fire safety /double glazing

white_rose_jax

My daughter has just moved house and I was concerned that all the windows were double glazed with only a small top opener. I was worried that in the event of a fire she may be trapped in the bedroom. I know it is really difficult to break a double glazed window so I did a bit of searching on the net and found https://www.cdnsolutions.co.uk/smokexcape they produce a small device which you fit in the corner of the window and in a fire you just remove the safety cap, hit it twice with something like the heel of a shoe and it easily breaks the glass. The website gives a lot of details, including a demonstration. It has been taken up by Merseyside Fire Dept., who have fitted it to some properties. They cost £9.99 (inc P&P) and at the moment are selling 2 for £15. In my opinion a small price to pay for piece of mind.

woodbutcher_2

If the windows were done to regs,one of them should be a designated fire escape window with a sash large enough to get out of.These can be fitted retrospectively by taking out the bottom unit and replacing it with a sash.The window breaker sounds fine but do they only work on toughened glass which shatters in to small pieces?

white_rose_jax

The windows were replaced quiet a few years ago. I don`t know if the regulations have changed, but there isn`t one window upstairs that can be opened enough to get out of. I hope the device works on all types of glass. Fingers crossed it won`t be needed!

Rex_Mundi

You said that you bought this to help your daughter escape in case of fire. This isn't what it is designed for. It is designed to break the glass and let some fresh air in.

In the demo video, it showed them breaking the (normal float) glass, and then advised you to wait till help arrives.

If the glass was toughened as woodbutcher points out. There would be a chance of breaking all the glass out safely enough to escape (possibly), but with normal glass there would be so many jagged edges around the frame after breaking it. You would get cut to shreds climbing through the window.

Personally I would pick the TV, or clock radio up, and launch it through the window. This would break the glass for sure.

Nile

Rather than expensive modifications to the windows, wouldn't it be a cheaper option and potentially life saving too.............to install smoke detectors throughout the house?

If a fire started, the smoke detector(s) would give plenty of time for the occupants to escape via the stairs and front door.;)

Rex_Mundi

Nile wrote:

Rather than expensive modifications to the windows, wouldn't it be a cheaper option and potentially life saving too.............to install smoke detectors throughout the house?

If a fire started, the smoke detector(s) would give plenty of time for the occupants to escape via the stairs and front door.;)

By far the most sensible option.

white_rose_jax

Thanks for your replies. The house is fitted with smoke detectors, but the ground floor is open plan and if a fire broke out in the living area going downstairs would take you into the smoke. My main concern is that she could be trapped by smoke so I was looking for a way to break the window quickly. I am happy with my purchase and I just wanted to pass on the details in case anyone was interested.

woodbutcher_2

I don't think expense comes into it.If it were me,i would have a big sash fitted to make sure.

mattymoo

Rex_Mundi wrote:

Personally I would pick the TV, or clock radio up, and launch it through the window. This would break the glass for sure.

Actually it would probably bounce off the window.

You need to hit the glass with a life hammer or similar implement near the corner where the glass is under the most stress.

Rex_Mundi

mattymoo wrote:

Actually it would probably bounce off the window.

You need to hit the glass with a life hammer or similar implement near the corner where the glass is under the most stress.

Nearly 25 years in the glass trade tells me that either of these would fly through a DG unit.

With normal float. The weakest point would be furthest away from any support, which would make this the centre of the unit.

roswell

life hammer from local pound shop or car parts shop should do just the same trick mount it near the window, although really id just get a replacment window .... it would make life so much easier.