Locking windows open

[Jewelanemone]

We have large uPVC side windows in our bedroom that I like to keep open even when we're away for a few days. My MIL lives with us and never leaves the house so the place is never empty.

When we're away she shuts the windows. There's no point asking her not to as she'll do it anyway.

Is there a device/lock that will enable the windows to be locked open, so that they can't be closed? The ones I've seen all allow the window to be shut, along the lines of a burglar chain- type arrangement.

Thanks in advance.

Most double glazed windows allow your window to be in the locked position. Open it very slightly and see if you can bring the handle down into the shut position. It will actually look closed from the outside. You might only be able to wiggle a finger through the small gap but it allows ventilation. I use ours all the time.

How old are your windows?

I've just put a locking latch on my 1st floor flat window to keep it open for ventilation, but locked. After a lot of research, I went with LockLatch. Not cheap but excellent quality and very secure indeed. Hopefully the screenshot has attached!

If you look on the windows where they latch onto the frame you may see two positions. One is so the window can be fully locked. The other is so they can be left slightly open but still locked.You can lock them in the slightly open position, but you will still have to remove all the keys.otherwise someone could unlock them and shut them.

Alternatively just open the trickle vents.

Is she nervous about intruders? Perhaps you could put a decent lock on your bedroom door instead - stop her closing you windows and make her feel safer when you’re away?

Thank you everyone! I've tried locking them open on the vent but she has a key so locks them shut!

@WolfFoxHare it's definitely intruders that she's worried about. A lock on our door is an excellent idea, thank you!

Another possibility is to replace the handles with new locks that she doesn't have a key to.

If you look on youtube replacing handles is normally pretty easy.

Tbh if she’s worried about intruders, however needlessly, I’d be fine with her closing them if you’re away for a few days. She lives there, and if it makes her nervous when she’s alone, I’d go with her preference. I like open windows too but if you’re home most of the time, it can’t make that much difference?

This is true. I don't want her to be on edge when we're away. She always opens the windows wide on the day we're due home. I think I just need to let it go 🙂