Have a new house with two hopper style basement windows (very similar to below). Upon inspection of these, I realized it wouldn’t be hard to give the window a little kick, break the latch and provide a thief has an access point.
I’m thinking about taking a piece of 2″ wide, 1/4″ thick steel bar and running it across the window on the outside. I’d secure it on each end with 1/2″ bolts running through holes I’d drill through my concrete basement wall. On the inside I’d use wing nuts to secure it. This way, in an emergency, the window could still be used as an escape point.
Thoughts? Are there better, easier solutions? I’m not keen on drilling two 1/2″ holes through 8 or 10 inches of concrete that is my basement wall.
Thanks in advance,
Drew
http://www.oknawindows.com/images/products_pages/basement/basement_window.gif
Replies
If you mounted the through bolts and you wanted to get out I could see the bolts binding up and giving you a problem. Hard enough to get out one of those windows with out having to try to fight to bolts stuck in the wall.
Why not mount the bar on the inside with expanding CC anchors and avoid having to drive all the way through the foundation?
A better looking alternative would be a pop-off gate. My parents have some on their lower windows in Boston, it has a pad lock on the exterior and a push button on the interior. If you need to get out you push the button and it releases the grate. They were relatively expensive but I don't remember exact numbers.
Depending on the neighborhood you live in my opinion is it offers limited security. If someone really wanted in they'll look for a glass door or larger window opposed to the smaller window.
I replace many window and door parts due to burglaries. An alarm system is really the only deterrent..View Image
A couple of slide bolts on each side at the top inside will work, and be much easier to operate anytime.
BTW getting out of one of those windows in a non-emergency situation is a feat beyond most people. As an emergency egress they don't qualify at all. If you want that type of egress, be prepared to pau extra for the rifht size opening, window, window well, etc.
Dave
Drew,
Unfortunately, just about any window is pretty easy to break into.
Have you considered a security system? It might be the best all-around option depending on your specific needs. Many times, all that is needed in a basement is a single motion detector. Magnetic switches at windows are also easy to install, and you can install multiple magnets to allow leaving the window in a pre-determined open position and still have the alarm active.