Best window hardware according to redditors

Definitely take the precautions that others are recommending. And invest in some window locks and a door wedge alarm.

I used to do maintenance at a couple medium sized hotels, get a big bag of DE (diatomaceous earth) and a squirt bottle thing (usually comes in a kit with the DE if you're getting a bed bug kit) and spray it EVERYWHERE in every nook and cranny (bed, couch, cushions, corners of floors/carpet/walls), also spray in your car, everywhere, make the cops who pull you over think you're a coke dealer with parkinsons.

Run all of your clothes and couch cushion covers ect in HOT water. And dry on HIGH heat. Bed bugs don't deal well with heat, granted your clothes may shrink...

I've spoken to many pest control people (guests will bring them in) we take a nuke everything/salted earth approach to confirmed reports of bedbugs. They will usually hide near wherever they are going to feed. So bed, couch, etc, anywhere you might be sitting for a long period of time.

They normally don't move from wherever they set up their home (a particular corner of the bed frame etc) until they get crowded out.
Depending on which side your neighbor is, line the common wall with DE as a precaution, also if you do share a common wall with her unit, get those outlet/switch cover gaskets and install them under the coverplates. (I woulnd't spray DE into the outlet boxes, DE itself isn't conductive, but it will pull moisture out of the air, and become conductive overtime).

Situation sucks. Be sure to advise your landlord that your screen and blinds need repaired, and that the neighbor was the one who damaged them. Landlord should hassle him about it. Also, call the cops every time something happens. I know it seems like an annoyance, but this guy needs a history so the cops will be more aggressive.

Consider a camera like the Logitech circle 2 (costs a bit to purchase, but you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription fee.) It can be put in a window looking outside, so he’d have to bust the window to break the camera.

Also, if you want to be able to crack your windows a tad without worrying about creeper pulling them open more, get some of these.

There could be poorly insulated power sockets and light switches that are allowing air to move through the walls. These are little insulated pads that you put behind your light switch plates/sockets and it may help, at the very least you'll have fewer spots for drafts.

http://www.amazon.com/Duck-283333-Sealers-Variety-Decorative/dp/B0040JH21W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1419703715&sr=8-1&keywords=light+switch+insulation

That is just one brand but it gets the idea across. Your local hardware store will have more options.

If you're really paranoid about the sun, you can always put on a clear UV film on your skylight so you can still enjoy it. There are lots of them available, the one I linked to is just the first one that popped up.

This is just from an old renovator. Please take it for what it's worth.....

I have nothing but the highest respect for the eggheads at UMASS Amherst, but real world installations will almost certainly fall below the targeted goals.

I have opened up more walls with blown-in insulation than I can count, and in every single instance there was a void at the top due to settling. Some of the voids were between a foot and two feet wide. Now maybe the 4.5 pound per cubic foot density will alleviate that, but I personally doubt it. None of the installers that I've ever met weigh the product as it gets blown into a cavity. And they don't use a flexible rod to mechanically pack the product down. They get paid by the job, not the hour. They blow and go.

The lofty goals of increased air sealing, zero settling, and better sound control is nice, but in reality will not be easily done, nor will it be measurable. All it takes for a poor air seal is for an interior outlet to not have an envelop around it, especially if it is opposite an exterior outlet. There are special electrical boxes to address this issue, but you don't have any:

http://www.alliedmoulded.com/go/energy

you can seal them with spray foam:

http://www.coupons4lv.com/uploads/1/6/6/4/1664982/9637161_orig.jpg

you can use foam gaskets:

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-283333-Sealers-Variety-Decorative/dp/B0040JH21W

You should also caulk along the seams of the sheetrock where it meets the other walls, the floor, and the ceiling. The floor joints are the worst culprit. I've had some that were so bad the wind whistling through would blow out a candle.

To get to zero settling, I see no way to accomplish that without mechanical compaction. Areas that often get less densely packed are the parts of the void below the electrical wiring. A dam can be created between the sheetrock and 12/2, giving the impression that the void is filled. Yet it is mostly air under the wiring. Sometimes you need to force it past the electrical cable with something rigid, like a thin fiberglass pole.

And there are WAY better options for sound control than blown-in. Try a few experiments with your fake wall with no insulation, loose fill, and dense packed. There will not be a great difference.

In short, doing the best you can is your goal. The lofty goals of the UMASS experts are nice, but not likely achievable in the real world.

