We advise you to have laminated safety glass in particularly vulnerable areas in your home such as patio doors, French windows and glazed external doors, as well as windows adjacent to any door. It improves security and offers a safer environment inside the home.
Beware of toughened safety glass!
It shatters into thousands of small pieces with no sharp edges, leaving a gaping hole to climb or reach through: toughened safety glass can be regarded as 'burglar friendly'. Do not confuse it with laminated safety glass.
NB. For laminated glass to be most effective, it should be installed in frames that are also capable of resisting criminal attack, e.g. conforming to PAS 011:1994.
Considering new windows?
If you are in the process of deciding whether to have new windows or double glazing, the following questions may help in your choice of product and company. Here are a few frequently asked questions you may find useful.
Question: How can I be sure the windows I buy will be a quality product?
- Look for ISO 9000 accreditation (formerly BS 5750).
- Check that the window units conform to the British Standard
Question: How can I be sure that the product will last or that the company selling me the window will still be around if something goes wrong?
Answer: look for the company's commitment to producing a quality product through their compliance with British Standards. You may also feel more confident through recommendations from people you know.
Question: How can I make it more difficult to remove the beading or glass ?
Answer: Internal beading is generally more difficult to remove from the outside so use glazing clips or double sided security tape (or even both!) to make it harder to remove the glass.
Question: How can I make it more difficult to force the windows open?
Answer: Make sure your windows meet recognised British Standards and meet Product Approval Specification 011:1994 (PAS 011) Question: How easy is it for burglars to break through the glass?
It can be quite easy, but laminated glass will stop most burglars.
If you have any doubts about the contract or the product purchased contact the Trading Standards Department of your local council.