Burglargard looks pretty cool. But I'd definitely have to re-evaluate fire exits before I installed, the last thing I'd want is for the entire family to burn to death because I was trying to save a few thousand dollars in property which is insured and replaceable.
Door frames and window frames are a common source of intrusion, but if your frames are made out of wood then I don't know if the 6" screws are going to save you, the wood is often a source of failure rather than coming unscrewed. It just splinters away.
As to Havenlock: many back doors are slide, and can be bounced out of their runs. It might help on the few which are swing doors rather than slide (at least around here). I think the whole app thing is kind of dumb, it is just a wedge, and still requires drilling into the floor.
<quote>Burglargard looks pretty cool. But I'd definitely have to re-evaluate fire exits before I installed, the last thing I'd want is for the entire family to burn to death because I was trying to save a few thousand dollars in property which is insured and replaceable.</quote>
If your fire exit strategy currently relies on the ability to break a window, you've already failed at fire safety. You need to be able to OPEN a fire exit in an emergency, not MAKE one...
The basic rule is that, besides the entry door, there has to be one other exit that opens to the outside, which can be another door, but is usually a window. There are size rules for the window.
The window is intended not just for entry of firefighters, but also for unassisted exit.
In some older apartment buildings (eg, Portland, OR), the fire egress plan involves other residents being able to break into your apartment and exit using your external fire escape.
In these buildings, you'll see an apartment on each floor with a glass window in their door, and a heavy object hanging from a chain next to it. (It's a fun puzzle for guests -- "See that bolt hanging from the chain? See the adjustable crescent wrench on the next floor? How does that work?")
Wow, that's messed up. Might as well have a big "burglary decoy" sign above that door too. Something makes me think letting agents have trouble getting the same price for that flat...
Well I think that swelling only will occur when the moisture goes up. Also I think in newer homes the windows are more fire resistance and are a lot harder to break. But I do think that if it comes to that, than do it or do what ever you have to, to get out.
Mine are significantly harder to open in the fall when temps are around 50F versus the summer when temps average 75F. Older windows are probably more prone than brand new ones.
Door frames and window frames are a common source of intrusion, but if your frames are made out of wood then I don't know if the 6" screws are going to save you, the wood is often a source of failure rather than coming unscrewed. It just splinters away.
As to Havenlock: many back doors are slide, and can be bounced out of their runs. It might help on the few which are swing doors rather than slide (at least around here). I think the whole app thing is kind of dumb, it is just a wedge, and still requires drilling into the floor.