If you don't want to bother with sunscreen and you're concerned about aging, it's not a bad idea to buy a UV-blocking window film just for that one window. They're fairly cheap and easy to put on. Amazon even sells a roll for $30.

I mentioned this in another thread, but I feel that more should know about my (mostly) insect free room.

> Do what I did: buy some cheap fly screen (I got mine for about a fiver from here) with thin, adhesive, velcro hook strips. Stick the strips around the window and stick the net screen (trimmed to size) to the velcro. Voilà: moth proof room, even with open windows. You can sit and laugh at the stupid buggers as they try to fly into your room, but bounce off.

> I had this up all last year and I could count the number of moths I found in my room on one hand; all, presumably, from other parts of the house. It might cost a little time and effort, but the pay-off is insurmountable.

> No need to thank me; just pass on this information to all fellow haters of moths (forever damned be their wings for their tendency to fly towards me).

Looks like a sliding aluminum window lock https://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Hardware-Aluminum-Sliding-Window/dp/B00KKUBENW

Actual bullet-proof glass is expensive and probably has to be professionally installed. Even so, bullets will still go through exterior walls and drywall quite easily.

My first suggestion if you truly fear for your family's safety is to move. I know you said the property has been in the family for a very long time, but you should ask yourself it the property is worth a family member dying - if that's what you really think would happen if you stayed.

My second suggestion if you can't afford the stiff bill for the bulletproof glass - is to add some basic fortification to the home to prevent unauthorized entry. A door jamb reinforcement kit and some window security film will go a long way for preventing access to anyone trying to break in. A firearm (or a few) is a must if allowed in your jurisdiction. Just make sure everyone gets some safety training if they're not familiar with guns. Another thing to look into is a monitored alarm. Dogs are also great deterrents and alerts.

My point here is, it's much more effective use of your money fortifying and securing your home than it is to try to make it bulletproof. Unless you are very wealthy, that is going to break the bank. Go browsing around the subreddit and read some wiki articles to get more ideas on fortification and what other people have done.

Glass breakage protection vs just blocking people from viewing inside from the outside.

Yes, they're stops on an L-shaped bracket which allows them to slide around a corner. You install them on the upper window at whatever height you want. When the stops are on the front face of the window, it prevents the lower window from sliding past it. When you turn the stops to the inner side, they no longer block the window.

​

Here's an example: Window Stopper

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Wow, that's a ridiculously long URl. Anyway, we installed them in all our first floor windows years ago, when we first moved in. Technically we should have them on some of the second floor windows as well, since there are porches.

arlo pro 2s kit pointed at the entry points and the points of egress further into the house, maybe a trail cam with a wifi enabled sd card setup to capture license plates, or raspberry pi cams if you are tech and hardware savvy. Then add the following physical security measures. use a door like this https://www.homedepot.com/p/32-in-x-80-in-6-Panel-Primed-Premium-Steel-Front-Door-Slab-THDJW166100315/202036384 for all exterior doors , just measure your door and order the correct size. Then add this lock https://www.amazon.com/Medeco-11TR50319-Residential-Restricted-Different/dp/B00E3FJQSA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524545911&sr=8-1&keywords=medeco+maxum+11603 and this frame reinforcement https://www.amazon.com/gp/huc/view.html?ie=UTF8&newItems=C2ae929ab-95e4-41e5-9003-f5dfdccf8fa0%2C1 with 3 inch security screws. Then repeat on your bedroom , and possibly your en suite bathroom. Add Window film like this https://www.amazon.com/S8MC-Window-Security-Safety-Clear/dp/B00FRLJU0I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1525334252&sr=8-5&keywords=bdf+film if you can afford it.

Buy clear Security film from Amazon.

Remove when you leave.

The stuff on Amazon isn't the most amazing stuff. But it's still quite good. But since you rent there's no point in having the top shelf stuff professionally installed.

You can buy these locks that prevent the window from being opened wide enough for someone to fit through:

1 X Lot of 4 Pcs Sliding Window Lock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K7IGKV8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_BfYmzbBYPF1M7

Uhm, really not the answer you're looking for, but if these are the sliding patio doors on rails, they're totally crap. Basically, a crowbar will open them, they're better than an open window... There is one good solution, but I don't think there's a smart version.

double latch for sliding glass door.

If you look at this lock, you'll notice it's basically like a "hinge" when it's closed up. That's what prevents the door from being popped off the rail with a crowbar, because it prevents both horizontal and vertical wiggle.

