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Old 08-06-2009, 06:45 PM
 
Location: Broward County
2,517 posts, read 11,022,572 times
Reputation: 1391

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Hello...

Going to install hurrricane impact windows and am going with horizontal roller type windows that slide open horizontally. Someone told me that these type of windows are easily pried open from the track...similar to a sliding glass patio door. Is this true or not ? If this is the case, I may go with single hung windows.

Thank you !
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Old 08-08-2009, 12:57 AM
 
Location: Pacific Northwest
589 posts, read 7,639,798 times
Reputation: 1172
Default Horizontal roller type?

Alright, I'm the first to admit that the construction component terminology used in Florida is going to be somewhat different than it is here on the west coast of Canada. So if we end up discussing two entirely different Batmobiles...feel free to laugh at me.

I'm hoping you are referring to the window style I know as "horizontal sliders" or XO sliders (X depicting a moveable vent window and O depicting a fixed O-lite). Modern day extrusion designs (c.1980 and newer) are virtually impossible to "pop off" their track when in the closed or partially open position due to lock tabs (sometimes known as "set dogs"). These tabs are placed in the top guide track of the window extrusion directly above where the vent window sits while in the open/part open position and effectively lock it into the track. The slider simply cannot be removed from the track without breaking it and, in the process, making enough noise to wake the dead. We install a great many of these windows in residences as upgrades and no customer has ever mentioned the design as a security issue on our 2 year follow-ups. So to answer your question: No, what you were told is not true.

To carry this a bit further though, there ARE a couple of disadvantages to vertical sliders and single/double hung units. The main one revolves around their thermal efficiency, while it is good it isn't as good as a fixed window (O-lite). Something to consider when taking A/C costs into consideration. Of course the fixed unit doesn't allow you the option of opening the window. Probably the best type to consider is an awning or casement window which, by virtue of its design, allows you to open it for ventilation yet provides a total perimeter thermal seal when closed. There is less chance of rain penetration with an awning/casement unit as well.

The cost of both awnings and casements is a few dollars more than that of vertical sliders and the price of the screens, which require wickets, will add a couple of dollars more to that. However you will probably find that the savings on your heating & A/C tab will more than make up for it in short order.

(Not that heating is going to be a big issue in Florida like it is here in BC)

Ron
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Old 08-08-2009, 12:21 PM
 
Location: Broward County
2,517 posts, read 11,022,572 times
Reputation: 1391
Thank you very much Ron for that excellent answer. I appreciate it.
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