5 Things to Know About Window Replacement

New windows can make your home quieter, more attractive, less drafty and can require less maintenance than older windows. Windows also play a vital role in the security and energy efficiency of your home. If you are considering window replacement, there are some things to keep in mind. We have rounded up the list below.

Consider the Functionality

How do you want your new windows to open? You will need to know the difference between fixed, casement, single/double hung, awning, and sliding windows to determine which one is best for your specific situation. Also, what type of material would best suit your home – wood, vinyl or fiberglass? 

Look for Energy Efficient Options

Every window has a label that summarizes the overall energy performance. To qualify for Energy Star status, window manufacturers have to meet standards on the two main metrics below. For both U-Value and SHGC, the lower the number, the better the window should perform.

  • U-value: measures a window unit’s resistance to heat loss
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): measures how much heat enters a home through the glass

Ensure an Exact Fit

The best windows in the world will not provide you with the energy efficiency and the protection you desire if they do not fit or are not installed properly. Without an airtight seal on your new windows, you may be left with issues down the road such as water damage and increased energy consumption. You may want to consider custom-made replacement windows to ensure an exact fit.

Verify Correct Installation

Your new windows are only as good as the practices used to install them. Installation, including anchoring, insulating, and sealing the window to the house to make it airtight and watertight, is as important as the quality of the window itself. Poor installation can result in water damage to your home and can void your window’s warranty. Verify that your installer has been trained by the manufacturer for the brand of window you are having installed. Also, choose an expert that will stand by their work.

Add Protection

Each year, young children are injured or die in falls from unguarded windows, even from the first floor. These tragedies are preventable with properly installed and approved window guards, which are required in many residential buildings. If you reside in New York City, homeowners must have window guards on their windows by law if children 10 years or younger are living in the home. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. You can’t ever rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Screens alone cannot support the weight of a child.

Sentry Window Guards is your one-stop solution for window guards. From start to finish, our professionally trained staff can assist you in your window guard project. We can troubleshoot, measure, fabricate, supply, and install all within a 24 hour period. All Sentry powder coated window guard products are warranted for life against rust. Sentry is also capable of matching any color. For more information regarding our products and how they keep everyone safe at home in NYC, contact us today!

 

8 Ways to Keep Cool Until End of Summer

The highest of temperatures are hopefully past us in New York City, but summer is not over yet! Sometimes even small changes can have a huge impact on the effort it requires to stay cool. We rounded up eight ways to keep your cool until the end of the summer

Check Insulation

Lack of insulation and poor quality insulation both allow unwanted summer heat to seep indoors, particularly in upper areas of the home like the attic. Upgrading the insulation in your home can stabilize indoor temperature both in the summer and the winter. While you are checking your insulation, look for leaks along the exterior of your home which let valuable conditioned air escape year-round. Air leaks are especially common around doors, windows, electrical outlets, recessed lighting, wiring penetrations, and attic hatches.

Maintain the A/C Unit

Over time, air conditioning units can accumulate dust and dirt in key areas, causing build-up that can drain the efficiency of your unit by roughly 5 percent each year. Skipping maintenance regularly forces your air conditioner to work harder and also increases your risk of having to make a costly repair. Schedule preventative maintenance for your system and if it has been more than 3 months since you changed the filter, do that now! The dirtier your air filter, the harder the system has to work to keep your home cool.

Rearrange the Furniture

If you have furniture blocking your HVAC registers, your system will have to work harder to get your home to the desired temperature. To keep air flowing freely, take the time to move your furniture around to provide ample room around all your intake and outtake registers.

Turn on Ceiling Fans

A ceiling fan or other circular fan can make you feel six or seven degrees cooler via the wind-chill effect. It is important to know that unlike air-conditioning, a fan doesn’t actually make the air in a room or space cooler. Instead, the fan cools the occupants. So remember to turn all fans off when no one is enjoying them to reduce electricity use. During the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor.

Close Window Treatments

Sunlight streaming in through the windows is beautiful to look at, but it brings added heat into the home. To keep your cool for the rest of the summer, close curtains, blinds, and shades on the sunny side of your house, especially during peak sunlight hours. Thermal lined shades are especially effective at reducing heat from sunlight.

Run Ventilation Fans

Use kitchen, bathroom, and even laundry room ventilation fans to remove heat and humidity from these areas. Make sure the fans are vented to the outside, not just the attic.

Change the Light Bulbs

Use energy-efficient light bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs. ENERGY STAR lighting produces 70 to 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs.

Install Energy Efficient Windows

Installing high efficiency windows will not only reduce your cooling costs, it is also one of the surest ways to increase your home’s resale value and build equity. 

