uPVC window security

dubber

Looking for some reasonably priced replacement windows that are reasonably resistant to break in. It seems that most windows these days are internally glazed with decent locks. I've got a couple of quotes, including:

Grady Joinery - ok price, 6 point yale locks
McMahon & Nagle - more expensive, 8 point locks and have got the window certified by UK "secure by design"

I realise that if someone wants to break in they will, but can anyone common comment on the above two options or indeed anyone else I should be looking at? Thermal performance isn't a priority, security is and to a lesser extent price. They're going into a house with an elderly occupant, objective is to buy him enough time to hit a panic button before someone gets in the house.

BryanF

comments / recommendations on specific companies by PM only, thanks

fatty pang

As you note if somebody want to get in, they will. There are no burglar proof windows despite people advertising them on the radio. There are varying degrees of burglar resistantance on the principle that the average burglar is only prepared to spend a relatively short time trying to break in and will then move on to a less secure building.

Any window (or door) that is Secured By Design Certified (SBD) will be listed on the SBD website -

If its not on the website then it’s not guaranteed to be SBD. The customer should know who has actually manufactured the window rather then who is selling it. The fabricator and their production facilities are subject to the necessary quality audits rather then the sales company.
SBD is a police run scheme so Inspector Knacker takes a very dim view of misrepresentation in the UK and will involve Trading Standards. Inspector O’Knacker - or the government - isn’t that bothered about home security and there is no Trading Standards so minimal deterrent for 'overly exuberant' marketing.

There are suppliers of SBD certified products here but if you want to go down the uncertified route at a minimum I would recommend one pane of the insulated glazing unit be laminated glass in all ground floor windows and doors (SBD requires 6,76mm thick lam). Laminated glass is what you find in car windscreens and is difficult to penetrate. In the absence of laminated glass, ground floor windows should have lockable handles on opening sashes - so long as they are not used for emergency escape. Doors should have anti-bump and anti-snap cylinders (with no external locks on secondary doors if possible) The front door should not be keyed internally as this will likely be the primary exit route and you don’t want to be looking for a key in an emergency. Letterplates should be located at least 450mm from the lock and preferably have an internal cowl to stop attempts to ‘fish’ for keys.

dubber

Thanks for the comprehensive reply fatty - much appreciated. -snip- are listed and are competitive, so I might send the business their way given they've gone to the bother of getting certified. Although, to be honest, anything would be better than what's there, you could pop them open with screwdriver from a Christmas cracker!