Contents

What is a sash window lock?
What is a sash window?
What's the difference betwixt casement & sash window locks?
Are sash window locks child proof?
How to open sash window locks
How to install sash window locks
How to fix sash window locks
How to replace sash window locks
Should you pigment sash window locks?
Are sash window locks safety?
Farther ways to improve your sash window security

This detailed guide will teach you everything you demand to know from repairing, installing, securing and improving sash window locks. Hither at SJB Sash Windows, we've learnt everything there is to the anatomy of a sash window and we want to share our all-encompassing knowledge and expertise.

Due to the age of the sash window design, there are often myths that sash windows aren't as secure as newer style windows. If annihilation, sash windows take stood the test of time for a reason. We'll deflate these mutual myths throughout the guide.

Sash windows accept been a popular selection for hundreds of years and have even become a staple feature in menses backdrop. Nosotros'll enlighten on how best to look after your sash windows to get ultimate security.

What is a sash window lock?

A sash window lock is used to lock the sash of the window and therefore, prevent the window from opening. Sash window locks are fixed to a vertical sliding sash window. It doesn't matter whether the window is fabricated from uPVC, timber or even aluminium, they volition all use a sash window lock.

What is a sash window?

A sliding sash window is a type of window where 2 sashes slide up and downwards within the frame. The tiptop sash is the one closest to the outdoors; this will exist in front of the lower sash. The bottom of the top sash will marshal with the tiptop of the lower sash.

A more modernistic sash window volition take 2 sash panels but simply one of them will motion. Normally, information technology will be the lesser sash that will slide up.

Older versions of the windows had a string with weights to help open up and close the window, just these are seen less now due to their repair process. Once the chord breaks you have to accept the sash out of the frame in order to replace information technology.

Sash windows take been constitute in eras from Victorian, Georgian and Regency times. However, the blueprint did change slightly through these periods.

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What's the divergence between casement & sash window locks?

A casement window is held together by hinges that permit the window to swing open. Casement window locks usually act as a handle too as a lock. To open the window you'll have to turn the key or push the lock button and move the handle.

A sash window slides open vertically and not outwards like a casement window. Sash window locks are more than commonly known as sash window fasteners. This does not act as a handle as it only de-restricts the window to allow information technology to open. To open the window you would demand to slide it upwardly or use a chord.

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Are sash window locks childproof?

Casement window locks are a lot harder for children to open every bit they require a key, turn and push approach; without a fundamental, they simply can't open the window.

Sash window locks only crave you to turn and slide, while the windows are heavy and this may be hard, information technology'due south not impossible for a child to do. You can buy sash window restrictors that crave a cardinal to open the window and therefore, have a childproof sash window.

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How to open sash window locks

The most common type of fastener for sash windows is the Fitch fastener. It has a half circle shaped lever that slides into the take hold of. As the lever is turned towards the catch, information technology gravitates the windows together to create a seal between them.

However, to open sash window locks, y'all can pull the leaver from one side to the other and this will release it from the catch; simply like in the image beneath.

At that place are other fasteners that may exist used such every bit the Brighton fastener and Quadrant fastener.

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How to install sash window locks

Installing sash window locks is an easy D.I.Y chore that fifty-fifty beginners can do. If you have a small sash window, yous may only require one Fitch fastener to secure the window. Just, bigger windows, such as the ones at the front of your firm will oftentimes crave ane each size of the window.

Tools you'll need to install the lock: Ruler, lock, pencil, ability drill.

Step I: Identify the lock on the sash window

The window will need to be in the closed position before y'all starting time. It's best to have a ruler and measure the centre of the window so that your lock is central. If your sash window is large you may desire to put one each side.

Once yous have measured your central point marker it with a pencil (on both the upper and lower sash). The lock will come in two parts. The grab should be placed on the upper sash and the lever on the bottom sash.

Pace 2: Drill pilot holes for the screws to exist placed in the sash window frame.

You'll need to selection up the pencil again and place it through the screw holes of the lock while placed on the frame. Remove the lock and you lot'll be left with a pencil guiding of where to drill.

The correct drill size is easily distinguished, test out which ends fit through the lock holes and use the best fitting ane. Once you're set up, drill down into your pilot holes.

Place the fastener back over the holes and screw the screws into place. You may want to use a screwdriver for the back sash, as you'll want to make certain you don't harm the window. Yous can use the drill for the front slice.

Examination your new sash fastener out, make sure information technology opens and closes every bit it should exercise and that it'southward also secure.

