A window on bath time

Most burglaries can be prevented. They are committed by opportunist thieves and in 2/10 burglaries the thief gains access via an unlocked door or window.

Burglars like easy opportunities. They do not like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention. They do not like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them even from the inside and they have to get out through a window. They do not like steel frames because their inherent strength makes them difficult to force.

The weakest link in a window assembly subject to forced entry is the method of attaching the hardware. Screws and rivets can too easily be torn out of the base material, but hardware mountings held by steel screws threaded into steel frames are more resistant.

A burglar-resistant steel window can still allow air movement, either with a two point locking handle which gives the option of fastening cracked open instead of tight shut, or with trickle ventilation through the head of the window, while still maintaining locked security.

The adhesive sealants and metal beads used to secure the glass in most steel framed windows ensure that it is not easily removed. For particularly vulnerable areas, consider having laminated glass, which can make breaking and entering through the glass pane very difficult. Locked handles and stays will maintain security even if the pane is broken.

A third of burglars get in through a back window. Easily visible locks deter thieves, because a window lock forces the thief to break the glass and risk attracting attention.

Recommendations are:
• Fit key-operated window locks to all downstairs windows, those which cannot be seen from the street and easily accessible upstairs windows
• Even small windows such as bathroom fanlights need locks – a thief can get through any gap larger than a human head
• Remove keys from locked windows and keep them out of sight in a safe place.

Locking handles and locking devices can be incorporated during manufacture or fitted subsequently, often with minimum preparation.

Handles with cylinder locks operated by removable keys can often be fitted as direct replacements of those originally supplied on residential side hung and pivoted windows. They are usually retained by a hexagon nut or pin between the glass and the handle mounting plate. The nut or pin can be withdrawn by using an appropriate spanner. Provided the handle plate is compatible, a new locking handle can be substituted and its nut or pin re-tightened with the same tool. The alternative locking handle is face fixed with four M5 machine screws. These locking handles can be toned brass, or have a satin-chromed finish and are available left or right handed to match the original.

Removable clamp locks are even simpler to install, as they require no tools. These firmly clamp the peg stay of a top hung window to the stay rest and are operable only with a removable key.

A variety of other proprietary locks and bolts are designed for steel windows. Some prevent movement of the fittings. Others prevent opening of the frame. Fitting them to existing windows involves drilling and tapping holes in the frames.

Enhanced resistance to intrusion is offered on new steel windows in the W40 range with a concealed multi-point cremone bolt locking system operated through the frame by a geared handle.

The Steel Window Association’s recommendations:
• Have all exterior doors fitted with internal bolts top and bottom
• Glazed steel framed doors are fitted with security mortice deadlocks. A keyoperated deadlock is preferred, so a thief cannot smash a nearby panel to open the door from the inside. Even if thieves do gain entry through a window, they cannot carry your property out through the door
• Door hinges are sturdy and well secured
• For added security hinge bolts can be fitted, which help reinforce the hinge side of a door against the use of force

Steel Window Association members can provide locking devices, locking handles, concealed bolts and mortice deadlocks if these are ordered with new windows and doors. For fitting to existing installations members can supply locking handles.

The Steel Window Association represents the majority of UK steel window manufacturers, ranging in size from the smallest of craft-based companies that specialize in replacement and repair work, particularly on windows for Heritage buildings, through to large, multi-site companies that manufacture and install windows in literally every type of building. There is not a single steel window project of any description, anywhere in the UK, that one of the SWA members cannot handle.

All windows produced by SWA members in hot rolled steel sections to BS.6510 are protected by the hot dip galvanizing process in accordance with BS.729. Cold formed steel section windows are also available and all steel section windows can be supplied with a decorative finish available in a range of colours.

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