leaving downstairs windows locked open?

C

clownie

Registered User
Messages
116
Is it safe to leave small windows downstairs locked open. It is just a small gap they would be open. Would it make it easier for someone to break in?
Thanks
 
I think you know the answer to that one really, don't you?! Of course its not safe, its not safe to leave them closed and locked not to mind leaving the open.

I wouldn't if I were you, better safe than sorry.

JJ
 
If they are locked into the proper steel night vents then there should be no problem, it is the same as having the window fully closed, the sash would only be open a few mm for ventilation, not wide enough for anyone to get at the locking mechanism or espag hinges.
 
JJ343 if I knew the answer I wouldn't have asked. You say its not safe to leave them closed and locked ....why? Thanks
 
I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound rude. I wouldn't leave any windows open if I were you even if they were closed and locked. It will invite unwanted attention to your house and if a robber wants to get in, they will get in via any means possible.

Its difficult enough to safe guard your house and I think having a window open (although locked) will draw attention that you neither need nor want.

cheers
 
clownie said:
JJ343 if I knew the answer I wouldn't have asked. You say its not safe to leave them closed and locked ....why? Thanks
Click to expand...

Basically fire regulations.

If your house is on fire and the door way is cut off the you're supposed to be able to get out a window in a hurry, having to twiddle about with locks is not what I'd want to be doing in a hurry.

It all boils down to what is more important your safety or a few valuables

The same applies to upstairs windows (AFAIK)
 
It is illegal to lock (with a key) a bedroom window. All bedroom handles have to be non locking. Yet it is one of the questions that the insurance company ask, "do you have locks on your windows".
 
NHG said:
It is illegal to lock (with a key) a bedroom window. All bedroom handles have to be non locking.
Click to expand...

Really - actually illegal? Never knew that - are you sure?

Do you mean illegal for the homeowner to lock them or against regulations for the fitter to fit them - as there could be a difference.
 
Illegal for the fitter/window supplier to fit a non locking handle to a bedroom, same as fitting a window to a bedroom that does not give a fire escape.
 
NHG said:
It is illegal to lock (with a key) a bedroom window. All bedroom handles have to be non locking. Yet it is one of the questions that the insurance company ask, "do you have locks on your windows".
Click to expand...


All our bedroom windows were fitted in the last few years and are lockable - was this against regulations?

They are locked all the time - don't want the kids falling out! The keys are taped up high where we can get them if needed.

The idea of getting out a window in a hurry with three kids has never seemed that feasible to me to be honest - prefer to try and take as many fire prevention precautions as possible. Like how do you get a baby who can't walk or hold onto you out of an upstairs window? Keeps me awake at night a lot worrying about this! (sorry for hijacking post!)
 
I don't think it's safe as thats what the builders in our estate used to do and i have seen them open the windows that were left on the latch from the outside very easily when they were starting work in the mornings!!
 
Toby, you could get restrictors fitted to your windows. A few years ago again it would have been illegal to fit a restrictor to a bedroom window, but now the regulations changed once again and it is acceptable to have restrictors fitted to upstairs windows to prevent children falling out.
 
Hi clownie

Speaking from experience here, I left a small window open one night, and my house was broken into, I didn't hear anything at all, the gap was quite small, I didn't think anyone would fit in, however, and not to scare you, but a car was taken as where other vaulable items and when they left, they left the front door wide open. So, for me, I wouldn't leave a downstairs window open.

Regards

Hizzy
 
Also, your insurance will probably state that all windows need to be locked, or the house insurance will be invalidated.

Nicola
 
True.
Open but locked...If it were me, I'd certainly check my policy documents on this before I would chance it.

Nicola
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top