ᐅ Upgrading Windows with Mushroom Locks Allegedly Not Worth It – Opinions?
Created on: 11 May 2017 23:18
M
MizitDear 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…?
G
Gartenfreund12 May 2017 01:29There are additional window locks available. They cost less and are said to be very secure.
However, the best approach is always to contact the police first and get advice from them. Upon request, they can even come out and provide on-site consultation.
So my advice is to get information from them before taking any action.
However, the best approach is always to contact the police first and get advice from them. Upon request, they can even come out and provide on-site consultation.
So my advice is to get information from them before taking any action.
The question sounds familiar from your threads https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/wie-schaetzt-ihr-die-einbruchshemmung-folgender-Fenster-ein.23991/ and
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/welchen-Schutz-vor-Einbruch-habt-ihr-Kostenschätzung.17662/ – what haven’t we already discussed there?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
https://www.hausbau-forum.de/threads/welchen-Schutz-vor-Einbruch-habt-ihr-Kostenschätzung.17662/ – what haven’t we already discussed there?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Well, for us, the new information was that a) it is now supposed to be even more expensive (400 net per sash), and it seemed as if this had something to do with the profile depth (as I said, total laypersons). The advice was that it’s no longer worth it and that investing in new windows would be better. I think we will still request a quote, but whether it will be significantly cheaper when the prices are already around 300, then 400 net per sash, is questionable.
Regarding this locking bar, during research you keep coming across this EM3 bar. Linking is not allowed here, but on the respective page it says the police recommend installing components that correspond to resistance class 2, yet nowhere does it state that this bar is also certified according to RC2. That confuses me a bit.
For it to be effective, two bars are supposed to be installed per running meter of the window. That would put us at 72 euros per running meter (60 euro bar + 12 euro additional security), so for most windows you would probably need to install two per sash. Okay, 150 euros is less than 300 or 400, but it is still not clear to me whether with such a bar I am actually buying security that is truly comparable to mushroom cams.
Regarding this locking bar, during research you keep coming across this EM3 bar. Linking is not allowed here, but on the respective page it says the police recommend installing components that correspond to resistance class 2, yet nowhere does it state that this bar is also certified according to RC2. That confuses me a bit.
For it to be effective, two bars are supposed to be installed per running meter of the window. That would put us at 72 euros per running meter (60 euro bar + 12 euro additional security), so for most windows you would probably need to install two per sash. Okay, 150 euros is less than 300 or 400, but it is still not clear to me whether with such a bar I am actually buying security that is truly comparable to mushroom cams.
Window manufacturers make better profits from new windows than from retrofitting. Price quotes for retrofitting are often deliberately set high so that the customer opts for "new" windows instead. The argument "not worth it (in relation)" is then used to justify new windows. It’s nothing more than that.
But you don’t need to worry about that. Your uPVC windows are still good, and you can trust a former aluminum window manufacturer on that—as well as the fact that mushroom cams don’t have to cost a small fortune.
The RC classification does not translate exactly one-to-one from the old WK classification, but that’s not a problem. For doors (which only swing), different types of burglary-resistant technology are suitable than for windows, which usually also tilt.
Mushroom cams are components that engage with corresponding parts on the window frame—more precisely: a type whose head shape makes it harder to force out of its guide. They are part of the window locking system.
Profile depths correspond to glazing thicknesses. That’s a different matter entirely.
The next provider will probably try to fool you by claiming that parts for white windows are more expensive than for anthracite-colored ones.
1) Your windows are still good.
2) Mushroom cams are sufficient.
3) They work—forget the exaggerated claims.
4) Fear-based pricing is meant to be a "sales argument."
5) I’m not going to say this again.
6) A fourth thread on this wouldn’t change anything either.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
But you don’t need to worry about that. Your uPVC windows are still good, and you can trust a former aluminum window manufacturer on that—as well as the fact that mushroom cams don’t have to cost a small fortune.
The RC classification does not translate exactly one-to-one from the old WK classification, but that’s not a problem. For doors (which only swing), different types of burglary-resistant technology are suitable than for windows, which usually also tilt.
Mushroom cams are components that engage with corresponding parts on the window frame—more precisely: a type whose head shape makes it harder to force out of its guide. They are part of the window locking system.
Profile depths correspond to glazing thicknesses. That’s a different matter entirely.
The next provider will probably try to fool you by claiming that parts for white windows are more expensive than for anthracite-colored ones.
1) Your windows are still good.
2) Mushroom cams are sufficient.
3) They work—forget the exaggerated claims.
4) Fear-based pricing is meant to be a "sales argument."
5) I’m not going to say this again.
6) A fourth thread on this wouldn’t change anything either.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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