Our home should be our safe haven and protecting it from intruders is as important as ever.
Security for sash windows has upped its game in recent years making it easier to secure sash windows whilst preserving the period character of your property. We take a look at the best ways to ensure optimum sash window security.
Let us first remind ourselves on what a sash window is:
What is a sash window?
The best way we can describe sash windows is that they don’t open on a hinge. A traditional ‘sliding sash’ window is usually made up of two sashes that slide up and down inside a frame. The upper sash is on the ‘outside’ and runs in front of the lower sash. Sliding sash windows can be opened at the top or bottom, or both.
Older sash windows are attached to sash cords and weights to open and close them which unless they are well maintained, can suffer from breakages and damage, weakening your window security. Luckily, modern, replacement sliding sashes in both timber and uPVC are now able to run up and down on aluminium runners set into the sides of the outer framing providing a more secure frame for the window to sit in. For anyone craving the more traditional look, advances in technology means that unbreakable cords are also an option.
Sash windows also open in a wider variety of ways too. As well as the traditional sliding up and down method, there are also products that tilt inwards for easier cleaning.
Now we have clarified the make-up of a sash windows and how they operate, lets take a look at how best to secure them.
Securing sash windows
Although there are a number of options for adding extra security for you sash windows, we recommend safety restrictors (also known as sash stops). Safety restrictors are fitted in pairs to the stiles of the upper sash and lock in place to prevent the two sashes from sliding past each other. It also allows you to open the window a little for ventilation while securing it in place. A great option in the summer when you want to ventilate the room without the risk of someone being able to raise the sash window from the outside and climb through into your home. It also provides you an added layer of security when you close and lock the window completely and head out.
Safety restrictors are also childproof, making sash windows safe for little ones to be around. They won’t be able to accidentally trap their fingers in a dropping window or open the window far enough to crawl or fall out. The safety restrictors operate using a specific key for added safety and are fitted at height that is in accessible for young children. If the sash is raised more than ten centimetres, then the bolts come into action to prevent it from being lifted any higher. When your children are not around, you can simply unlock the bolts using the window restrictor key, allowing you to operate the window as normal.
Sash window safety restrictors are easy to fit and can be fitted when your sash windows are installed, or they can easily be fitted retrospectively as and when you need them.
Sash screws are another great option for securing sash windows and operate by screwing into the top and bottom rails, locking everything together.
For further advice on sash window security and child safety measures for your windows, please don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We are always happy to advise.