6
Jan
2014
By Calvin at 12:51 GMT, 12 years ago
We buy replacement windows for our homes for lots of reasons, which include reducing heat loss and noise, enhancing the appearance of our homes and reducing ongoing maintenance costs. Replacement windows can also increase the security of the home, particularly if you are willing to spend the extra on enhanced secure windows certificated to the standard PAS 24 2012 (formerly BS 7950) or STS 204
The results of the Home Security Survey on this website are indicating that 1 in 5 of replacement windows are of the enhanced security type and for the sake of preventing crime I hope this figure continues to increase, because the available evidence does show us that they are working*. More than half of these are found in housing association and local authority properties meaning that fewer than one in ten of us are buying them for our own homes.
Enhanced secure windows are built to a specification that ensures that they not only perform as they should to keep out the bad weather, but also resist most forms of attacks used by burglars. Samples are independently tested to ensure they are resistant to hard and soft body impacts and a ‘burglars tool set’ is used by the testers to make sure that the glass can’t be removed or the opening lights forced against the locks. Samples are also taken from the production line periodically to make sure that the quality of manufacture is maintained, which is the method by which manufacturers are able to claim that their windows are ‘certificated’ to the standards. Specify laminated glass for the sealed units too and you'll have a very strong barrier against the burglar.
So, if you’re looking to replace your windows this year, do think about adding ‘security’ to the reasons for purchase and make sure the accessible windows have built-in enhanced security.
There’s a lot more guidance on this website to help you with your purchase starting at this link: And knowing about the detail will keep you one step ahead of the sales rep!
Window Security: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/door-security-window-security-glazing-grilles-and-shutters/478/window-security/
*Doctor Rachel Armitage’s work for the police initiative Secured by Design.