If your doors are not the sliding kind, you can ignore my comment. :P

Regarding personal security, window locks are all and good, but be sure to get security film as well. It's surprisingly cheap (dunno how good this brand is, but 30 inches by 6.5 feet for $40)

A good security film goes on clear, or close enough and makes it dramatically more difficult to break the glass. It's not the end-all be-all, of course, but it should buy you more time if he goes full psycho and tries to break in.

And if there's any chance at all that he has a key to your place, rekey. Replacing locks is easy and relatively inexpensive.

I’m no expert, but I have these items and they make me feel a little safer. They’re well reviewed and won’t break the bank. Not sure how management will feel about installing hardware if it’s a rental but they may allow it given that someone broke in.

door armor - amazon

window locks - amazon

Additionally, your local police department may run safety seminars about how to secure your home against this sort of thing. Mine does.

And of course Wyze cams which may be good for your peace of mind, $25 each. Be safe.

I know of two, purchasable options that exist:

​

Security window film on the inside of windows - won't stop glass from breaking, but will control glass particles and could prevent something like a branch breaking all the way through the glass: https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2

​

Hurricane clips exist, which let you place plywood in the window casing without drilling (not an option on all window types, but pretty great if it works for your space): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014PYV0P0/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_AlBADbHFM1CCB

Seriously, bathing in DEET before going to bed? I gotta know, are y'all taking the piss here or do Irish people literally not know about window screens?

Edit: if you do buy that particular screen, get some proper Velcro tape as well, because the stuff that comes with it is shit.

Security film your windows. They wont get through shit.

https://www.amazon.com/S8MC-Window-Security-Safety-Clear/dp/B00FRLJU0I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491453030&sr=8-1&keywords=security+film+for+glass+windows

Plastic tends to yellow over time, you might consider buying a UV light resistant film to put on the glass so that the plastic doesn't yellow.
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

https://blackoutez.com/
http://www.amazon.com/Blackout-EZ-Window-Cover-Large/dp/B006S65GAE/

What was the wrench for?

I would need a drill for the screw holes into the window sash...

Anyway, it also helps to have a second pair of hands.

When I did use A/C or put one in for someone else I would put these things.

Takes some of weight of bracket and window sill and resists somebody trying to open the window.


And in fairness to the OP not everyone is handy. We all have different experiences, interests and thing we are proficient in.

I actually use the Wyze panning camera for my 2 bedroom apartment. They're a little over $30 each, I set up 3 of them, 1 is designated to face a window with a fire escape, and the other 2 are to watch my dog while we're out work. Since they pan, it makes it easy for me to turn the cameras and look for him if needed. Here are two pictures I took to show you the quality. I really like the camera so far. I have a micro SD card in them so I have continuous playback.

• https://imgur.com/a/kgcibas
  
  Also, just to be safe, I got these window locks for my windows. I didn't like the bars in case there is an emergency and we need to get out quickly. Bought these off Amazon and tested them, seems very sturdy right now.
  
  Let me know if you have any questions!

Socket sealers (in addition to child safety plugs) work really well on any outlets that happen to be on exterior walls.

https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Sealers-Variety-Decorative-283333/dp/B0040JH21W

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2

Get yourself some window security film. My buddy who used to be a thief said it is the best cheapest most obvious thing that people never think of.

Here ya go!

Or, for a more durable screen: Try this one

To use it, you cut it out to the same size as your window, then use a staplegun to secure it around the wooden window frame.

Have you added insulation to the outlets and light switches? These little gaskets are cheap and they reduced our power bill by about 10%. Paid for itself the first month. https://www.amazon.com/Duck-Sealers-Variety-Decorative-283333/dp/B0040JH21W/

These Window screens I got them for my allergies and jesus they help.

Here is the desktop version of your link

You're kidding, right? You never heard of the slide-out screens that every New Yorker puts in their windows? Are you new here? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLOM9I4/ref=asc_df_B00CLOM9I45082627/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00CLOM9I4&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194883046452&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6196466873419820507&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004252&hvtargid=pla-309932148446

I used this last year with a projector to make ghosts in the front yard.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012Y1V8EY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_wPQHzbHA3EHYC

This is a similar idea if you can find the exact size you need.

If not they can make one with a heavy black cloth cut to fit inside the window frame with velcro on the window frame so it's removable.

As many have said, you need to find out here the drafts are coming form, walking around the house with incense is a great idea as someone else posted.

I know you said you have all new windows, but check around the window sills. Its very possible the window itself is fine, but it wasn't sealed properly when installed.

