Continuing my theme of small technical aspects of windows which annoy @BudeWindows ;-), Wednesday’s topic of choice was inspired by what was an innocent tweet by @dempseydyer: “Part of the industry is still putting the argument across that externally beaded windows are less secure than internally beaded. Not true”
Oh my that did spark of some debates about the use of externally beaded windows! To set my stall out, I have always been taught that externally glazed windows are a risk, especially on PVC windows. I joined the industry 8 years ago and that is what I have been taught. Fitters have always told me that glazing tape on PVC windows doesn’t keep the burglars out, no matter what the manufacturers say, and I tend to believe them.
But the conservation today expanded to timber and aluminium windows as well. Peter Dyer explained that his externally beaded timber windows were tested to various standards which prevented burglars from removing the beads and taking the glass out. Nick Dardalis weighed in with his aluminium perspective. The consensus was heading down a road that a variety of clips and glazing tape seemed to do the trick at keeping the nasties out, whether PVC, aluminium or timber windows. Something about that made me a little uncomfortable.
When we think about residential installations, most of the general public know about the problem with externally beaded windows, especially on PVC windows. It has been well publicised how easy it is to remove PVC beads and take glass out externally. Yet it still baffles me how some PVC window installers continue to offer externally beaded windows. I can’t honestly think of a good enough reason to use them. I am not experienced enough in the aluminium and timber fields to make a detailed comment about their externally glazed options. But in an industry where internally glazed windows are quite readily available in any system, why even bother offering externally glazed windows?
I know on commercial jobs that the situation is different, but on residential I firmly believe that all windows should be internally beaded. I don’t believe that glazing tape and clips will prevent a determined burglar from getting in. I have had frequent conversations with our fitters about this sort of thing and they are insistent that no matter how many clips or tape is on there, they could be overcome, especially on PVC windows.
I cannot think of any practical reason as to why I would ever need to sell externally glazed windows to any of my customers. So, if there is something I’m missing, please leave it in the comments section below and I will be prepared to stand corrected!
There were other comments online today that if a good tape and clip is used, the unit will stay in. That is a perfectly reasonable statement, but then that very much relies on the person putting in the windows to know what they are doing. As with any product we sell, if it is put in poorly, the best product in the world is just as poor as the worst.
Moral of this post? Fit internally glazed windows. It’s just far easier and less hassle!
I agree fully with Peter Dyer on this one. Externally beaded timber windows, fitted with a ‘security’ glazing tape, are just as secure as internally beaded windows. We produce our timber windows with external beading, and so long as you use a ‘security’ glazing tape, the DGU cannot be simply removed by removing the glazing beads. The only way to remove a DGU is to enter the house, and cut through the glazing tape with a stanley knife (but to do this, you have to be able to enter the house), thus making it secure as far as burglary, and… Read more »
Externally beaded windows offer a far better weather rating for exposed areas, I realise that most of the UK does not need high exposure rated product, but external glazing , through experience and testing does it better . How many top hung windows do you notice water discolouration on the bottom rail bead ? plenty in my observations.. Internally glazed windows are a lot easier and quicker to glaze , simple as that , that is why the industry sells it so profusely . It is a phallacy to suggest it is more secure , I know of a few… Read more »
The Security testing is exactly the same for all types of materials and configurations of beadings. If it passes its good. If it doesn’t it is not. No difference at all to a Burglar.
I also confirm that external glazing is far better in high exposure locations.(having seen many test sessions at BSI stations)
There is a lot of brainwashing over the benefits of internal glazing in my opinion.
Its generally accepted that externally beaded windows are less secure than internally beaded windows, you can remove the beads from the outside and take the glass units out fairly easily. However in most cases “Bob the Burglar” wouldn’t have/take the time to remove the beads to remove a window. Although timber windows, fitted with a secure glazing tape are very secure, id so just as secure as internal beaded windows.
Most modern windows, the beading is on the inside to help reduce burglarys, I have myself had to gain entry to my property by removing the beading and climbing through, I belive the green deal scheme will help with the cost of upgrading to modern windows to make all home safer in the future.
An old thread I know but… I too broke into my own property by removing the beads & dg unit, it took about 30 mins’ as I was being careful not to damage anything. Not a problem if I had been a burgler & no-one would have noticed me at the back of the house. This was a timber frame with dry glazing system & external aluminium beads. This may be the best type of installation for timber frames; with well drained bead zone & epdm rubber seals inside & out but it was not difficult to break in. Can… Read more »