How to Kid-Proof Your Windows in Surrey, British Columbia

Modern suburbia comes with a plethora of comforts.

You live in a safe area where your children can play in the backyard. You live near people who share your needs and experiences. You have a large, beautiful home with more than enough room for your treasures, living or otherwise.

Windows often fascinate young children—they give them a wide view of the outside world, and their liquid-smooth, transparent qualities make them irresistible. Unfortunately, this means you will have to resolve disasters around your windows all the time. Use the tips below to keep your windows and your children safe.

1. Purchase window locks, guards or stops.

You can’t rely on a window’s built-in lock or window screen to keep your children from falling or throwing things out the window. If you can’t get your children to stay away from the window, use one of the following three devices to keep them from opening it:

  • Window locks: These devices attach to the sliding track or window latch via a corkscrew or clamp. They hold the window closed if anyone tries to open it.
  • Window guards: These devices put bars on the inside of the window. So even if your children manage to open the window, they can’t climb out of it.
  • Window stops: These bar-like devices go into the track and block the window from opening.

Any of these solutions will keep your children from opening the window, but you can only rely on stops if you have very young children (2 or younger). Slightly older children will simply reach in and remove the stop. Use window guards or locks instead.

2. Replace your blinds with cordless shades.

As children play around the window, they could easily slip and become caught in the blinds’ cords. This could lead to accidental strangulation, but it will always lead to fear and discomfort. Keep your curious children safe from this danger by opting for cordless shades instead.

If you can’t afford to purchase cordless shades, you can also use cord wraps or cleats, which allow you to wrap the cords out of reach.

3. Apply a protective film.

Falling furniture, a flying baseball bat, or a struggling child could all break the window glass. And once they break the glass, your children face a number of dangers. They could cut themselves on the shards, or they could fall through the window. Even if they break a ground-level window, the fall could cause injuries.

To prevent this from happening, apply a protective film to the window. This film makes the window harder to break, and it holds the glass shards together even if the window shatters. The film also makes the window easier to clean if permanent markers or paint cover the surface. You can simply remove the film and apply another one.

4. Move furniture and décor away from windows.

You can keep small children from reaching windows at all if you reorganize your furniture. Keep couches, tables, chairs, and benches away from windows so your children have nothing to climb on.

5. Add corner cushions to the window sill.

As children play, they often neglect to observe their surroundings, which means they could fall into the window sill and hurt themselves on the sharp edge. Mitigate this problem by adding corner cushions. These cushions won’t prevent pain or bruising, but they will ensure your children don’t cut themselves or break anything when they hit the sill.

6. Keep window cleaner and paint remover around.

Fingerprints, food smears, crayon marks, permanent marker, and paint can all contaminate the windows. Keep the proper cleaners around so you can quickly clean up the mess. Remember that a simple window cleaner won’t get rid of every mark. You’ll need paint remover to get rid of tougher stains. Just make sure you choose an option that won’t strip UV protection off your windows.

7. Don’t leave children unattended while playing.

Supervision keeps your children safer than anything else. Stay in the same room with them, even if that means you have to bring them with you while you cook or clean. Until your children understand the dangers associated with windows, you shouldn’t leave them alone. They can usually understand these dangers by age five or six.

8. Explain window safety to your children.

Even though your young children won’t fully comprehend the dangers, you should still sit down and talk to them about it. Remind them of these dangers every time they play around the windows. Repetition might help them realize that they need to use caution. Whatever you do, don’t raise your voice unless your child is in immediate danger.

You can keep your children and your windows safe as long as you take the appropriate steps. Use these tips to keep your windows secure and pristine for many years to come. Contact RetroTeck Window servicing Surrey, British Columbia for all of your window needs.