Home Window Security Options to Fight Burglars

Your home’s windows rank among your home’s most important security aspects. Burglars often come through either your doors or windows. That’s why you need to ensure the sturdiness and security of your windows, just as you would your doors and locks. With that in mind, see if you can use any of the following safety and security measures to beef up your Miami home’s window security.

Impact-resistant glass

Impact-resistant glass is much harder to break than traditional glass, and therefore is more difficult to break into. This adds a nice layer to your home’s window security and makes it that much harder for burglars to break into your home.There are plenty of impact-resistant glass options, with varying degrees of effectiveness and price. Get in touch with a trusted Miami windows installer to learn about the best options in your area.

Decorative and protective window bars

Without window bars, thieves and robbers can easily make your windows as their point of entry into your home. Discourage break-ins by installing window bars at every window. Even if a burglar breaks the glass, they still won’t be able to enter through the bars. Many people dislike having bars on their windows as it makes their home look like a prison, but there are plenty of decorative options that can enhance the look of your home while providing the protection it needs.

Window alarms

There are plenty of window alarm types available today that can detect if a window is broken or opened. The most basic of these alarms emit a loud sound to scare would-be intruders away. More complex systems come with motion sensors and emergency calls to the alarm company or local police. If you have an existing alarm system, you can have your windows connected to it, depending on the type of system you have.

Bright floodlights

Your home’s façade isn’t the only part of your home’s exterior that you should keep well-lit at night. Illuminate the windows around your home with bright LED floodlights. Simply having your windows well-lit can be enough to drive away burglars, because they don’t want to risk getting noticed or caught.

Additional window locks

The more locks you have around your windows, the better. Hefty window locks that are visible from the outside can be an effective home invasion deterrent. Likewise, a simple window pin lock can help you achieve the same benefits.

Quality window installation in Miami

More than the security and protection accessories you add to your windows, it helps if the windows you have in your home are made of high quality materials and installed by a professional. In Miami, residents looking to have both rely on local window companies such as Ready Windows.

Sources:

8 Impregnable Ways to Burglar Proof Your Windows, ExpertSecurityTips.com
How to (Cleverly) Secure Your Home Against Intruders, LifeHacker.com

Every Miami Home Deserves Smart Solutions Offered by Impact Windows

Residents living along the Florida coast are no strangers to the 110 mph winds that are strongest during the middle months of the year. Over the years, news agencies have reported massive damage to homes at the peak of hurricane season. With these conditions in mind, it pays to be prepared and to fortify your abode by upgrading to impact windows.

A Smart Solution for Protecting Your Home

Impact-resistant windows are made with dual layers of glass with a special synthetic film sandwiched in between. You can choose from varying film thicknesses, and some types help to filter out UV-rays and outside heat while keeping your home well-lit and cool.

During hurricane season, when strong winds fling debris towards your home, hurricane windows may crack, but will not shatter. Traditional glass windows may break under a sudden gust of wind, and this creates a pocket of strong air pressure indoors, possibly causing other windows and doors to fall apart, and even tearing down walls. For this reason, state authorities have truly been keen on educating the locals about the importance of disaster readiness in the home.

Follow the Regulations

Impact-resistant windows are not just a stylish fad for new homeowners, but they are actually mandatory. The Florida Building Code (FBC) specifies that homes built earlier than year 2001 should be renovated to include these window types and other hurricane-resistant structures like doors and shutters. Because these specialized types of glass are heavier than regular windows, the frame and the fasteners that secure it should be just as tough.

Materials testing for hurricane resistance also check the stability of the frame itself, and not just the unbreakability of the glass. Strong gusts of wind and projectiles may not affect the impact-resistant glass, but it can cause the window frame to fall apart if not installed correctly. When upgrading your regular windows to impact windows, contractors would recommend replacing the entire frame, the pane, and all other hardware that goes with it.

Other Perks for Homeowners

Aside from ensuring a strong and resilient home, impact-resistant windows are wise investments as well. You may get insurance incentives and discounts from your home insurance premiums. Plus, the FBC concurs that these types of windows can effectively deter burglaries and break-ins, giving you and your family peace of mind whenever you’re away.

If you’re considering beefing up your home and preparing it against hurricanes, talk to the specialists in impact windows in Miami and nearby cities.

Sources:

Windows Systems, FloridaBuilding.org
What You Need to Know about Impact Resistant Windows before Buying, HomeBuilding.TheFunTimesGuide.com

Top Reasons for Installing New Windows with the Help of Professional Builders in Miami

The quality of your home windows affect your home’s aesthetic and functional value. This is why it is crucial to pick the right type of window and call in a trusted contractor if you are planning on renovating or replacing your old windows. Below are some of the top reasons why you should consider installing new windows.

Increase Your Privacy

Many homeowners don’t want their neighbors to hear their conversations. Fortunately, there are windows that when installed properly can make the whole house almost entirely soundproof. Newer products that come with tight insulation, prevent outside noises from being heard inside the house. Your new windows can make your environment more peaceful even if your home is adjacent to a frequently busy road.

