When you’re replacing your windows, security is naturally going to be near the top of the list when it comes to things you want in a window. Nobody wants to spend money on new windows only to worry that they’ve made their home more vulnerable. At the same time, there’s so much information about window security that it can be difficult to know what you need.
Why security is important when choosing UPVC casement windows
Security is often one of the reasons people decide it’s finally time to replace their old windows. This is particularly true if you live in an area where properties are close together, have accessible rear windows or simply have windows that have been in place for 20 years or more. Older frames and locking mechanisms can become worn over time, and the technology used in them is generally nowhere near as advanced as what you’ll find in a modern window.
There’s also a tendency to assume that a window is an easy way into a house because, unlike a door, it doesn’t have the same obvious security features. However, a modern casement window is designed to make forced entry very difficult. The frame, glazing and locking mechanism all work together, so it isn’t simply a case of finding one weak lock and opening the window.
It’s important to be realistic about this, though. Homeowners can sometimes get very focused on making the locks and fixings as secure as possible without considering the window as a whole. If somebody is determined to break into a property, the glass can potentially be a simpler target than the locking mechanism. That doesn’t mean modern windows are insecure; it just means that spending a lot of money on increasingly elaborate locks isn’t necessarily the best use of your budget.
How do multi-point locking systems protect your home?
One of the main security features you’ll find on modern UPVC casement windows is a multi-point locking system. Rather than securing the window at just one point, the mechanism engages at several points around the frame when you close and lock the handle. This spreads the force across the window and helps keep the opening sash firmly in place.
There are two common types of mechanisms you may hear about when looking at casement windows: shoot bolts and espag locking systems. Shoot bolts extend into the frame, usually at the top and bottom of the window, while espag systems use several locking points that engage into a channel around the frame. Both are designed to hold the window securely closed and create compression against the seals.
You don’t need to know exactly which mechanism is being used to understand the important bit: modern multi-point locking systems are considerably more difficult to force than the basic locking arrangements found on many older windows. When the window is correctly fitted and maintained, the locking points work together with the frame to provide a strong level of everyday security.
What do internal window locks do?
If you’ve ever had new windows fitted, you’ll probably have noticed that the handles often come with their own little keys. It’s easy to assume that this is the main security feature of the window, but that isn’t really what they’re there for. The lock in the handle is primarily an internal safety feature. It stops the handle being operated from inside the room, which can be particularly useful if you have young children. It also gives you a little extra reassurance that the window can’t simply be opened accidentally.
Losing one of these keys isn’t usually something you need to worry about from an external security point of view. The handle is inside the property, so somebody outside cannot simply use your missing key to unlock the window. The more important security features are the window’s main locking mechanism, the strength of the frame and the glazing.
Glass vs Lock mechanisms
This is where it’s worth thinking about window security slightly differently. When most people picture somebody trying to get through a window, they imagine somebody attacking the lock. In practice, the glass may be a more obvious target because modern locking mechanisms can be difficult to defeat without causing considerable damage.
If the glass is broken, somebody may be able to reach the handle from outside and open the window. For that reason, if you have particularly accessible windows and want to spend more on security, upgrading the glazing can be a sensible option. That doesn’t mean you should automatically put specialist security glass in every window. For many homes, standard modern double glazing combined with a good multi-point locking system is perfectly adequate. The right choice depends on the property, where the windows are located and how much additional reassurance you want.
Toughened vs Laminated glass: Which is more secure?
If you are considering different types of glazing, you may come across toughened and laminated glass. They’re both safety glass options, but they work in different ways.
Toughened glass is heat-treated to make it stronger than standard glass. If it does break, it breaks into much smaller pieces, which makes it safer than ordinary glass. It’s a good choice where safety is the main consideration. Laminated glass offers something different. It is made from layers of glass bonded together with an interlayer, so when the glass is broken, the pieces tend to stay attached rather than falling away. It’s similar in principle to the glass used in a car windscreen. You can damage it quite badly, but it can remain in one piece.
From a security perspective, that can make a difference. Breaking laminated glass doesn’t necessarily create an easy opening straight away, and getting through it can take repeated impacts. It can therefore be worth considering for ground-floor windows, accessible rear windows or homes where additional peace of mind is particularly important.
Additional security features available for casement windows
There are a few other features you can consider, although again, they aren’t essential for every property. Restrictor hinges and cable restrictors, for example, limit how far a window can open. They can be useful for families with young children or anywhere you want to allow ventilation without having the window fully open.
Cable restrictors are relatively simple and can be a useful safety measure, but they shouldn’t be viewed as something that makes a window completely impenetrable. Their main benefit is limiting the opening rather than turning the window into a high-security system. You can also look at reinforced frames and different security glazing options depending on your circumstances. Ventilation is worth thinking about at the same time. Trickle vents allow background ventilation while the main window remains closed, which can be useful if you want fresh air without leaving an opening that can be accessed.
The important thing is to look at what your home actually needs. There’s little point paying for a long list of upgrades simply because they’re available. At Birmingham Glass, our experienced installers can talk you through what would make a meaningful difference and what you could comfortably do without. We’ll never sell you something just for the sake of it.
Are windows really the main entry point for burglars?
It’s easy to become quite anxious about window security, particularly when you start reading about all the different ways someone could potentially get into a property. In reality, windows aren’t necessarily the first place you need to focus your attention.
Doors are often a more obvious access point, so they deserve just as much consideration when you’re looking at your overall home security. Making sure your doors have good quality locks and suitable security cylinders, including 3-star cylinders where appropriate, can be a more worthwhile investment than spending heavily on unnecessary window upgrades.
From an installer’s perspective, break-ins through modern casement windows aren’t something that commonly come up. Older windows with outdated locking systems are a different matter, which is one reason replacing old windows can be worthwhile in its own right.
Final thoughts
Security is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when choosing new windows. The best UPVC casement windows should give you a good balance of security, energy efficiency, durability and appearance, without paying for features that don’t add much value to your particular home.
Modern double glazing and well-made UPVC frames can help reduce heat loss and draughts as well as providing a secure barrier. If your existing windows are old, replacing them with energy efficient casement windows can therefore make a noticeable difference to both comfort and security.
If you’re considering new windows and want to understand your options, why not pop into our showroom or speak to our friendly team about the right specification for your home.
