Window locks continued....

milleniumaire

Carrying on from this closed thread I came across when wondering about the need for key operated window handles:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5308488/purpose-of-key-locking-on-windows/p2

In my own home the windows are less than 10 years old and every window has a key operated window lock, and I tend to leave the key in the lock for convenience, which I've always thought defeats the point of having a key operated window lock since it can easily be unlocked.

Personally, I put convenience before the needs of the insurance company, since insurance is the only reason I can think of for having key operated window locks.

When applying for home contents insurance there are many questions about the types of locks in the home, and I suspect many people haven't got a clue what types of locks they have, it always struck me there was no mention of what to do with the keys.  For example, locks on an external door obviously prevent someone from getting into your home, so does it really matter if the key is left in the door (on the inside obviously).

For windows, once the window is closed, I don't see the point in locking it, but always ensure they are locked with the key left in it.  It isn't possible to open the window from the outside without breaking the glass, regardless of whether the window handle is locked or not.

It may be that in their small print, insurers insist that windows are locked, but does it say anything about leaving keys in the locks (for convenience)?

If a burglar wants to get into the house they will need to break the glass and having a lockable window handle won't make any difference to this.  Once the glass is broken they could then possibly unlock the window and open it, but given that window locks are easily broken by forcing them, leaving a key in the lock makes no difference.

Also, have you noticed that a window lock key seems to work in many different window locks?  You could also argue this isn't very secure.  As an example, we have a small rental property that we are redecorating between tenants.  The previous tenants have managed to lose all the window lock keys, so I tried those from our own house and they work perfectly in 4 out of 5 of the locks, with the 5th being an obviously different window handle to the others.  I also determined that locking one of the window handles makes no difference and the handle still turns, so the locking mechanism has been broken over the years!  These windows must be at least 20 years old, so more than 10 years older than our own, but still operate with the same key.

So, it would seem security is a minor issue when it comes to window locks since they can easily be opened with any key or simply forced open.

I'm therefore coming to the conclusion that having a lockable window handle doesn't really provide any benefit.  That won't stop me purchasing more keys and replacing the broken handle, prior to the new tenants moving in, but I wonder what the point is!

Appreciate your thoughts.

casper_gutman

When I'm renewing insurance I always choose the option that I have no key-operated locks on the windows. A few of the windows are still the original timber sliding sash windows. They have locks but I'm not sure if the tool for fastening them would count as a "key" as such. It doesn't have any unique profile, it's more akin to one of those drivers for security screws (although the 'keys' for uPVC window locks tend to have a standard shape anyway, so I'm not sure where the line is).

Telling the insurers that I have no key-operated locks doesn't really seem to make much difference to the cost and saves me worrying about a claim being refused.

In terms of what you do with the keys, I vaguely remember an insurer stating that keys shouldn't be left in doors, possibly with an exception for exit routes at night. Not sure about windows though.

FreeBear

If you have uPVC or composite doors with eurocylinder locks, with the right tools, you can break in in seconds. Anti-snap locks will take a little longer to defeat. Attacking the door is quieter than smashing windows (double glazed units are surprisingly difficult to break).

So yes. I agree that window locks do not really improve security.

EssexExile

I checked my insurance documents after I had new windows fitted and could find no mention of window locks. All my new windows have locks but none are locked, I don't see the point.

Ectophile

EssexExile said:

I checked my insurance documents after I had new windows fitted and could find no mention of window locks. All my new windows have locks but none are locked, I don't see the point.

It's usually a question they ask when you apply for insurance.  They may only ask about accessable windows, typically downstairs ones, but could also include ones next to fire escapes.