What To Look For When Choosing Window Guards?

Answer 1

One of the major hazards in a home for children is a fall out of an open window. A fall can cause permanent injuries. Window guards are designed to stop children who open a window from leaning outside and falling to the ground. The guards come in a wide range of styles from cast iron designs to simple vertical bars. Many cities actually require window guards on upper floors if children are in an apartment. Parents who want to install window guards to protect children should look for several features.

The first thing to look for when choosing window guards is a design that is easily opened by adults but not by children. Most areas require window guards on rooms below the sixth floor to have a mechanism to open the bars for fire safety reasons. Some window guards have simple latches that children can open easily. These should be avoided. It is often better to choose widow guards that have a covered or sealed quick release that only adults or people with a special key can open.

Not all window guards are designed for all types of windows. The guards that are chosen should completely cover all areas of a window when it is opened so that children cannot climb out and fall or become stuck between the guard and the exterior wall. Many guards are designed for double hung windows. Casement windows or specialty windows could require two sets of window guards to cover all of the open area.

There are a few different ways to mount windows guards. The most effective design is screwed or secured directly to the window frame. Exterior window guards that are mounted directly into the wall of the home are effective as well but require professional installation in most cases. Spring-loaded window guards use tension from springs in order to hold the bars in place like a curtain rod. These can be easily removed by children and should be avoided.

Window guards are most effective when combined with other child protection features in the home. Window stops should be installed especially in bedrooms. These prevent the window from opening more than a few inches. Window locks will prevent older children from opening a window on an upper level of the house.