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

6 Tips for Staying Safe on the Road this Summer

Summer is a popular time to hit the open road for a little relaxation, adventure, or family bonding time and staying safe is key. We have beautiful sites to visit and explore in our area of the country so you don’t have to travel too far to find a great destination. Whether you are traveling for a quick overnight trip or for a longer period of time, it’s important to do some prep work to help make your trip as safe as possible. 

 

  • Get a tune up. The last thing you want during your summer road trip is to have problems with your car! While it is important to stay on top of regular car maintenance throughout the year, we strongly recommend a tune-up before a road trip. Be sure the oil, fluids, tire pressure, tire tread, wiper blades, and lights are checked at a minimum. Check that the registration and insurance of the vehicle are up to date and that you have the correct documents. Make sure you know how to file a claim if necessary.
  • Check the air conditioning.  A lack of air conditioning in a car on a hot summer day affects everyone, but is particularly dangerous for people who are in poor health or who are sensitive to heat, such as children and older adults. So check and optimize the performance of the air conditioning in your car before taking off on the road.
  • Pack smart. Overloading your vehicle can put you and others in danger. Make sure your view isn’t obstructed out the back or side windows. Secure any items that may cause harm in an accident.
  • Practice safe driving. Buckle everyone up, don’t speed, and be aware of things that might distract you while driving. Did you know driving drowsy is a contributing factor in many accidents every year? Switch off with another adult driver when necessary and get a good night’s sleep prior to your trip.
  • Eat healthy and stay hydrated. The temptation to grab a snack or a bag of candy at every gas station, as well as to eat out at restaurants or pick up fast food, can really add to the cost of your trip. It can also add to your waistline! So load up on healthy snacks, water, and even pre-made portable meals before you leave. Find a rest stop or scenic pulloff to stop at and eat along the way. The Roadtrippers app can help you find the perfect spot. Planning a safe place to stop can prevent you from eating behind the wheel which takes your attention off the road.
  • Keep an emergency kit in your car. Prepare for the unexpected on your road trip by packing an emergency kit with items like a portable cell phone charger, first aid kit, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, candle and matches, basic repair tools, duct tape, blankets, a few non-perishable food items, and extra water.

 

Allow plenty of time to get to your final destination and enjoy the ride. Remember that summer road trips can be unpredictable, so don’t forget to laugh at even the messy moments along the way! Use these safety tips to take a break from “real life” and enjoy each moment on your summer trip to the fullest with those you love.

Summertime is Fun Time in New York City

Your local NYC window guard company is keeping a finger on the pulse of sum, sum, summertime fun in the city! Make summer boredom a thing of the past with these fun activities for the whole family.

Festivals

  • Celebrate BrooklynOne of the City’s longest-running outdoor arts festivals, providing free music, dance, theater, film and specially commissioned projects for four decades.
  • Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks – Look here to find the best spots in the city for viewing.
  • Broadway in Bryant Park – Taking place on Thursdays at lunchtime, check out sneak-peek performances from the best of Broadway and Off-Broadway on the Bryant Park Stage.
  • Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City – Experience the healing and rejuvenating power of the arts and free events hosted by the Lincoln Center this summer. 
  • NYC Restaurant Week – Explore the five boroughs through specially priced menus at hundreds of participating restaurants.
  • Harlem Week – An annual celebration of the best of Harlem which works to promote its rich African-American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and European history, as well as arts, culture, religion, business, entertainment, and sports.
  • Charlie Parker Jazz Festival – Each year this festival highlights some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. 

Movies Under the Stars

There are free film screenings in many parks in the city: from Brooklyn to Queens and to Manhattan. Here are a few to check out:

Explore a Food Market

When you can’t decide what you want to eat or you are in the mood to try something new, it’s time to explore a food market. 

Explore Nature

Hidden throughout the metropolis are a number of wonderful park spaces to spend some time in nature.

  • Central Park
  • Prospect Park
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park
  • Washington Square Park
  • Battery Park
  • The High Line
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Inwood Hill Park
  • Governor’s Island

Take a Dip

  • Find the list of free public pools to help you cool off this summer here.
  • Of course there is always the beach! Make a day trip to Brighton Beach, Coney Island Boardwalk, Cedar Grove Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, Orchard Beach, Rockaway Beach, South Beach, or Wolfe’s Pond Beach. 

What are your favorite ways to have summertime fun in NYC? At Sentry Window Guards our main focus is your child’s safety. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building to keep everyone safe this summer! 

