Adding restrictor to existing uPVC window

[Lobster]

Hi all

Further to my little rant here recently about BCOs and 'means of escape' windows, I've been talking further with mine about the 3 windows which she wants me to replace.

It turns out that one of them (which already opens, but is too low for safety) can be legitimised if I fit a restrictor to prevent it opening far enough to fall out of, but which can be overridden in the case of emergency. Anyone got any ideas where I'd get one of these (or how I could make one even?)

The window concerned is one of those uPVC one which has hinges along the bottom as well as up the side, to allow both modes of opening. The model is no longer made, so no chance of finding 'spares' or alternative fittings for it.

Any thoughts on this much appreciated.

David

[Brian S Gray]

From experience in our house, I could have offered suggestions for top hinged windows but not your type.

[Rick Dipper]

Sir

I had a HUGE window issue, the BCO wanted one thing, the planner a different thing. To save another argument, I was tired of moths of these two arguing, I purchased two windows, and swaped them in and out depending who I expected to turn up next. The other window was always left on the floor.

What I suggest you do is go down to the local rehau factory, buy a window the BCO likes, swap it over. When she won't come back again, put your nice window back in.

Rick

[Lobster]

Wow - one way of sorting it I suppose! In my case the existing window isn't particularly special though; I'm merely trying to avoid having to buy and fit a replacement, a little add-on accessory would be much cheaper and easier if such a thing exists, which is looking unlikely at the moment :-(

Thanks anyway David

[Steve]

Never had one of those dual opening windows so these ideas may be shots in the dark. Could a childs safety lock that are fitted to kitchen cupboards be a basis for an idea ( the kind when you open the doorway a little then depress them to open fully ) If it was a 'normal' upvc window then I would say glue a little plastic block in the track the hinge slides in or you could use a piece of soft metal i.e. aluminium that had been sawn through a little so that it restricted the opening in normal use but in an emergency the window could be pushed out fully with a little force ( idea behind this were those glass firedoor bolts) or you could fit a set of restrictor hinges from toolstation etc Talking of firedoors what about those cable tie type things they use on the doors that break at a certain force but keeps the doors together if the levers are operated by accident

Anyway just a few ideas that came to mind

Steve

[Christian McArdle]

Would a horizontal steel bar protecting the low down bit look out of place? I imagine it wouldn't look too bad in some (mostly modern) contexts.

Christian.

[Lobster]

I'd thought about that one but BCO said it would need to conform to the 'child's head' test (ie need railings rather than a single rail); and being an internally opening window it would need to be on the outside, which BCO reckoned the planners would kick off about (maybe a Rick Dipper - type trick could work though!!)

Thanks David

[Lobster]

Thanks a lot Steve, some useful thoughts there.

I visited a window supplier today in fact, and as I suspected, they have a neat gizmo to attach to a normal window, but it would be fouled by the tilt'n turn mechanism. I was mulling it over with the bloke though, and he came up with the idea of a standard front-door security chain, which sounds just the job. Now waiting to hear back from BCO-lady to see if she will give it the seal of approval...!

David