The house we purchased had cheap vinyl windows installed in a metal pan – talk about ugly. So I’ve started replacing the windows with wood Andersen’s – they look so much better and are much more efficient. The one thing the vinyls offered that the Andersen’s don’t are a pull out stopper that prevents the window from being opened more than a few inches. We like this feature when we are not home and during the evenings. Leaving the windows opened a bit more than a crack is great, however we can no longer do that with the new ones.
Anyone familar with some sort of after-market device or a tweak to allow this? This time of year we’d love to have our windows open some without the worry of a burglar gaining access. I’ve seen some plastic suction devices used primarily for child safety – I doubt these provide much security.
I know that a determined burglar would have no problems with the vinyl stoppers, but I’m more worried about the quick hit type – any barrier will more likely mean moving onto an easier target.
Thanks,
Bob
Replies
Cut a stick to fit between the top jamb and the sash.
mike
I've installed keyed locks on window sash that allow this. The lock is a cylinder mounted to the top rail of the lower sash. Turning the key advances a bolt toward the outdoors. The installer drills a hole to receive the bolt in the edge of the upper sash. You can drill multiple holes so that, for instance, one hole locks the window fully closed (more secure than the ordinary sash lock since a burglar can't break one pane and open the sash) and another hole a few inches higher locks the window partially open.
I did this in my house over 20 years ago so I'm not sure where to buy the locks today.
The usefulness of this idea depends upon how you feel about drilling holes in your new Andersen windows too.
http://www.technologylk.com/product_view.aspx?&source_ID=froogle&product_ID=7021
I tried Google using; window stop. Got lots of hits with different kinds of security devices. One of them is a clear soft suction cup device that sticks on the glass and stops the window, wherever you place it.
One thing to keep in mind - if you have windows which would be needed for egress in case of a fire, you might want to avoid anything which requires a key or major fiddling from inside.
Don
Great ideas, guys!
So far I like the link Nater found - seems simple and by drilling a few holes, we could set different window openings. Do you think having the pins on each side of the window would be best or should one do it?
Thanks again,
Bob
My vinyl windows only have them on one side, and i figure a wood window with a brass pin is stronger than a little vinyl tab.Besides, if someone wants in bad enough, they are gonna break the glass.