Red Flags to Watch Out for When Searching for a NYC Home

NYC home hunting is never an easy task, but it can be especially difficult in the current climate. Sometimes emotions can get in the way of being able to objectively view a property. Use the list of red flags below to stay vigilant throughout the search process.

  • Safety Concerns – Whether renting or buying, always check for security items like peepholes, quality door locks, good lighting, and cameras in common areas. While doors are the first line of defense for your security, windows are the second. Windows should have sturdy, easy to use locks. Look for secure window guards. NYC building owners are required to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms, windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides, and windows in each common area, on any floor. Additionally, if tenants or occupants want window guards for any reason, even if there are no resident children 10 years of age or younger, the tenant can request the window guards in writing. 
  • Foundation Issues – Most foundation issues are serious and can’t be ignored, no matter how minor they may look and how much you love the property. Any cracks wider than a half an inch or large cracks that appear to have been recently covered up are a red flag. If a seller is aware of foundation problems, they should disclose that fact when you first view a home. However, owners are often unaware of foundation problems. A home inspector can look for foundation issues and help ensure you’re making a good investment.
  • Too Good to Be True Price – As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. A house may be priced to sell because the owner needs to move on in a short timeline, but it could also mean there are problems with the property. Before you fall in love with a home that is priced to sell, be sure to find out why!
  • Multiple Listings – Are there multiple properties for sale in the general vicinity? This could indicate a problem with the location and location means everything in real estate. A property that has been sold multiple times should also raise a red flag. Do your research on the property and the surrounding area before deciding on a home.
  • Unusual Odors –  Unpleasant odors in a home could indicate a mold infestation, water damage, sewage issues, poor ventilation, leaking pipes, or HVAC issues. If you notice an unusual odor in a home you are interested in, hire an inspector who will pay special attention to unmasking the foul odor.
  • Random Fresh Paint – Repainting is a common practice when vacating a home, but random patches of fresh paint are a red flag. Painting only one side of a room or only a portion of the ceiling could indicate that someone is trying to cover up a defect or water stains from leaking. 

When you do find your dream home, Sentry Window Guards can provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

The First Week of April is National Window Safety Week

Window Safety Week was established in 1997 to spread awareness about the role of windows in escaping a fire or in other emergencies and to safeguard against accidental window falls. It is no coincidence that this week is held at the beginning of spring when many choose to open their windows to let in fresh spring air. Spend some time going through these tips to learn how to observe window safety year round.

Preventing Falls From Windows

Every year, over thousands of children younger than 18 years of age are treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for injuries related to falls from windows. With the right habits and preventative measures put in place, almost all of these accidents and injuries are avoidable.

  • Never leave small children unattended around open windows. 
  • Windows should be closed and locked when they are not in use.
  • Whenever possible, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.
  • Use window stops to prevent windows from opening more than four inches. Window stops can allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall. 
  • Keep children’s play areas away from windows.
  • To help prevent children from climbing up to an open window, don’t place furniture near windows.
  • Don’t rely on insect screens to prevent a window fall. Screens alone cannot support the weight of a child.
  • Create soft landing surfaces such as bushes or plant beds under windows to help prevent serious injuries in case of a fall.  
  • Discuss with older children and teenagers the dangers of climbing out of or jumping from windows for any reason other than an emergency.
  • Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls.

Establishing an Emergency Escape Route

If a disaster such as a fire breaks out in your home, you may have only a few minutes to get out safely. This is why having and practicing an escape plan is so important. According to an NFPA survey, while 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 45% of those have practiced it. Both planning and practicing are important, especially if there are young children or anyone with mobility issues in the home.

  • Draw a map of your home, indicating all windows and doors. As a family, visit each room of your home and find two ways out, labeling them on your map. Make sure windows and doors required for an escape are all accessible and at least one window in each bedroom meets escape and rescue requirements. 
  • Teach children who are old enough how to properly and safely open windows during an emergency situation. Provide emergency escape ladders in upper story windows where needed and teach everyone in the family how to use them.
  • Decide upon and draw up a meeting place outside of your home for everyone to gather after an evacuation. This can be a tree, light pole, or mailbox that is a safe distance away from the front of your home. Teach everyone to NEVER go back inside a burning building. Once they are out, stay out.
  • Practice your home fire drill at least twice a year. Practice once at night and once during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out. During the drill, test the smoke alarms so that everyone knows the sound. 

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep your family safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. To help spread the word about National Window Safety Week, make sure to share these tips with everyone you know. For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today

Get Your NYC Home Ready for Spring with this Safety Checklist

Even if there is still a chill in the air, the first official day of spring is March 20. Bring in the season by running through this safety checklist for your home. No matter where you live, you should always feel secure in your own home. Even if you feel your home is already a safe space, it never hurts to take a look around with fresh eyes and spring is the perfect time to do that.