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How to gear up sash window locks

This will depend on what part of your fastener is broken. If the lever is broken or information technology has worn away and no longer secure, information technology'southward easier to replace the whole fastener. The fasteners range in cost but they are not typically expensive if you lot are replacing a few of them.

The sash window locks usually come every bit a pair and you may find it difficult to observe one part of the pair that matches the working part of your current fastener.

If the fastener is coming loose, you tin can always purchase new screws or try moving information technology slightly over.

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How to replace sash window locks

The main reason you lot may be looking to replace your sash window locks is because they have go loose. This may mean that your sash windows aren't locking tightly and this will cause your windows to rattle or allow in a typhoon.

Tools you'll need: Screwdriver & new fastener.

Step One: Remove all of the screws.

You should exist able to do this with a screwdriver, but you can utilise a drill if they are as well tight.

Footstep 2: Remove the fastener.

Clear abroad whatever debris or flickers of paint that are lingering in the area. Brand sure information technology is clear before placing the new fastener there.

Pace Three: Place the new fastener where the erstwhile one was.

Simply put the fastener in the appropriate position and spiral the screws into the existing holes.

There you have it, a brand new sash window lock.

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Should y'all pigment sash window locks?

If yous want to repaint your sash windows, you may be tempted to exit the sash window locks on during. This tin crusade bug and decrease the security of your fastener.

 Y'all should remove the locks before painting the windows as the paint can cause the lock to not close securely. The paint will also scratch off over fourth dimension, so it's overall amend for the appearance of your window too.

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Are sash window locks safe?

If well maintained and properly locked, sash window locks will provide a skilful level of security. The most secure fastener is the Fitch sash window lock.

This is because the half circle catch is less vulnerable to attack due to it beingness hard to open up these from the outside side of the window.

A simple pivot catch can exist knocked open past using a pocketknife that is placed between the two sashes. A single screw catch could be easily knocked off by hammering a screwdriver between the two sashes.

Criminals may try and enter your sash windows by using a crowbar to pry open up the lower sash window. This usually happens in timber windows that have been overpainted. Criminals tin can pierce through the pigment, which leaves them with enough space to fit the crowbar.

If you're painting your sash windows yous should ever make sure you sand them beforehand to avoid this.

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Further ways to improve your sash window security

Sash Stops

Sash stops are fitted on the upper sash and this prevents the sashes from sliding over each other. This, therefore, prevents them from opening the window.

There are two types of sash window locks for sash stops. You tin either get protruding bolts that are removed with a key or bolts that are extracted but similar with dual screws.

You can fit the sash stops 100mm in a higher place the pinnacle of the lower sash to enable the window to be opened a little for ventilation without the worry that someone can get through the window.

Dual Screws

Dual screws fit most sash windows and they offering added security to put your mind to rest. These sash window locks bolt through the superlative and lesser sash to terminate the window from opening. The bolt can be removed with the primal that volition come included with the lock and this will permit the window to be opened.

Dual screws lock the sashes into place and avert any sliding, even if the fastener is compromised.  Full bolts are slightly more expensive only they do provide more than protection.

Double Glazing

As well as saving on your energy bills and blocking out noise, double glazing will too help protect your home from criminals.

Single glazed windows consist or around 3mm of glass which makes it easy to break. Double glazed drinking glass is around 4mm thick and consists of 2 panels, nearly 3X more than glass.

Thicker glass means it's harder to break and therefore the appeal for criminals to break into your home decreases. Triple glazing is becoming increasingly pop due to its security increase and heightened benefits for the current climate.

Get your windows Installed by a Professional person

Whilst it's fine to alter the sash window locks yourself, it'due south better to become more detailed procedures done by professionals. Not merely professionals, you lot should check out their credibility, reviews, social media and ensure they are on websites such as Trust Pilot or Check a Trade.

Making sure you become your sash window installation or sash window locks done by an accredited business means that you lot can rest assure your windows are safe.

Ensure you service your windows & don't put off repairs

If y'all're having problems opening and closing your sash window, this is a safety business organisation. It's probable that a string inside the frame has become worn over time (if you have a chord). Some sash windows have screw balances instead of cords and weights.

Wearable and tear on the cord happens as it is such an integral function of your window. This means that at some point, your cord will no doubt demand servicing.

The spiral balancers can also become worn and these may need repairing. Each balancer has a size and weight that is unique to your sash window.

You should get these repairs done straight away to ensure y'all're secure and to also forbid further problems.

Sash windows have stood the test of fourth dimension and these timeless windows can add grapheme and value to your property. Accept the proper security measures, supervene upon your sash window locks when needed, take extra precaution by adding sash stops and you lot're every bit secure equally yous can exist.

 Look after them, and they'll look after yous.

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