CLOSE THE WINDOW AND INSERT TWO SMALL NAILS OR EYE BOLTS INTO THE L...
5. Close the window and insert two small nails or eye bolts into the lower sets of
holes to hold the sashes together, so the window can’t be lifted open from out-
side. When you want ventilation, you can remove the nails or bolts, raise the win-
dow, and insert them in the top set of holes to secure the window in the open
position.
Securing Windows
29
Louvered (or jalousie) windows are the most vulnerable type of window. Jalousie windows
are
made of a ladder-like configuration of narrow, overlapping slats of glass that can easily be pulled out
of the thin metal channels. Jalousies attract the attention of burglars and should be replaced with
another type of window.
The type of window used in most homes is the double-hung window, which consists of two
square or rectangular sashes that slide up and down, and are secured with a metal thumb-turn but-
terfly sash “lock” (although most manufacturers call it a lock, the device is really a clamp). The device
holds the sashes together in the closed position, but a burglar can work it open by shoving a knife
in the crack between the frames.
Several companies make a useful replacement for conventional sash locks. The devices can’t be
opened from outside a building. They look like a standard sash lock, but they incorporate a spring-
loaded lever that prevents them from being manipulated out of the lock position by using a knife
between the sashes.
As an alternative to replacing sash locks, a ventilating wood window lock can be installed. This
device lets someone inside raise the window a few inches, and then sets the bolt, which prevents any-
one from outside from raising it higher. A ventilating wood window lock
consists of an L-shaped metal
bolt assembly and a small metal base. The bolt assembly fits along the inner edge of either of the two
stiles (vertical members) of the top sash and is held in place with two small screws.
The bolt assembly has a horizontal channel that lets you slide the bolt into the locked and
unlocked position. When in the locked position, the bolt is parallel to the window and out of the way
of the bottom sash. The higher you place the bolt mechanism above the bottom sash, the higher
you’ll be able to raise the window with the bolt in the locked position. The base isn’t really needed,
but it helps to prevent the bottom sash from getting marred.
Many companies make ventilating wood window locks, and there aren’t important differences
between brands. Most models are sold at locksmith shops and home improvement centers for less
than $10 each.
Glazing
Glazing
is a term that refers to any transparent or translucent material—usually some kind of glass
or plastic—used on windows or doors to let in light. Most types of windows can be made more
secure by replacing the glazing with more break-resistant material.
The most common glazing for small windows is standard sheet glass. Plate glass—which is a lit-
tle stronger—is generally used in large picture windows. Because plate glass also has the problem of
breaking into many dangerous piece, it shouldn’t be used in exterior doors.
Tempered glass is several times stronger than plate glass and costs about twice as much. Rather
than shattering into many pieces, tempered glass breaks into small harmless pieces, which is the rea-
son for using it in patio doors. When a large piece of tempered glass breaks, it makes a lot of noise,
and this may attract the at tention of neighbors.
The strongest type of glass a homeowner might use is laminated glass. Laminated glass
is made
of two or more sheets of glass with a plastic inner layer sandwiched between them. The more layers
of glass and plastic, the stronger (and the more costly) the laminated glass is. Laminated glass 4 inches
thick can stop bullets and is often used for commercial applications.
Plastics are commonly used as glazing mate rials. Acrylics, such as Plexiglas and Lucite, are very
popular because they are clearer and stronger than sheet glass. However, they scratch easily and can
be sawed through.
The strongest types of plastic a homeowner might use are polycarbonates, such as Lexigard and
Lexan. Although they’re not as clear as acrylics, polycarbonates are up to 30 times stronger. Untreated
polycarbonates scratch easily, but you can buy sheets with scratch-resistant coatings.
How to Replace a Glass Pane