Windows are one of the most important home improvement elements. They let us embrace our surroundings, provide ample air and natural light, and come in a range of designs to seamlessly meld into the rest of the interior and exterior features of your home. When fitted with the appropriate locks and latches, they ensure ease of use, protection against gusts, and security from intruders.
Most Australian homes are fitted with casement, awning, single or double-hung windows and simple locks or latches that attach the window to the casement or frame. These security features allow quick ventilation in hot summers and keep out draughts when colder weather hits. However, if your window latch casement is loose or damaged, you risk property theft or damage. To keep loved ones safe, and your belongings where they should be, consider timely replacement of worn latches and locks.
Latch Basics
In simple terms. latches are mechanisms used to secure two separate moving parts together. They work by engaging components to open and unlock, or close and lock the parts. They come in a variety of designs, largely based on the windows in your home. Besides windows, you can also find latches in doors, various types of storage equipment, automotive parts and more.
What They Do
The primary task of latches and locks is to provide a secure way to lock your windows. Latches are often the first line of defence against external factors, including thieves and inclement weather. Once locked, they secure windows against the casement and prevent movement. Different latch types also provide safety and protection, by limiting the distance windows can open and preventing accidental falls and mishaps. This is especially useful in homes with young children or pets. Moreover, latches allow ventilation during inclement weather, without letting in rain or debris.
Common Types
If you’re considering latch replacements, bear in mind the different types to fit different windows:
Casement Window Latches
Casement windows feature in old and new homes and open like doors. They provide decent ventilation and an unobstructed view, and when shut and locked are airtight. If you’re considering home upgrades with casement windows also look into the various window latch casement configurations for simplified operation. Latches used here include a simple lever or handle, that when turned, locks the window against the frame.
This allows for a tight seal, preventing draughts, or unwanted movement during gusts. It’s also effective against tampering, aided by appropriately sized base plates securing the latch against the casement or frame at multiple points. Variants with key-locking mechs provide additional peace of mind. To ease operation and add some style, handles can be sourced in left and right-hand arrangements and several finishes, from brushed steel, power-coated white zinc, and black PVC at different price points.
Sash Window Latches
Sash windows feature in older homes and historic homesteads. Latches used with sash windows have a hook and eye mechanism to secure the window in place.
Tilt and Double-hung Latches
Tilt latches feature in single and double-hung windows and allow for easy and simplified ventilation, by tilting the window inward and holding it in place. For double-hung windows, matching latches allow movement of both the upper and lower sashes. To get the best possible security consider double-hung latches with a cam function, that pulls the sashes one against the other, creating a tighter seal.
Other Types
Other latch types include those fitted to sliding windows, awning latches that pivot the window in and outward with a cranking mech, windows with restrictors to limit movement, those with integrated child locks or multi-point locking mechanisms for improved security and ventilation locks in areas like bedrooms and nurseries among other options.
What to Consider When Buying
Choosing the right window latch doesn’t have to be difficult, To maximise security and simplify operation, consider:
- Compatibility – as discussed, different windows require different latch types. Consider the types of windows in your home, the materials they’re made of to prevent splintering or damage during installation, and the latches that have caught your eye are suitable.
- Security needs – these mechanisms are tasked with bringing the best possible safety and security. Keyed mechs are your best choice to stop intruders and unwarranted opening from the inside, while multipoint locks and cam handles seen in newer windows are viable alternatives.
- Materials and styles – coated and rust-proof handles, a variety of finishes and colours and the correct securing hardware ensure good looks that match the rest of your home. These also ensure prolonged use while maintaining good looks.
- Ease of use – you don’t want to be wasting time and energy when opening or closing windows with inferiorly designed latches and locks. Look for varieties that are quick and easy to use without sacrificing strength and durability.
To ensure latches last, regularly remove accumulated dirt and debris, use silicone-based lubricants to loosen up stuck parts, and check that there are no visible cracks or damage. Also check how windows fit against casements and frames and use silicone sealants to fill in gaps caused by humidity, temperature changes and wind.
