With summer just around the corner, there has never been a better time to sort out your window security. Not just for the security of your home, but the safety of all inside. Falls from windows is an alarmingly common occurrence, particularly for children and the elderly.
Shopping for window locks and restrictors can be a daunting task, given the wide array of products available. In today’s blog post, we’ll give you a few tips and tricks for inspecting your windows and selecting a suitable window lock.
Securing your window
What material is your window?
Before you start searching for a new window lock, we recommend you first check what material the window frame is made from. Aluminium and timber windows dominate the Australian market, so it is likely to be one of these two. Make sure you buy a window lock designed for your window's material to ensure it functions correctly.
What is the window opening style?
You may have noticed that not all windows open in the same way. These different opening actions impact the kind of locks that can be used on the window. The four common window types used in Australia are; sliding, awning/hopper, sash/double hung and casement.
Sliding
A sliding window generally features two window panes; one fixed pane and another moveable pane that can be shifted horizontally within the frame. Whilst there are specific locks designed for use on sliding windows, many push locks and bolt locks are also suitable.
Awning/Hopper
An awning or hopper style window is hung at the top of the frame and generally opens outwards. This window style is quite popular across Australia and is compatible with a wide range of window locks, including bolts, winders, push locks, lockable fasteners and cable restrictors.
Sash/Double Hung
A sash or double hung window is similar to a sliding window, but the action is vertical rather than horizontal. Sash windows feature two window panes; a fixed upper pane and a moveable lower pane can be pushed upward within the frame.
Sash windows require the use of a sash lock or cable restrictor.
Casement
A Casement style window is similar to an awning style, but rather than opening from the bottom and hinges on the top, a casement will open from the side with the hinges on either the left or right side of the frame.
As they have a similar operating mechanism to the awning styles, casement windows are compatible with a vast range of locks, such as cable restrictors and window winders.
If you reside in NSW, check out this must-read article about child window safety.