Externally Beaded Windows?

Frank99

Received some window quotes however, one of the best rated local Companies externally bead their windows. Is this a security risk?
They claim all their windows have special "Glass Locks" and have passed security tests but i wonder if an experienced glazier could get the window out without coming inside.:eek:

Crabman

Never heard of this - when ours were replaced all firms emphasised internal beading. I'd put these questions to them and ask for details of the "glass lock."

Perhaps ask them for a contractual guarantee for damages in the event of an externally beaded window being the point of access for criminal damage/burglary. Usually companies wind their neck in on unsubstantiated sales claims when asked to stake their own money.

EssexExile

I mentioned to the fitters putting in our new windows that the old ones had external beading. They said it wouldn't have been a problem as an adhesive had been used on the inside, even with the beading out Mr Burglar wouldn't be able to remove the unit from the outside.

elver_man

I am assuming you are talking about uPVC windows.


Glass locks can be used where externally beaded windows have been installed. I would suspect that during the installation of the glazing unit double sided bonding tape will also be used to bond the glazing unit to the frame. Although this makes it harder to remove the unit it still is possible to someone who knows what they are doing plus it often causes additional damage to the frame where the burglar attempts to lever out the unit. Glass locks will also be used inside to provide some additional security. Some of the locks are quite visible but you will be told this deters intruders as they can see them from the outside obviously makes it a little more difficult to remove an externally beaded glazing unit.


Personally I believe its trying to provide a solution to something that has already been resolved by having internal beads.


Easy option is to go for internally beaded windows.

ic

Why would a burglar bother to take the time to remove the glass? Surely they chuck a brick through, and grab what they want.

Richard_Overton_2911

ic wrote: »

Why would a burglar bother to take the time to remove the glass? Surely they chuck a brick through, and grab what they want.

Exactly, they can also use a spring loaded centre punch which on a toughend unit would make a really loud bang and this puts burglars off so the vast majority of them won't gain entry that way.

They don't tend to muck around taking external beads off as most units will be bed on security glazing tape, they will look for weak points in security such as open windows or try using a crow bar to prise open a shut window. Its surprising how brittle many window fasteners are and how easily they can be broken...............Burglars work on very tight schedules so want to be in and out within a few minutes and taking beads off takes far too long..

road2manchester

But..... if they try and get the beads out and make a right mess of the beads ..... who repairs them.... GET INTERNAL BEADS.

Slinky

I'm astonished anybody is actually making externally beaded windows anymore given how long internally beaded ones have been around.

Richard_Overton_2911

road2manchester wrote: »

But..... if they try and get the beads out and make a right mess of the beads ..... who repairs them.... GET INTERNAL BEADS.

The same person who will replace a broken sealed unit if they chose to gain entry by breaking the glass. I can only speak for timber windows because I!!!8217;ve been making them for over 30yrs. Technology moves on and with modern security glazing tapes sealed units fitted form the outside are very difficult to get out without making a lot of noise and as I said previously 95% of burglars are opportunists and will gain entry by an open window or use a jemmy bar to force open a window.. If they choose to break he glass to get in it doesn!!!8217;t matter which side the beads are on does it...

In the case of Upvc beads many are available off the shelf.

Ganga

Our windows have been in for 15 years plus and have external beading,never been a problem,i asked the window fitter about burglars removing the glass and entering the house,he just laughed and said he could get into internal beaded windows faster,as i said so far so good.

Frank99

That is interesting, the getting into Internally beaded windows faster is something i'm going to keep asking about.