  • Store cleaning supplies carefully while spring cleaning. Instead of keeping your cleaning supplies under the sink, put them in a higher cabinet or buy locks for the cabinet doors. If someone in your home does consume a dangerous cleaning fluid, call poison control immediately, at 800-222-1222.
  • Clean gutters will keep rainwater flowing freely away from your home. Water from spring rain that gets clogged up in the gutters may lead to a leaky roof or work its way right into the walls and ceilings of your home. Left unnoticed, this type of water damage can quickly lead to mold. Spring is a good time to clean and inspect all your gutters for damage. 
  • Develop an emergency escape plan and have the whole family test it out once during the daylight and once at night. Check to make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut and teach children who are old enough how to properly and safely open windows during an emergency situation. Be sure your plan identifies a safe meeting place outside your home for everyone to gather.
  • Check all of your windows to make sure they are not a fall risk. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls as screens alone cannot support the weight of a child. Window stops allow you to enjoy the fresh spring breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall. 
  • Smoke detectors and fire alarms help alert your family to fire and dangerous smoke while there is still time to evacuate. Carbon monoxide detectors alert you when there are dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home. To ensure proper function, test these devices at least once a month and replace the batteries twice a year. Replacing batteries on daylight saving days in the spring and fall makes it easy to keep track.
  • Maintain your HVAC system by scheduling an inspection and changing out air filters.  Systems with cracks, dirty air filters, and poor ventilation can cause poor air quality, higher energy bills, and carbon monoxide buildup. 
  • Finally, be sure you are enrolled in the Notify NYC alert system, which is New York City’s official source for information about emergency alerts and important city services. You can receive alerts through email, text, telephone, or social media. This will keep you informed about what is going on in your neighborhood.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. We hope these tips will help you protect your family from at home injuries this spring. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Don’t Let Winter Home Damage Sneak Up On You

Winter in NYC can be extreme. Mother Nature definitely plays by her own rules and there is no way to predict the effects of winter weather in our area. Freezing cold temperatures, ice, and snow during the winter can put your home or business at risk for damage. 

Here are some things to watch out for this winter:

  • Frozen Pipes – Pipes can crack and burst when cold temperatures cause the water inside to freeze. A slow drip on the coldest nights will reduce pressure in the water system. This means that even if a pipe freezes, it will likely not rupture. The best faucet to leave dripping is the one that is the furthest away from the main pipeline that brings water into your house. This will allow more pipes to receive the benefit of the drip. Protect outdoor water spigots by disconnecting all garden hoses from spigots. If possible, shut down the water supply for outside spigots and drain the remaining water. You can also place an insulated dome around each spigot for further protection.
  • Roof Damage – There are several ways your roof can be damaged during the winter so keep a close eye on it. Watch out for high winds from winter storms that can loosen shingles. Ice dams can cause water to permeate into your home. And worst of all, the weight of heavy snow and ice can cause your roof to collapse. Use proper insulation in the attic to keep the temperatures regulated. Also, make sure your roof vents and other forms of ventilation are in good condition and are not blocked by insulation or other items in your attic. To prevent the buildup of snow and ice, use a roof rake with a telescoping handle.
  • Driveway or Sidewalk Damage –  It is important to keep your sidewalks and driveway clear of ice and snow to prevent slip and falls, but the question is how to do that without damaging the concrete. Of all the common de-icers on the market, tests have shown that calcium chloride is the least harmful to concrete. But it is corrosive to metal and can be damaging to plants if over applied so use caution. Magnesium chloride, a similar compound, absorbs moisture, is less corrosive and safer on concrete and plants, and is becoming more readily available.
  • Fire Damage – Many home heating fires occur every winter in NYC. To prevent fires, have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected each year. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from all heating equipment. This includes furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and portable space heaters. Always use a fire screen or fireplace doors to contain sparks from your fireplace. While asleep or when you leave home, extinguish all fires and unplug all heating appliances.
  • Damage Caused by Trees – Before winter storms approach, remove any dangerous or dangling tree branches near your home. Branches that are loaded with snow and ice can easily break causing damage.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. We hope these tips will keep your home safe and warm this winter. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

 

 

Keep Unwanted Pests From Entering Your NYC Home This Winter

Unwanted pests like rodents and insects like to move indoors during fall and winter to find warmth and escape the New York City cold. Not only are they a nuisance, but many rodents and insects like cockroaches can spread germs and diseases in your home through their saliva and feces – yuck! Plus, cockroach sheddings are a huge trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms for those who are allergic. Use the following tips to keep these unwanted pests from enjoying the comforts of your warm New York home.

