How to secure non-weighted sash windows

[jsmac]

We have two bay windows where the side sashes don't have weights or cords so presumably have always been non-opening or were simply kept open by friction, a stick, a book, etc. back in the day.

We've restored them and intend to reinstall them with weatherstrips to keep the water and draughts out but have no need for them to be openers since the centre sashes will be able to open.

However, I think it would be sensible to secure them at the meeting rails somehow (to stop them falling, being pried open, etc) and am looking for ideas as to do this. I could install a Fitch fastener or similar but then that might give someone in future the impression that the windows can in fact be opened.

I've thought about fitting a small striker plate on the meeting rails but am wondering if someone has a more elegant solution...

Many thanks.

 

[Stevers]

You used to be able to buy a security lock that went through the meeting rails - possibly still available as 'sash screws'. Our opening sashes have locks in the stiles that restrict opening to 100mm, but those are unsuitable for preventing opening completely.

 

[phillc]

Is it the top (outer) or bottom (inner) or both that are unweighted - I assume it's just the lower one? It would be a miracle if the upper one just stayed there by friction ... So, either the top one is weighted/moves or has been otherwise nailed/screwed shut?

Assuming they are timber ...

If you've got the sashes out I'd consider making at least the lower sash openable. Sash lifts are not as good as pulleys (in my opinion) but they do the job. It is fairly easy to use a router to mill a 17mm groove down the side of each sash (centre of the face facing each stile) and fit a spiral sash lift to each side - about £15 for a pair.

I've always found non opening sashes regrettable/annoying!

Alternatively, if you really want them to stay closed unless someone really wants to move them, install some of those screw through security bolts to the meeting rails between the two?

 

[phillc]

I mean (and I suspect @Stevers does too) this sort of thing. The long brass section gets inserted in a hole in the meeting rail of the inner/lower sash, the short brass section in the same place on the outer sash (obvs not drilling thru). The metal bar then locks the 2 together so no vertical movement (well, 1mm of wiggle!) possible.

 

[jsmac]

Thank you both for your recommendations. A sash screw is what I'm looking for. I just didn't know what it was called.

I've always found non opening sashes regrettable/annoying!

I agree that it would be preferable to get them working as openers but with everything else I have to do I think I'll simply have to get them refitted and secure. Whatever I do will be reversible so perhaps it will be a project for a later date!

The sashes were painted shut with 150 years of several mm of old goopy paint. I guess that it's possible that they were nailed shut at some point but I didn't see any indication of that. They came out pretty easily once I had scored and hacked away some of the old paint. Once the paint was stripped the old timber was in remarkably good condition. They needed a reassuringly expensive amount of two part resin filler in some areas but they've cleaned up very nicely.