In any hotel, creating a safe and comfortable environment for all guests is the most important goal, right? However, as any hotel manager knows, keeping hotel rooms secure is quite the challenge. All it takes is one window to be unsecured, and unwanted visitors can climb into a hotel room. Most hotels in the UK today have sash windows fitted due to their easy opening and relative safety for guests.
Yet, without quality window sash locks, guests can be put at risk. Children could be harmed by over-extending out the window. Intruders could easily gain entry to the building simply by popping open the sash windows. To help you appreciate the value of window sash locks in a hotel, we contacted Locks & Hardware one of the UK’s leading ironmongery suppliers for insight. Thanks to their experience in window locks, we wanted expert advice to share.
Locks & Hardware staff provided us with valuable insight into how window sash locks make such a difference in a hotel. Read on to find out how this simple investment can make your hotel even more secure.
Why Window Sash Locks Are Essential For A Hotel
The hospitality industry is one of the largest in the UK, meaning it employs hundreds of thousands of people and serves millions of people every single year. Therefore, a hotel that fails to meet guest expectations can soon find itself short on guests!
Guests arrive at a hotel expecting two things: privacy and safety. Guests can put up with amenities that might be lacking so long as they know that:
- They are safe in the room from any intrusions and risks to their well-being
- They can stay private, with no unwanted arrivals or guests via door or window
Sash windows are incredibly popular in hotels as they are low-maintenance and provide good views. They tend to be quite stylish, too, making them ideal for hotels that have a more vintage décor theme.
However, sash windows that lack sash window locks are a potential danger. Without even some sash window restrictors, a window can be popped open from either side. These windows slide up vertically, right? So, all it takes is someone to get their fingers under and slide the window up to climb in or out.
That means that a room could be quickly invaded by an unwanted visitor, harming the privacy of guests. At the same time, it means that people could have their belongings stolen or damaged by someone who simply climbs in through the windows. That’s why sash locks for windows are a must for hotels.
Window Sash Locks That Suit Hospitality: Where Do You Start?
Of course, as you might already have found out, window sash locks are not universal. Some come with just sash window restrictors, so the window can only open so far. Others have keyed locks.
What’s right for your hotel? It can be hard to say outright. There is no one-size-fits-all option. Generally, you want locks that can only be utilised from the inside while making sure they are easy to use, especially for senior guests. At the same time, they should be weighed enough that a child would be unable to pop the window sash locks open. When choosing a sash window lock, consider:
Secured By Design Accreditation
First off, make sure that any window sash locks you buy are Secured by Design approved. This means that the locks have gone through rigorous professional testing and stand up to scrutiny.
Buying cheaper locks might mean that it takes little more than a nail file to open them, or a bit of brute force to crack open the lock. Secured by Design locks give you peace of mind about their durability.
The Importance of Locking
Keyed locks are a must for any sash window lock. Having a simple latch might be suitable for those with an especially low budget, but we recommend locking sash window locks as opposed to basic restrictors. Having a keyed lock makes sure the window cannot be opened from the outside.
If you are going to invest in some window sash locks, make sure that you look for models that use a key. Showing your guests how to lock and unlock windows should be a simple process. They can then moderate the lockability of the windows in their room, giving them more freedom and control.
The Ease of Installation
Installation should be a priority consideration, too. Look for sash locks for windows that only need to be installed using some basic screws.
Most of the time, you will find that window sash locks are easily installed onto the window sash with a few screws. DIY installation could be possible, but if not, you should consider hiring a locksmith.
Compatibility With Current Windows
Hotels do not have unlimited budgets, which is why you should make sure you can buy window sash locks that fit onto your current windows. Otherwise, you need to replace every window in full!
That can be a substantial financial burden, and not one that many hotels can afford – or want to afford, in truth. Look for window sash locks that you can have installed directly onto the windows you have in place already, as this means that you are upgrading what you already have instead of having old frames, etc., ripped out and replaced entirely.
Ease of Use For Guests
If you give guests window sash locks that are overly complicated to use, you might make their stay a little less comfortable. So, invest your money into user-friendly sash window locks instead!
Most sash window locks can be engaged with nothing more than a key lock and/or a latch. Simplify the usage as much as possible, and you are less likely to have guests who feel confused by the process.
Remember: Check All Sash Window Locks Regularly
With some new locks fitted to your sash windows, your hotel soon becomes a much safer place for guests and staff alike. Yet, the job is not finished – not yet!
Once you have your window sash locks in place, set a routine schedule for check-ups. Look out for any signs of looseness, tightness, weakness and/or awkwardness when using the sash window locks. Keep an eye out, too, for signs of wear and tear like rust and corrosion on the lock mechanisms.
Keep this in mind, and you can make sure that your new window sash locks make your hotel safer, simpler for guests to enjoy, and a generally more secure place to work for your staff.
