ᐅ Upgrading Windows with Mushroom Locks Allegedly Not Worth It – Opinions?
Created on: 11 May 2017 23:18
M
Mizit
Dear forum community, we would like to rely on your experience once again. We have received an offer and a recommendation but are not sure how to proceed.
I am worried about burglars, and the windows in our house, which is 23 years old, are all unsecured. We were thinking of having mushroom head locks installed on the 11 window sashes on the ground floor and also on 2 sashes on the upper floor that can be accessed via the garage roof.
Some initial, non-binding information indicated that retrofitting such mushroom head locks would cost about 300 euros per window.
Now we have obtained a second offer. The window profile depth was measured at 58 mm (2.3 inches) and the windows are double-glazed. We were told that upgrading the fittings to a security standard would no longer be financially worthwhile. The cost of a window door for retrofitting the fittings would be around 400 euros (net). Additionally, according to the supplier, it is unclear whether all fittings for these old profiles are still available. Therefore, they would rather advise us to replace the windows or at least some of them.
Well, I had already been wondering whether it makes sense to invest an amount approaching 4,000 euros in windows that are almost 25 years old. The current offer is even more expensive.
I assume that replacing 11 or 13 sashes would cost around 10,000 euros, wouldn’t it? Or even significantly more? On the other hand, these would then be new windows.
I was thinking that new windows with a U-value of 0.6 might also make sense because of heating oil costs. However, someone told me last week that this might not be a good idea, disregarding the costs, because we could quickly end up with mold in the house since there is no central ventilation installed.
Well… my feeling of security is very important to me, and of course that comes with a cost. But 400 euros (net) per window…?
I am worried about burglars, and the windows in our house, which is 23 years old, are all unsecured. We were thinking of having mushroom head locks installed on the 11 window sashes on the ground floor and also on 2 sashes on the upper floor that can be accessed via the garage roof.
Some initial, non-binding information indicated that retrofitting such mushroom head locks would cost about 300 euros per window.
Now we have obtained a second offer. The window profile depth was measured at 58 mm (2.3 inches) and the windows are double-glazed. We were told that upgrading the fittings to a security standard would no longer be financially worthwhile. The cost of a window door for retrofitting the fittings would be around 400 euros (net). Additionally, according to the supplier, it is unclear whether all fittings for these old profiles are still available. Therefore, they would rather advise us to replace the windows or at least some of them.
Well, I had already been wondering whether it makes sense to invest an amount approaching 4,000 euros in windows that are almost 25 years old. The current offer is even more expensive.
I assume that replacing 11 or 13 sashes would cost around 10,000 euros, wouldn’t it? Or even significantly more? On the other hand, these would then be new windows.
I was thinking that new windows with a U-value of 0.6 might also make sense because of heating oil costs. However, someone told me last week that this might not be a good idea, disregarding the costs, because we could quickly end up with mold in the house since there is no central ventilation installed.
Well… my feeling of security is very important to me, and of course that comes with a cost. But 400 euros (net) per window…?
C
Caspar202022 May 2017 11:12You still haven’t been to the police yet, have you?
No, since the house has not yet been handed over to us.
In any case, we will make an appointment with the police.
But I don’t really believe they will tell us anything completely new. The fact is, both window specialists told us: the balcony door at the back has no security and can be opened in 20 seconds. We definitely need to invest in security here.
The other two floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room can be tilted open; they don’t have a pivot point and, according to the craftsman, would therefore be quite difficult to pry open. So, if we installed a double bolt lock on these, it should be objectively acceptable. (I always think that if someone really wants to get in, they will find a way...)
In any case, we will make an appointment with the police.
But I don’t really believe they will tell us anything completely new. The fact is, both window specialists told us: the balcony door at the back has no security and can be opened in 20 seconds. We definitely need to invest in security here.
The other two floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room can be tilted open; they don’t have a pivot point and, according to the craftsman, would therefore be quite difficult to pry open. So, if we installed a double bolt lock on these, it should be objectively acceptable. (I always think that if someone really wants to get in, they will find a way...)
Mizit schrieb:
But they’re still almost a quarter of a century old—I don’t know what the average lifespan of a double-glazed window in the mid-price range is? Will we still think they’re good in five years? I think I already mentioned that plastic windows at this age would normally look "due" by now. Well-maintained ones sometimes last longer than expected. Despite my experience, I’m hesitant to commit to another eight or eleven years. Windows don’t have sudden unexpected heart attacks.
Mizit schrieb:
(I always think, anyone who really wants to get in will somehow get in...) The penalty for burglary doesn’t get “cheaper” just because the loot is meager, and burglars have to act economically too. If you talk about your coin collection in the beer garden, never go get bread without wearing diamond rings, and there are two Panameras parked in every driveway on your street, they will definitely come—whether or not there are locks.
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I think you should really consider targeted individual measures instead. Replacing the windows seems pointless, and retrofitting all sashes with mushroom locks for 5,000 euros is also not ideal. There must be options in between. With 5,000 euros, you could already do something in the area of alarm systems, which might even make more sense than the mushroom locks and could still be useful later if you decide to replace the windows.
But you need expert opinions for that—either from the police or professional consultants. It should be focused and not a blanket approach for the entire house.
But you need expert opinions for that—either from the police or professional consultants. It should be focused and not a blanket approach for the entire house.
11ant schrieb:
I believe I already mentioned that plastic windows of this age would normally be considered due for replacement by now. However, well-maintained ones can sometimes last longer than expected. Despite my knowledge of the subject, I hesitate to commit to another eight or eleven years. Windows don’t suffer from sudden unexpected failures like heart attacks.
How do you properly maintain plastic windows? Plastic is hardly affected by dirt and similar substances and would be cleaned again at the latest by the next rain or spray. The glass itself is not really impacted by dirt (unless sand is rubbed back and forth, causing scratches). Maintenance involving grease or oil isn’t visibly noticeable on the windows; it mainly preserves their function. Plastic windows also need to be lubricated or serviced every few years to ensure they last a very long time.
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