sash into place.  

If you want a replacement window that does not have a multi-point locking mechanism available, there are numerous types of external locking attachments you can purchase to improve your windows security. 

Improving The Security Of Your Home With New Replacement Windows

Now that you know three key features to include in your new replacement windows to make them as secure as possible, you are ready to create your perfect window that will improve the security and safety of your home. 

It’s important to remember that, while these three features help improve the security of your windows, they do not guarantee your windows will 100% deter an intrusion. But these window additions will help make your windows stronger and harder to break into. 

To design the perfect window for you, you need to find the right company to work with that will help make your dreams come true and meet your needs for design and security. 

Finding the right window replacement contractor can be difficult. You need a company that listens to your needs and helps provide you with the right solution for your home. 

Check out this article that outlines three simple steps to find the right remodeling contractor for you. Then, you can continue your research in security windows and find the best company that will make your dreams a reality. 

Interested In Upgrading Your Windows With Something More Secure? 

Southwest Exteriors offers a variety of high-quality replacement windows from Marvin, ProVia, Anlin, and more. 

Our design consultants are here to help you design your perfect window that fits your project's wants, needs, and goals. 

We’ll never push you to one product over another, and as long as we’ve helped answer your questions and guided you in the right direction, we’ve done our job. 

Want to learn more about designing secure replacement windows for your home? Schedule your free, in-home consultation today, and get the look you love coming home to!