Window Safety Starts Long Before Installation

Window Safety Week, recognized each year during the first full week of April, raises awareness around how homeowners can reduce risk in the home. Much of that conversation focuses on how windows are used — but what happens before installation matters just as much. 

“Safety starts with how a window is designed and how it performs over time,” said Dustin Katje, Sr. Plant Manager at Pella. “That’s why we put our products through repeated cycles and real-world conditions to help ensure they operate as intended long before they ever reach a home. For homeowners, that means products built to stand up to both daily use and more extreme conditions over time.” 

In Pella’s test lab, products undergo accelerated and extreme testing to simulate real-world conditions — from temperatures as low as -40°F to heat up to 160°F, as well as intense wind, rain and repeated operation cycles. These tests help validate that windows can perform consistently through everyday use and more demanding conditions. 

While testing helps validate performance before a product reaches a home, installation plays a critical role in how that performance carries through in everyday use. The Pella® Steady Set™ Interior Window Installation System is designed to support more consistent installation, helping ensure windows perform as intended once in the home.  

What this Means for Homeowners 

While much of window safety happens behind the scenes, a few considerations can help support performance in the home: 

• Choose products designed and tested for your local climate and conditions
• Work with experienced professionals to ensure proper installation
• Regularly check that windows open, close and lock as intended
• Use window safety features and be mindful of placement, especially in homes with young children or in multi-story areas
• Keep windows closed and locked when young children are present, and avoid placing furniture near windows that can be climbed
• Remember screens are designed to keep insects out, not prevent falls
• Look for design options that reduce hazards, such as cordless or between-the-glass blinds 

“Even with well-designed products, how windows are used in the home still matters,” said Nicole Willits, Design Trend, Product and Sustainability Manager at Pella. “Simple steps like checking functionality, understanding safety features and being mindful in spaces with children can make a meaningful difference.” 

A Shared Responsibility 

Window Safety Week is a reminder of the role everyone plays, from the teams who build and test products to the homeowners who rely on them. 

To support awareness, organizations like the National Safety Council provide resources such as a Window Safety Checklist and a Kids’ Activity Book, offering practical guidance for parents, caregivers and children.