A window is a window, right? Wrong. When people talk about windows just about all of them assume it is one that goes up and down and is made of wood or vinyl.
Then there is the casement window. Casement window security is just as essential as other window types.
What is a casement window
This type of window has hinges on one side. They are usually more narrow than a traditional sliding window. This window type is operated by a crank located on the inside of the window. The crank turns gears that move the hinges.
Since this type of window is more narrow, it’s a bit harder to crawl through. That’s not to say there are not ones that are bigger.
Since the crank mechanism can only be operated from the inside and the other parts are actually inside the window frame, there isn’t a way to crank it open from the outside.
Casement window security is inherently better than other windows
Why are casement windows more secure? It’s the way they are designed.
When these windows are closed, they end up being flush with the frame. This leaves practically no room to pry it open. Yes, they can be pried but the would-be intruder will have to work extra hard to get something in between the actual window and the frame.
The locking mechanism is better
The lock on a casement window uses a hook. This hook catch is located in the frame. Since the window is flush, it will make it very difficult to move it to try and get it to unlock. There is no room to get something between the frame and window to push on the latch to get it to unlock. Since it is a hook, that isn’t going to work anyway.
If you want an extra piece of mind, there are always auxiliary locks that can be installed as well.
Make sure your casement window closes the right way
You want the window to close flush. If you have an older house that needs to be painted every couple of years watch out for paint build up. Just sanding and painting will create a bunch of layers that could prevent the window from closing flush the way it should.
You will also want to make sure the wood in the frame of the window is not getting damp and swelling up. This again will prevent the window from closing the right way.
When it doesn’t close right, there is a potential for something to be inserted and pry the window open.
How to increase the security of the casement window glass
If you are getting new windows of this type, consider what type of glass you are going to get with them.
If you want to bulk up the glass, order them with impact glass.
Impact glass is generally used in houses that are on a shoreline subjected to extreme weather. It is also used in homes in a tornado area. This glass has a plastic layer that makes it act like your car windshield.
If you have ever seen a car with a windshield that has all kinds of spidering cracks in it but is not broken, this is what impact glass will do for a casement window.
Obviously, that type of glass will be more expensive. There is an alternative.
You can DIY it using a protective window film that acts in a similar manner to impact glass. The film is easy to install and you can’t even tell it’s on there. Anyone trying to break in through it will soon find out when it just spiders and doesn’t break.
By that time you, your neighbors or someone near has probably heard the noise and will report it or check it out.
casement window snap lock here
There are plenty of aftermarket locks to help make casement window security more effective for you.
There are also those security bars. Personally, I don’t like them. Unless you live in a really bad or secluded area, they probably are not necessary. They are also not conducive to getting out of the house quickly if there is a fire or other situation that would require a quick exit through the said window.
Easy DIY things you can do
- Install a chain and attach one end to the window and the other to the frame.
- remove the crank handle. If the window can be broken, then a hand can get in from the outside and crank it open if the crank is there.
- Attach a window alarm
- Put a camera on the inside of the window where people can see that it is monitoring that particular window or windows.
Closing argument
Casement windows are nice. In my opinion, it comes down to whether you like them or not. Some people do, others do not. They have a different look to them than your everyday standard window that is most often used.
The way they lock and are flush with the frame makes it harder to break into them.
I have had casement windows and to be honest, the double hung ones are my preference. That’s just me. the double hung windows are much easier to break into if they are not better secured.
Casement window security is kind of already built into them. Adding an extra layer never hurts.
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