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July 14, 2008
Window lock?
Our new apartment has 2 windows in the bedroom: one opens onto the fire escape, and the other has the A/C unit installed in it. On cooler nights we prefer to sleep with the A/C off and the windows open, but I'm hesitant about leaving the window on the fire escape open while we sleep. Having it closed leaves the room pretty stuffy.
Does anyone know of a window lock that would (a) allow the window to remain open, but not too wide, and (b) be easily disengaged from the inside in case of fire? I definitely don't want anything requiring a key - more of a physical barrier that's easily removed from inside. Thanks!
Comments
I don't know what there called, but I have hardware stops installed on the sides of my windows that prevents them from being opened more than ~6 inches unless I disengage the stops from inside with thw window closed. I've seen them in the hardware store so they shouldn't be too hard to fine.
Posted by: geekspice at July 14, 2008 12:36 PM
It's not the most elegant solution, but a dowel cut to the proper length and inserted along side the window is an old trick.
Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at July 14, 2008 12:41 PM
I 2nd the dowel idea. I used it for my fire escape window for 8 years, works like a charm. Very easy to remove and put back in.
Get the really thick dowel, it's like 1.25" - like a clothes closet rod, cut it so that it fits snuggly, and you won't have to worry about it being jiggled out of place.
Posted by: cobblehiller at July 14, 2008 1:41 PM
Thanks all - the dowel idea had occurred to me, but wouldn't it fall out if the window is pushed down? That is, someone could close the window from outside, dislodge the dowel, and then clamber in? I realize it's farfetched, but seems possible!
Posted by: hangonsloopy at July 14, 2008 2:20 PM
If you want a high level of security you will need to install a Fire Dept approved Safety Gate. They are installed on the inside of the window and have no key as per fire regulations. They are rather unsightly, but the only completely safe, legal solution. You can see them on older apartments buildings, they are a silver diamond pattern that folds into itself like an accordian when opened. I had one installed on the fire escape windows of all the apartments I ever lived in.
Posted by: premadas at July 14, 2008 2:29 PM
I tape my dowel in place. Like I said, not pretty, but gets the job done.
Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at July 14, 2008 3:14 PM
I used the stops on the window in an older house that had wood-framed windows. They gave me peace of mind, and could be disengaged to open the window wider. they couldn't be reached from the outside if the window was big enough. On smaller windows though, maybe they wouldn't work as well.
The dowel sounds like it's good, as long as it's a slightly snug fit. You could also add a bit of tape that you can easily remove from the inside, but would prevent jiggling it out.
Just an aside - I was under the impression that the accordion/scissor window gates were no longer FD approved. We had them removed and installed white, powder-coated FD-approved safety gates, and I'm much happier with the look. Behind white sheers they are hardly noticeable.
Posted by: Heatherie at July 15, 2008 8:53 AM
Oops, missed the tape suggestion prior to mine.
Posted by: Heatherie at July 15, 2008 8:58 AM
Hey Heather -- can you provide a link for the safety gates you had installed? I have the accordion-style silver ones in my kid's room and I HATE the way they look -- like she's in jail.
Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at July 15, 2008 10:37 AM
What you want are sash locks. They prevent the window from opening more than 8" or so (or at whatever height you install them). There are many different styles and some windows come with them built in. The primary difference is how you engage and disengage them.
Posted by: jimdisc at July 15, 2008 4:29 PM
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