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