Window Security with CTV

When it comes to choosing new Calgary windows, the cold winter weather is far from the only consideration. We all deserve to feel safe in our homes, and window and door security is our first and best line of defence. One of our Window Geeks spoke to CTV Morning Live about how modern advancements and features are boosting both security and safety for Calgary homeowners.

Multipoint Locking Systems

A major positive change for both windows and doors has been the introduction of multipoint locks. Gone are the days of needing three or four separate locks on your back door! With multipoint locks, the locking mechanism engages in multiple spots along the window or door frame, yet the lock is still operated by just one handle or key. This convenient enhancement is far superior to traditional single-point locks and is a great way to reinforce a potential entry point to the home.

Laminated Glass

You can put as many locks on a window or door as you want, but some particularly brazen intruders will go straight for the glass. This was a particular issue with older, single-pane windows, but thankfully they’re now a thing of the past in Calgary, largely due to the efficiency benefits of triple and double-pane alternatives. Another option to improve window security is laminated glass. This consists of multiple glazing layers bonded together, which makes it much more resistant to breaking and shattering.

Reinforced Frames & Sashes

There are huge benefits to opting for vinyl windows, with perhaps the biggest being the fantastic energy efficiency and the chance to slash energy bills. This is something that’s top of mind for all Calgary homeowners given our climate, and they don’t just help keep heating costs down in winter – they can also cut your A/C bill in summer, too! Vinyl frames on their own are highly secure, but they can be made even more so with steel reinforcement.

Tamper-Resistant Hardware

Windows and doors have become more advanced, and designers have been wary of how hardware could be exploited by more knowledgeable home intruders. That’s where tamper-resistant hardware comes in. This refers to specialized components designed to deter unauthorized access or tampering attempts. These features are often incorporated into locks, handles, hinges, and other mechanisms, with the intention of enhancing the overall security of the home.

Patio Door Security

One of the most vital areas where home security has improved is patio doors. Older patio doors only locked in one place, and given the way they were typically designed, could even be lifted out of their track by potential intruders. In the past, the operable part of the door would often slide on the outside. Modern doors slide on the inside. This, coupled with double rhino hooks which lock the patio door in multiple spots, prevents newer products from being lifted out of the track. Foot locks on these doors can provide an additional layer of security for the home.

Security Bars or Grilles

Some see security bars and grilles as a good way of protecting a home. For example, they could be considered if a family has young children as there’s a potential fall risk with windows, which is something the Window Geeks have covered before. There can be downsides, however, especially when it comes to safety grilles that cover the whole window – downsides that go beyond compromising your home’s aesthetics. Grilles may help stop people getting in, but they can also prevent you and your family getting out in an emergency such as a fire. In terms of overall home security, with modern advancements in window and door technology, grilles shouldn’t be needed.

Window and door replacement is a great way to get the peace of mind you deserve. If you’re looking to improve the security of your own Calgary home, reach out to the Window Geeks today for a free consultation!

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at info@centra.ca. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about what's happening with Centra Windows. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn.