How To Secure Sash Windows

This common style of window ordinarily has ii sashes that slide upwards and down within a frame. The upper sash is on the 'outside' and runs in front end of the lower sash. The older ones are attached to sash cords and weights to make them easier to open and close. If they are well maintained they will open and close with ease, but the bulk I used to see every bit a Law-breaking Prevention Officer were either painted shut or simply the lower sash operated (some are actually made that way).

The modernistic, replacement sliding sashes in both timber and PVC-U have done away with the cords and weights and slide upward and downwardly aluminium runners prepare into the sides of the outer framing, although it is still possible to purchase the traditional box sash with cords and weights. You tin also purchase timber and PVC-U sliding sashes that are certificated to the British Standard PAS 24:2012 (Previously BS 7950 Windows of enhanced security)

What is a secure window?

Run across Windows that should be locked for a definition

If well maintained and properly locked, a traditional sliding box sash window volition provide a reasonable level of security. Apart from smashing glass, of course, timber sliding sashes that have not been fitted with cardinal locks are opened in two main ways:

Attacking the centre catch

There are two types of centre catches that are vulnerable to assail: A simple pivot catch can be knocked across using a pocketknife inserted between the 2 sashes and a finger screw grab can often be knocked off using a thin chisel or screwdriver hammered up betwixt the sashes, especially if they are loose fitting. A third catch, which is less vulnerable to assault, is the half-moon catch, but don't forget it's not a lock, considering nearly of them don't have a key performance.

Levering the bottom sash

The 2d method involves levering the lower sash using a long lever such equally a crowbar or a spade from the garden shed. Most of the windows forced using a crowbar tend to be over-painted to the point that the sashes don't shut properly, leaving gaps in which to insert the lever. However, I've seen well maintained sliding sashes fitted with dual screws (see below) overcome by using a spade with which you tin utilise enormous forces on the window. This is why it is so important for you to properly secure the outbuildings in the garden. (Meet Preventing crime in the garden, outbuildings and garage )

Common sash window locks

Dual screws

A dual screw comprises a full or half threaded bolt which is screwed through an internally threaded barrel fitted in the top of the lower sash into a simple hole in the lesser of the upper sash or in some cases into another threaded barrel. The fully threaded bolt is more than expensive, merely it is a more than secure fitting. The cheaper, half threaded bolts tin can bend under force from a large lever, especially if the go along plate has non been fitted over the pigsty in the upper sash and both endure from the problem of sash alignment if the window is poorly maintained or the timber swells and shrinks with the passing of the seasons. If yous want to improve the security of a modern timber sliding sash, the type that tilts in for cleaning, you will have to apply the all threaded bolt to prevent the sashes from being forced upwards and inwards. These locks should be fitted in pairs.

Sash stops

Key operated sash stop for sliding sash window

These locks are fitted in pairs to the stiles of the upper sash and forbid the two sashes from sliding by each other. There are two primary forms of sash stop where either the protruding bolts are removed with a fundamental (and can exist lost) or the commodities is extracted and retracted with a cardinal (and therefore can't be lost). The locks can be fitted onto the upper sash about 100mm above the peak of the lower sash to allow the windows to exist opened a piddling mode for some air without the worry of someone climbing in or ii pairs tin can be fitted with the second pair fitted lower downwards to prevent any move. It is as well possible to buy a three position sash cease that allows two open positions and i fully locked position. To prevent damage by the bolts to the summit of the lower sash the locks are supplied with metallic plates. Even so, some older sashes incorporate decorative tops (or horns) to the stiles and these plates cannot be used. Call back to fully close and lock the windows when you become out.

Frame to frame sash locks

Frame to frame locks sit on top of the lower sash and the lesser of the upper sash. They are locked together with a button-in bolt or levered bar using a key. As with the simple catches it is possible to access them from the exterior, especially if the sashes are loose so they are best fitted in combination with dual screws or sash stops, peculiarly if the sashes tilt in for cleaning.

Operating a dual screw or sash stop requires you to turn the fundamental around and around in the keyway and therefore may non be suitable for those of you who endure from a disability. You should instead utilise a pivot lock in combination with a sash stop fitted to allow a 100mm opening gap. Or you could use a pair of press button locks equally described under Common casement window locks in place of the sash stops if the design of the window allows you to do then. You can also apply the services of a Chief Locksmith who can fit purpose made locks that are more easily used by people with disabilities.

Source: https://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/security-for-existing-windows/581/locking-sliding-sash-windows/

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