  • Pests can sneak into your home through the smallest of crevices so inspect your home for entry points. Seal all gaps and cracks you find in your exterior using a silicone-based caulk. Seal openings at joints of siding and overhanging eaves and where utility cables or pipes enter your home. Make sure you have a cap or wire mesh around any chimney openings.
  • Check the weather stripping on doors and windows. Make sure it is snug and you are not able to lift it away from the surface. If necessary, replace any worn weather-stripping. Next, make sure your window and door frames are not warped and everything sits properly without leaving gaps. Not only will this project keep out the pests, but it will also lower your heating bill this winter!
  • Trimming bushes and branches away from the home will also prevent easy access for pests to move indoors.
  • Unwanted pests are in search of water just as much as they are searching for warmth and food so fix any leaks that could give them access to water. Check very closely under sinks and in the basement or crawl space. Keeping your home dry is one of the easiest, best ways to keep pests out.
  • Avoid having piles of clutter in and around your home. Pests can hide in boxes, clothing, piles of paper, inside furniture, really inside anything you haven’t put to good use lately. By denying them the shelter of clutter, pests will have a much harder time surviving in your home. Keep in mind clutter around the perimeter of a house or building such as piles of wood, bricks, or stone can also provide shelter for unwanted pests.
  • Wipe kitchen surfaces daily, including counters, stove tops, microwave ovens, toasters, and sinks. Don’t leave dishes to pile up in the sink and make sure to clean crumbs and spills right away. Store all food in airtight containers, especially in the pantry. Keep the pantry tidy so that you can spot unwelcomed visitors right away.
  • Wash all pet food dishes daily and never leave out pet food overnight. A full bowl of food is an easy target for unwanted pests. Store pet food in a tightly sealed container.
  • Dispose of garbage regularly. Cover all trash cans tightly, indoors and outdoors, to prevent a feeding frenzy for pests.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe in New York. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

The Ultimate Security Guide for Apartment Renters

Deciding to relocate to a new apartment is a big decision. There are so many things to think about such as location, convenience, schools, amenities, and your budget. Use this guide to be sure you are selecting your new apartment with security in the forefront of your mind.

Selecting the Most Secure Apartment:

  • It is unrealistic to expect to find a completely crime-free neighborhood, but you can look online for crime trends in an area to see how they compare to national crime statistics. Another thing to look for is a good amount of street lighting at night as this can deter crime. Go for a walk around the neighborhood and as you are walking, make conversation with any friendly faces you find. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask for thoughts about the neighborhood. Many will be happy to talk to a potential new neighbor. Seeing people out walking and playing in a neighborhood lets you know that they feel safe.
  • As mentioned, good lighting can deter crime. Check that there is good lighting especially at night in all parking areas, stairwells, hallways, mailrooms, laundry rooms, and the waste disposal area.
  • Check for security items like a peephole, quality door locks, and cameras in public areas. While doors are the first line of defense for your security, windows are the second. Windows should have sturdy, easy to use locks. Look for secure window guards. NYC building owners are required to provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows, including first floor bathrooms, windows leading onto a balcony or terrace in an apartment where a child 10 years of age or younger resides, and windows in each common area, on any floor. Additionally, if tenants or occupants want window guards for any reason, even if there are no resident children 10 years of age or younger, the tenant can request the window guards in writing and the landlord must install them. 
  • Look for posted fire escape plans and severe weather shelter information.

Adding Extra Security Measures:

  • Even if renter’s insurance is not required, it is something you should strongly consider. Your landlord’s insurance only covers the building you live in, your renters insurance policy will cover your personal property. For a relatively low cost per month, it will cover the cost of your possessions that are lost or damaged due to burglary, a natural disaster, or vandalism.
  • At the very least you should change the cylinder of the locks and get a new key. Who knows how many people have a copy of the key or if it is hidden somewhere nearby. In many rental scenarios you will be required to provide your landlord with a duplicate of the key. An easy way to improve upon an existing lock setup would be to add an additional lock to your door that works like a door jammer. Beef up your door lock installation by using 3-inch screws on your strike plate. Door hinges should also be secured with 3-inch screws. The longer screws will make it more difficult for an intruder to kick the door open.
  • Store cash, jewelry, firearms, heirlooms, important documents, and other valuables inside a fireproof safe.
  • Investing in a security camera can provide some peace of mind. Many security cameras and smart video doorbells provide motion detection, night vision, and two-way talk. 

At Sentry Window Guards, we provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or business. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!