Some modern-day windows are impact-resistant. Consider installing these if you want to increase your home’s security apart from making it soundproof. Some of these windows have fusion-welded components, dual-cam locks, and steel-reinforced frames, which all add to the security features.

Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Having new windows can increase your home’s curb appeal. Depending on the type of windows you will install, your home can actually stand out in the neighborhood. Going home will be much more exciting for your family. Expert brokers agree that homes with new windows tend to have a higher resale value, so in case you are planning to sell your home in the future, installing new windows is a worthwhile investment.

Avoid Water Damage

New windows are expected to be watertight. Also, the panes are designed and made to fully insulate the house. Therefore, your problem with draft and leak will all go away once the new windows are installed. This way you can protect not just your family from sickness caused by the elements but also your furniture from the effects of moisture and excess radiation.

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Your old windows are most likely worn down and no longer capable of insulating your home. Because of this, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder just to make your home comfortable. This means higher monthly bills and such demand for energy may take a huge toll on your units. Newer windows will definitely help restore your home’s energy efficiency.

Installing new windows will prove to be an investment that pays off and increase the comfort of your interior setting. With the right product chosen, you can create a beautiful environment that has a high level of appeal and stands out on the market once you sell the home in Miami.

Sources:

5 Reasons to Invest in New Windows, centsationalgirl.com

The 6 Best Reasons to Install New Windows, bobvila.com

Prepare for Hurricane Season Early On by Installing Impact Doors on Your Home

If you live in Miami, you know that it is never too early to prepare for hurricane season. After all, strong winds of any kind can impart great damage to your home, which is why you need to fortify it against these threatening weather conditions.

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune to prepare your abode for the lashing winds and gusty rains. Check out these simple steps that you can begin implementing as early as now.

Tackle Those Trees

Trees are a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, but they can also turn into a liability during hurricane season—the wind can hurl snapped tree branches through your windows, for example. Therefore, be sure to trim trees and shrubs beforehand to avoid any damage to your property.

Fix Your Roof

Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements. This is no more true than during hurricane season. If it has holes or missing shingles, be sure to patch the voids and replace the shingles to prevent rainwater from otherwise dampening your home and valuables. Likewise, keep your gutters clean so that they can divert water away from your roof efficiently, as they are supposed to do.

Get a Storm

Similarly, your front door also keeps the driving rain from entering your home, but it can be damaged by heavy winds. Luckily, you can find impact doors in Miami that withstand strong winds and whatever debris it may be struck by. Even if the glass in these doors is damaged, it does not shatter on impact, thereby keeping you safe from flying shards.

Keep a Disaster Supply Kit

When preparing for hurricane season, you should always plan for the worst. Hence, cobble together a disaster supply kit to help get your family sustain a calamitous event. It should include essentials such as a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, prescription medications, cash, important documents, and ample food. Make sure that you learn more about disaster preparedness.

For residents of Miami, hurricane season is a fact of life to which everyone must adjust. But by following these simple tips, you can minimize the risk of home damage and keep your family safe during this tumultuous season.

Important Considerations When Thinking about Installing Custom Doors in Your Home

Most people think of doors as a mechanism for merely entering and exiting, but they are meant for so much more in the modern home. They can be used to enhance the look of the interior or your home’s curb appeal for all who drive by to see. These mini-remodel projects don’t have to be confusing or time consuming if you choose the right custom doors. Here are some tips to help you with your minor makeover.

Exterior Entry Doors

There are many facets of a door that can add appeal, panache or a particular style statement to your home, but perhaps the first and most important one deserving your focus is the entry door’s exterior. This is often the focal point of your property and there are many popular options available today. In terms of durability, steel entry doors are a great option. They don’t cost a lot and are designed to last a long time, no matter what elements they come across. Since steel doors are also structurally sound, you won’t have to worry about people easily damaging your doors or potentially breaking in. This gives you peace of mind as a homeowner, especially if you have a family.

Fiberglass, custom, exterior doors are also great because of their varied styles, and they don’t expand or contract when the temperature changes. They can therefore resist cracking and chipping. Additionally, even after decades, these doors won’t require many touch-ups or expensive restorations.

Interior Doors

Most doors can last up to 30 years, but if it’s time for an interior door replacement in your home, there are many custom door styles you can choose from. Some of the most popular include aluminum sliding glass doors, French doors, and swing doors. French doors, in particular, are ideal options because of their customizability. They come in many different styles and sizes, depending on the theme you want your home to have. They also lend the illusion of airiness and open space, an advantageous feature if you live in a small home or condo. Additionally, French doors act as windows, offering plenty of natural light throughout the day.

Sliding glass doors are gaining popularity in homes today because they increase the visibility to the outdoors. This can provide some solace to a homeowner as it allows you to see that everything is safe and sound. Just like French doors, they let in plenty of natural sunlight and make your home’s interior seem more spacious.

If you are looking to enhance your home’s doors in a cost-effective and safe manner, contact a company that installs custom doors in Miami. These companies possess ample knowledge and specialized tools to deliver and install your dream doors.

Sources:

How long your front door last, angieslist.com
11 Different Types Of Doors To Consider For Your House, civilblog.org
Choosing an Exterior Door, houselogic.com