subject: Why I Feel Safer After A New Window Installation [print this page] My house was built in the 1940s and still had its original windows when I moved in. Every spring I wrestled with stubborn locks, sticky action and a pile of screens and storm windows. Every winter, my heating bill was the highest on the street. While there was a twinge of buyer's remorse when I signed the contract for a new window installation, it quickly faded when I realized that I immediately felt safer in my home.
Alarm Systems
Many alarm systems don't work well with old windows. Any motion from settling or gaps that are unavoidable in an old house interfere with the workings of wiring and sensors. I was never able to install a high-quality security system in my home because installers warned me that the system would probably go off unprovoked. Now I'm consulting with security companies for the best system for the first time since buying my home.
Secure Locks
Even with lubricants, old window locks tend to freeze up. Wood frames settle along with the house and suddenly the bolt can't be put in the latch anymore. One coat of paint too many, and the same thing happens. My new windows are vinyl-coated and never need to be painted. The locks slide smoothly into position every time.
Fewer Injuries
I immediately noticed I wasn't jamming my fingers, tearing a fingernail or having an old storm window suddenly slam down on my wrist anymore. Raising screens and lowering storms are now a breeze. They glide up and down effortlessly, and I've already lost my dread of opening and closing them. If I could, I'd have afforded windows with screens and storms built in; that would have been ideal. As it is, I still feel better about my physical safety than I did before.
Curb Appeal That Repels Thieves
A home that looks updated and cared for is less likely to be approached by thieves. When a burglar cases a neighborhood, they look for things like old windows. They're easy to spot with their metal frames, wavy glass and rusty screens. That's what my windows were like, and despite all of my other precautions, I always felt like an easy target, especially at night. Now I know that my new windows are clearly visible from the street, and thieves know they're not going to get in easily.
With all these benefits, I'm glad I took the plunge. A new set of windows is expensive, especially for a two-story home, but it was well worth it. I no longer worry about leaving my house during the day, and I'm sleeping better at night.