Check all of your electrical outlets and power switches. something like these Outlet Sealers would probably help. they are cheap and easy to install. I installed them in my house and noticed a difference in how draft it felt.

Like these.

https://www.amazon.com/Fenestrelle-Expandable-Adjustable-Horizontal-Vertical/dp/B0776ZP83Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=window+screens&qid=1557492347&s=gateway&sr=8-4

We used em when we were apartment people in NYC since those windows never had screens.

By law, landlords have to supply window gates for parents in NYC for this reason. These are about $35, but there are many devices for 2-10 bucks that limit the amount a window can open LIKE THIS

if you don't know for sure, you can add UV protectant cling sheets
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

This removable screen did the trick for me. You can leave a cat-sized gap to one side and use clear plastic as a flap. I found a thick, clear, flexible plastic at a home store for a couple of dollars. I sliced that into strips and hung them from the top of a frame made from a thin wood strip (you could use a yardstick for that). The edges of the screen are wood, so tacking my extra frame to the side was easy. The strips hang like the flaps at a car wash, slightly overlapping.

I'm sure there are other ways to make one of these work, depending on the size of the screen you order and the width of your window.

*The plastic I found was a clear sink liner, so it has enough weight and cling to usually fall back flush without leaving large gaps. I think something more lightweight would move too much in a breeze. I also have a super-small, but powerful metal-bladed fan clipped to the window frame to blow away mosquitoes and gnats if they approach the window. It does a remarkably good job of keeping them out.

I found this on Amazon.

Yes, you can buy window film that's like what they use to tint car windows, but is completely clear and blocks UV.
http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Yes, there is! I used to be subscribed to a subreddit for home Security and I'll be damned if I can find it from my mobile. A quick Amazon search found this.

EDIT: /r/homedefense

Looks like they are pretty readily available at a wide variety of places.

Home Depot

Amazon

Lowe's

You can buy window screen that might help.

https://www.amazon.com/PollenTec-Clean-Air-Window-Screen/dp/B00LNBP4WE

just get that stuff:

https://solarx.com/residential/security-film/

https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2#customerReviews

​

Until they brake trough the film you can drive away.

​

For what it's worth there's a way of hiding urls but making it still visible - so you could have your link above like this: security item. The way it works is you put square brackets around the title [security item], then without a space between, put the URL in parentheses (like these).

The code only activates, I believe, if you've got the square brackets and parentheses unseparated.

Thanks!

The display doesn't get any direct (or really, indirect) exposure to sunlight. There's a window facing the case, but it's always completely blocked with cellular blinds, so no sunlight.

I just now did a bit of research after you asked, and it does seem like there is still some longterm risk with other indirect sources of UV light. This article is pretty informative:

https://www.cardboardconnection.com/ultra-pro-uv-protection-guide

One option seems to be the UV rated holders. But for graded cards in slabs, the UV protected holders obv won't work, so perhaps something like this could work as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Protection-Window-Film-Wide/dp/B004JAW3KW

Any ideas or insight on how we can better protect from light exposure?

Oh man, that sounds so stressful and irritating. I'm so sorry. :( I'm glad the cats and the dog are okay, though. If any of them had been lost and/or injured, it could have been really bad.

FWIW they make adjustable window screens, and I think it's possible to DIY a window screen without too much effort. It may not be perfect, but it could work. Amazon has something like this, for example. Not sure if it would work for you, but it lets you know that there are options out there.

You can buy things like these so you can leave the window open but lock it so it's not enough for someone to get in.

These work well for me as a barrier in my window. Not sure how good it would be at capturing the dust you describe, but I have a giant 20" house fan as an exhaust pulling heat from the rig out of my house, and air flows through it just fine.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002SBEG1S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007Q3RQ6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been using the AtmosFX branded gray projection material: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B012Y1V8EY/



I've tried a few other types but I've yet to find one that "disappears" quite as good as the AtmosFX stuff does with my light & projector configuration.

Why not use a sliding door rail with a lock?

Blackout EZ Window Cover - Large (45" x 66") Black/White
http://amzn.com/B006S65GAE

I bought these and even though I only have 2 out of the three windows covered, I have been sleeping better. I don't know how dark it gets because my bathroom doesn't have a door so I get light coming through there. Only big issue I have is that my room gets really hot now if I keep my door closed. It might be better when I finally get the last window covered.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000M49UH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tqdoDb211NVPY

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Amazon Smile Link: removable screen


|Country|Link|Charity Links|
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|
|USA|smile.amazon.com|EFF|
|Canada|www.amazon.ca||




To help donate money to charity, please have a look at this thread.

