Sash Window Locks
Sash window locks play a crucial role in the security of your home. When properly installed they make it more difficult to gain entry into your home through windows, which is the most frequent method for burglars to gain access.
These fasteners are attached to the vertical sash window and can be used on wooden, uPVC or aluminium frames. They can be locked or left unlocked and come in a range of designs including protruding bolts that have to be removed with a key and extractable bolts that can be easily retracted.
Types
There are many different kinds of sash windows locks designed to lock the sashes once closed. These are particularly useful for older sash windows that may not be as secure as modern ones, and can make it much harder for intruders to gain entry into your home.
These window locks are offered in a variety of designs and finishes that will match the look of your windows. Additionally, they are available in a range of price points that fit within your budget. There is also an array of accessories that enhance the functionality of these locks, like sash stops and sash lifts that can be affixed to each side of the lower sash.
A basic sash lock is made up of two components: the lock body and the strike plate, which is often known as the keeper. The lock body is placed on the bottom rail of the upper sash, while the keeper is attached to the top of the lower sash. When the lock is activated, it stops the sashes from being opened.
If you are looking to increase the security of your sash windows you can select two screws that go through the top and bottom sashes. These screws can only be removed with keys. Repair My Windows And Doors are more expensive, but offer better protection for your home.
Other windows with sash locks that can be fitted include centre catches and half moon catches, which stop each sash from moving past one another. These are less expensive than locking windows, however they should be used with care, as they can be easily opened with a screwdriver, or a chisel with a slimline design.
Pin locks and chain lock are also excellent security measures for windows that have sash. They connect one part of an lock to the sash, and the other to the frame. These are a good choice for windows that don't need much movement, such as casements or bays, and they can be easily installed by a skilled DIYer.
Materials
Sash window locks are constructed from a variety of different materials. Certain materials are superior to others in terms durability as well as toughness and resistance to environmental elements, such as rot. Accoya is a fantastic material for sash windows. This kind of wood goes through a special treatment process which dramatically increases its durability and makes it difficult for burglars to get into a home through windows made of sash. Another excellent alternative for sash windows would be European redwood. This kind of wood goes through a special treatment procedure that increases its durability and makes it more resistant to environmental factors.
Sliding windows are available in various finishes, allowing homeowners to select options that fit their interior design styles and complement the look of their homes. Sash window locks are offered in various prices, so that homeowners can pick the one that is best suited to their budget, without compromising security or aesthetics.
It is important to add security to your sash windows, especially in the case of parents of infants. It's a breeze to make your sash windows childproof. All you require is a set of child safety window restrictors. They are little bolts that sit at the edges of the upper part of the sash and operate with a specific key. The bolts are set at a level that is out of reach for the majority of children which is a crucial factor in ensuring they are safe.
Another way to enhance the security of your sash windows is by installing sash stops. These stops are designed to prevent the sashes sliding over each other. They can be placed with different positions, including three open positions and two partially closed positions. They can be fitted with protruding bolts or with key-extractable versions and are an essential component in enhancing your home's security.
Another crucial aspect to secure your home with sash windows is to regularly check them for signs wear and tear. It's also a good idea to engage an expert to inspect and repair the sash cords and spiral balances, which can get tangled with time and can cause security issues for your home.
Security
There are many security features that can be added to sash windows in order to make them more durable and resistant to break-in attempts. They can include child safety window security restrictions and dual screws. Restrictors are located on the sides of the upper sash window and can only be opened using an exclusive key. This makes it difficult for children to open the windows. Two screws are bolted through the top and bottom of sash windows to create the barrier against forced entry.
Replace the catches at the centre of your sash window with stronger, more durable ones. Criminals could use crowbars in order to open sash windows especially if they've been painted over and the conventional centre catches are less secure than modern alternatives. However, upgrading the centre catches with a more durable design can stop this from happening, and is one of the easiest methods to increase the security of sash windows.
It's also worth noting that regular maintenance can increase the security of windows with sash. Make sure that your spiral balances or cords are in good working order and smooth the frame prior to repainting to stop burglars from making a crowbar entry point. In addition, it's recommended to add a security draught excluder to your windows. They can be protruding or key extractable and they stop the sashes from opening too wide.
It's also important to think about the kind of wood you select for your sash windows, as this can have an impact on their security. Hardwoods like mahogany and oak are tough and hard-wearing and make it difficult for burglars to cut or open sash windows. Accoya wood is another excellent option, because it undergoes an exclusive acetylation process that improves its durability and stability. This means it's able to hold precision fittings and security features more effectively than other types of wood.
Maintenance
If your sash windows aren't locking securely, you must fix the issue as soon as possible. This can be a security issue, but it can also cause drafts and other problems. The most common reason is obstructions or debris which prevent the sash from locking. It could be as straightforward as a piece of wood that has become stuck in the window frame, or a build-up of foliage causing moisture to accumulate and damage the sash. To remedy this, clean the channels and sill thoroughly, paying special focus on the crevices and areas that are in contact with the locks. Then, you can lubricate them using Pledge furniture spray. This makes it easier to move the channels and also prevent any future obstructions.
It is also essential to maintain your windows with sash to ensure they are at their best. This means addressing wear, installing additional layers such as security bars or windows stops and making use of energy-saving features, such as opening restrictors.
They are fitted to the stiles of the upper sash. They stop them from sliding over each other. They can be installed in pairs to permit the windows to open slightly to allow for ventilation, but they will stop them from being opened too much and giving burglars easy access.
They can be surface-mounted or concealed, with the former fitted under a sash weight or hidden behind a glazed panel. The two major types of sash stop come with either bolts protruding out that require an unlocked key to remove them or bolts that can be removed and retracted without removing the sash.
To replace the window lock on a sliding sash, remove the fastener that is currently in use using a drill or screwdriver. After the old fastener has been removed, mark the frame with a pencil where you will be drilling. Then, you can test the new fastener against your window to ensure it fits correctly. If everything is in place then use a riveting gun to secure the new fastener.
Sash window locks provide excellent security for traditional sash windows. They aren't safe from attack by burglars who could make use of a knife to open an open pivot latch or smash out screws to open. Make sure you upgrade your window sash security by choosing the appropriate combination of locks and materials. Also, follow the regular maintenance schedule.