Break-Ins and Burglary (know as forced entry when it comes to window testing) is a real problem in some areas of the world. Windows are a natural weak point in a house because glass is a large component of a window. So, it is only logical for someone to try to come into the house through the windows by either manipulating the lock or breaking the glass. We can often see metal bars (similar to prison bars) in front of windows with the aim to keep intruders out.
Tilt and Turn Windows offer an easier way to protect yourself from forced entries. The 3 main ways that Tilt and Turn Windows accomplish this are as follows:
- Double or Triple Glazing with .060 Laminated Glass
Laminated Glass is made up of 2 sheets of glass with a PVC interlayer. A glass type commonly seen in windshields of cars. The idea is that the lamination between the 2 sheets of glass will hold the glass together in case of breakage. The thicker the laminated layer (.060″ or .030″) the harder it is to force a hole into the glass.
- Multiple Locking Points
The sash of the window is the movable part and houses the turning, tilting and locking mechanism. Through the 180 degree action of the handle, the window can be moved from locked, through turning to tilting position and back again. In the locked position the stainless steel mechanism has round nodes that line up and engage with the lock housing on the window frame. Instead of there being only one lock housing as seen with sliding or single (double) hung windows, there are between 2-6 lock housings depending on the level of security you need. Thus we speak of multiple locking points.
- Steel re-enforced sash and frame
Both the sash and frame of Tilt & Turn Windows have steel L-Angles inserted into them. This adds tremendous strength to the window making it virtually impossible to break the sash or frame with conventional means.
The combination of the 3 points above makes Tilt & Turn Windows the strongest of the 5 common window types (sliding, hung, casement, awning, tilt & turn). A man with a sledge hammer will take a very long time to get a hole into the window that is large enough to reach in and turn the handle.
Author of: Tilt and Turn Windows Vancouver and Tilt and Turn Windows Calgary
Good Info, even for window professionals.
Interesting Article.