Ideas for securing an aluminum casement window

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Would like some input for ideas to secure an aluminum casement window in my bedroom.

The temperature in BBB's house is too warm for me and I can't stand it any longer. I need some cool fresh air in my bedroom while sleeping. Unfortunately the window is exposed to a busy street corner and bars on the window are not an affordable solution for now. I am trying to come up with some other ideas that will enable me to keep the window open a few inches at night yet still provide some security while sleeping with an open window.

I took some photos of the window and some ideas I had for accomplishing the task. Can you take a look and make some suggestions I haven't thought of that will do the trick?

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs179.snc1/6760_243777570213_748555213_8397373_6265282_n.jpg

Aluminum casement bedroom window - exposed to busy street corner. See measurements in photos.

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6760_243777585213_748555213_8397374_596870_n.jpg

This window lock would work if I could rotate it so that the screw holes were on the narrow side and the bolt was about an inch longer and I was able to mortise the plate into the window frame so it doesn't interfere with the window operation.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6760_243780520213_748555213_8397432_7542008_n.jpg

This is more like what I need if I'm able to install the bolt close enough to the edge of the window sash to securely slide into holes I'd drill into the inside of the window frame.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6760_243780530213_748555213_8397433_1969393_n.jpg

Any other ideas or issues with the above option that I haven't thought of?

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Don't drill into the window, you could affect the integrity of the casing and cause moisture etc. What I would do is... Buy a piece of wood, about the width of a hockey stick, cut it in two pieces, one for the bottom to hold the window open and another piece that will fit securely into the top section, that way the window cannot be opened beyond a certain height, limit.
Hope this makes sense, I do this all the time, this way I can leave my window open yet secure when i leave the house or at night whilst sleeping.

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The hockey stick thingy should fit into the window sash.

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@Ceili,

Ceili wrote:

Don't drill into the window, you could affect the integrity of the casing and cause moisture etc. What I would do is... Buy a piece of wood, about the width of a hockey stick, cut it in two pieces, one for the bottom to hold the window open and another piece that will fit securely into the top section, that way the window cannot be opened beyond a certain height, limit.
Hope this makes sense, I do this all the time, this way I can leave my window open yet secure when i leave the house or at night whilst sleeping.

That was one of my early solutions. Problem is that all someone has to do is remove the screen and then jiggle the window to dislodge the sticks and gain entrance. I'm not comfortable screwing them in place because then I don't have an exit in case of fire.

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@Butrflynet,

I've no idea re the casing scenario, though I'll think about it. Just wishing you some night air.

Which brings up, a drilled space with a fan in a tube, not sure at what level but probably high up....
I don't even know if such exists. Just thinking.

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@Butrflynet,

Quote:

an aluminum casement window in my bedroom.

I may well be wrong but it looks like a double hung window to me, BFN, not a casement window.

Quote:

That was one of my early solutions. Problem is that all someone has to do is remove the screen and then jiggle the window to dislodge the sticks and gain entrance. I'm not comfortable screwing them in place because then I don't have an exit in case of fire.

Why not hold them in place at night with some duct tape until you can get the iron safety bars?

1 Reply

@JTT,

Doh, I agree re the double hung windows. I was off on what else to do.

1 Reply

@ossobuco,

I'll be quiet, I know nothing about aluminum window mechanisms.

1 Reply

@ossobuco,

And then I'll add, a nice fat pot in front with a rampant plant? Alternately, just that rampant plant?

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@Butrflynet,

In looking at your photo, I think I see a simple tempory solution without adding permanent hardware or drilling into anything. Of course, the bars would be the best solution when you are able.

My simple idea is to open the window to the desired height and attached a c clamp on either side. It appears that there is enough of the frame to hold the clamp.

http://tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:830WZj1n10MOPM:http://www.noahsboatbuilding.com/mmNOAHUSA/Images/CCLAMP.JPG

1 Reply

@Intrepid,

Intrepid, you sparked another idea with your c-clamp suggestion.

What about something like these? Would this provide security or would it be very easy for someone to dislodge them?

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs179.snc1/6760_245161915213_748555213_8432920_505890_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs179.snc1/6760_245161925213_748555213_8432921_3851328_n.jpg

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@Butrflynet,

The second one may work. It appears to be mainly for a sliding type window, but if it will fit the edge of the frame it should work. Just tighten the thumbscrews tightly.

1 Reply

@Butrflynet,

If you opt for these, I'd look at the first one, BFN. If you are at all concerned about fire, it's not a good idea to have to mess around with screw handles in a smoke filled room.

Get a large space blanket, taken out of its packages, stored under the bed to allow you to go out the door even thru a fire.

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Picky picky

Razz

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@Intrepid,

Thieves are pretty brazen around here. She's had people steal heavy metal benches and sidewalk lights from her front yard. She and her neighbors all have to keep their garage doors closed at all times because people walk right into them and steal stuff out of them if they are open for more than a few minutes. When she first moved in here some kids came back and vandalized/broke her front windows after she said she didn't want what they were selling door-to-door. They are custom windows and cost her a pretty penny to replace.

1 Reply

@Butrflynet,

Sounds like you need Wyatt, Doc, and the boys or you'd better move out of Tombstone.

Quote:

She's had people steal heavy metal benches

Set one on an insulated pad , then hook the bench up to 110. That oughta fix the problem.

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This looks pretty easy to do...

http://www.checkbook.org/interactive/homesecu/other/dhung.jpg

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@CalamityJane,

If they were wood framed, it would work. Not sure if it will work on an aluminum frame or if it would compromise the seals.

1 Reply

@BumbleBeeBoogie,

I do have to ask... is the problem financial (a/c is expensive) or preferences? If it's just preferences, wouldn't it make more sense for BBB to pile on the blankets at night? It sounds like night-time is the issue.

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@Butrflynet,

Quote:

If they were wood framed, it would work. Not sure if it will work on an aluminum frame or if it would compromise the seals.

Just by looking at the window pane, I suspect that they are double-paned, are they not? you should be able to see the extent of the glass and its sealing unit. Drilling back from that shouldn't compromise the glass seal.

But I'd check with the manufacturer and also, why not check with the manufacturer of the windows to see if they have some lock products for sale.

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Ideas for securing an aluminum casement window

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