This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting). The thread for feature requests can be found here.

I bought something like this a while ago and it works bloody well

There is UV window film like this one. Every year as summer rolls around and I feel like I'm being steamed alive I reconsider buying some ...

I put window slide locks on my window.

http://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Products-9809-Painted-Diecast/dp/B005H3N43K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1462114452&sr=8-2&keywords=window+locks

They may help, but what is to stop someone from just kicking the window in? For that I used a vibration alarm system.

http://www.amazon.com/Doberman-Security-SE-0106-4PK-Ultra-Slim-Window/dp/B010HWD65Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462114508&sr=8-1&keywords=vibration+alarm+window

Using those, maybe you can open your window 2-4" to let air circulate, but it would prevent a burglar from opening the window any higher. If they tried to break the window the alarm would go off (even trying to jiggle the window up and down would probably set off a vibrational alarm.

Looks like it does. You'd have to find a corresponding site from the UK, but it exists.

Thanks!
Here is a smaller roll, I think:
http://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395255772&sr=8-1&keywords=window+security+film

Does this stuff seem to be as good as the 3M film? It looks like they only sell it through "authorized" channels.

Do you not have screens? Maybe only open the window a little bit?
Or maybe buy a temporary screen like this?

I'm late but I did the same thing and used these. Albeit I'm in downtown JC.

https://www.amazon.com/Fenestrelle-Expandable-Adjustable-Horizontal-Vertical/dp/B0776ZP83Q/ref=asc_df_B0776ZP83Q/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231273170391&hvpos=1o7&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14309635301972137562&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1024479&hvtargid=pla-385409839419&psc=1

Get some expandable window screens the right size for your windows...they’re a lot more effective.

Did the thief actually break the window glass? There's stuff you can get called security film to protect glass windows.

One thing I do is use a bar of some sort that makes it so my windows can't open, like this.

My heart really goes out to you, and I know how violated something like this can make you feel. I highly recommend speaking with a counselor or therapist. Also see if any friends would be willing to stay with you at your apartment to help you feel safe and get some sleep.

Spray



Window Netting

Do you care about them being cloth or on a curtain rod?

Could always go vinyl

https://www.amazon.com/BlackoutEZ-Window-Cover-Large-Black-x/dp/B006S65GAE

They also do custom sizes https://blackoutez.com/Custom-Size-Window-Blackout-Shades

I'm so sorry for your loss... :(

Have you considered attaching some kind of mesh over the entire gap? I've seen another post on here who has the same tank and they put some kind of wire mesh or plastic mesh over the entire gap.

The mesh had holes large enough to still drop pieces of betta food in the tank but too small for the betta to jump out of...

Maybe use something like this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/ADFORS-Vent-Mesh-100-Charcoal/dp/B00IKVH7SY

Well, security in general doesn't have to be expensive. For example you can get some window track clamps ( https://www.amazon.com/Lot-Pcs-Sliding-Window-Lock/dp/B00K7IGKV8/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1480886129&sr=8-2&keywords=window+lock ) for pretty cheap and that's at least something.


And that configuration wouldn't be out of the question, but typically the door and frame are made of the same material because they're purchased and installed together at the same time.

You don't have to permanently install something.

I have a cat and I hate getting bitten by insects since half my arm swells up, and I like having no screens in windows otherwise (sticking my head out), so I just picked up a few of http://www.amazon.com/Thermwell-Products-AWS1537-15x21-37-Screen/dp/B002SBEG1S/

My cat isn't really interested in them because it's a small opening (and usually covered by blinds too), but it's big enough that there's decent airflow. The only improvement I'd make is maybe gluing some kind of strip on the top edge because there may be a small gap between the window and the frame.

You can't prevent a cat from ripping the mesh and getting out, but otherwise it's not too bad.

Get some 3M window film. like this. It makes it much harder for windows to be broken and accessible. Think of a car's windshield, and how it spiderwebs, but stays together.

Not all entryways have windows, such as apartment buildings. Windows and doorwalls can also have security film to hold together like windshields https://www.amazon.com/Security-Window-Film-Wide-Roll/dp/B004LDBPY2 You could also of course install bars over the window or door if needed

Lastly, there are glass break alarms via sensors on the glass or sonic sensors which detect the sound. These are a solid deterrent

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IKVH7SY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1