Keeping tilt window open

[milkyway]

I have a floor to ceiling height tilt window that also opens as a door.

I'm trying to figure out how I can keep this open as it keeps getting sucked closed by the wind (it overlooks a gap between two buildings).

I'm also concerned about not putting stress on the glass and the mechanism (already bit dodgy).

- The force of the vacuum is very strong. It's hard to keep open by hand and feels like it might break the handle.

- There is no built-in mechanism to stop this (spoke to the manufacturer).

- Also, because it's nestled in a buttress it's hard to access the sides and wedge something down there. There is probably about 5mm either side to slip something down there.

- it needs to be closed from the door mode before it can be titled again. This means I can't really attach anything to it (plus its leasehold).

Any ideas?

 

[Scally-Ho]

Rather than trying to wedge it open, what about asking for a couple of trickle ventilators to be fitted into the window?

Trickle Slot Vents 260mm or 410mm Ventilation Upvc & Timber Window | eBay UK

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www.ebay.co.uk

 

[milkyway]

Interesting idea. Thanks for this

Sadly the managing agents are the council. So the chances of them doing anything are probably below zero!

 

[Scally-Ho]

Okay understood, but what about talking to the health & safety division of the council and mention your problems plus the overwhelming need for ventilation on health grounds; also mention you are asking this before you engage the assistance of your doctor. Sometimes, a nudge from another internal department within a council will get results where a standard request would simply get binned
As a landlord, I understand the obligations of a property owner towards all tenants and as such I know that doctor's letters can be as good as vicious arse kicking

 

[robinbanks]

Shoot bolts in the top corners, and glue a small block of painted wood in the upper corners of the opening

Block:

When window is open put the bolt into the up position, such that it presses on the block

Black: block
Blue: bolt

You only need to affix the bolt by the two holes nearest the top of the window if you're looking to minimise damage

 

[robinbanks]

Alternatively, if you're looking for a completely hidden thing, bend some metal into this red shape:

It is fixed to the frame and when the window tilts open it rides over the top of the tilt then springs down to form a blocker. To release the lock, push up in the direction of the blue arrow to lift the block over the top of the tilting opener, then it can close

If fixing it permanently isn't appealing, consider a shaped block of wood you can slide over the top of the opened tilt, that then drops down into the gap between frame and opener, but has a long arm that remains projecting over the top of the opener into the room side so you can lift it out when you want to close:

 

[milkyway]

Thanks, @Scally-Ho. Does make sense, although there is already a ventilation system in the building I'd imagine they'd immediately point to (I never turn it on as it seems ineffective and a waste of energy!).

Thanks so much for this, @robinbanks - great suggestions! I feel like the ideas at the top of the door using wood/metal/maybe some kind of flexible material to reduce the impact of suction blasts could work.

The challenge at the top of the door is there's so little space! So I'm wondering if sliding a metal coat hanger (bent into the red shape) in there horizontally, that I can turn when it's in place?

(Re: the bolt idea, I don't think there's any space to fix the bolt as it's so tight. And it wouldn't be able to open in door more.)

 

[milkyway]

Just looked at the bolt diagram again. Sorry had skimmed and misinterpreted it.

Interesting approach!

Although it'll block the window opening in door mode. And don't think the bolt will hold via glue as the suction vacuum is insanely strong!

 

[robinbanks]

The bolt fixes to the face of the window, the block is whatever size it needs to be to just miss the window:

Blue is the block, the line line depicts the frame and ceiling. Red is the bolt casing and pink is the bolt slider

The grey line is the imaginary arc the top of the window frame describes as it opens. The window misses the block all the way; the pivotal thing about the block is a) it touches the frame that is mounted to the ceiling (so it isn't the glue that is bearing the force of the wind, it's the frame) and b) it finishes very close to where the bolt slider comes out, so there is no room to the wind to rattle and bang the door. The more play there is, the more mama nature will succeed in destroying the bolt and block (by accelerating a heavy window which then slams on the block)

Although it'll block the window opening in door mode.

That's another variable you'll have to factor in when shaping the block

And don't think the bolt will hold via glue as the suction vacuum is insanely strong!

Yes, it wasn't my intention that the bolt be glued. That will need a small mechanical fix, for example small bolts drilled right through the window frame. If you move out you'll then have some eg 4mm holes to fill, but two of them would be minuscule, unnoticed by any inspection once filled and painted to match the door

If you're not keen, it may instead be possible to have the bolt mechanism hook over the top of the door and again be secured with glue or silicone, the over-door hook part being the part that actually takes the load of the wind, the glue just retaining the bolt in place for your convenience

--

All this said, for a completely removable solution I prefer the removable block of wood, shaped something like a toothbrush is, with a fat end that just fits over the tilted door and wedges between frame and door, with a thin handle for removal

I think adding a weight to the end of the handle would help keep it in place:

The thickness of the block at the blue X is literally a couple of mm less than the space available between top of door and the ceiling, so it just fits through. The handle can be as thin as you like so long as it supports the weight that keeps the block tilted in place

 

[milkyway]

Sorry I thought you were suggesting I glue the bolt to the door.

I can't screw the bolt to the door either, as it's leasehold. Also the wooden wedge will block the window opening as a door.

The photos as are bit misleading as they show the window tilted and make it look like there's more space than there is.

But I think the bended metal idea could potentially work!

 

[robinbanks]

Other ideas, mindful of your requirements to not visibly damage the door:

Open the door in door mode, to gain access to the top, then screw an ice-lolly-stick shaped bit of metal to the top of the door so it can be rotated. Open the door in tilt mode then turn the lolly stick 90 degree so it wedges the door open. Naturally the distance from the screw to the end of the stick will be the same distance as frame to top of door

Or,

Buy a cheap football, one of those lightweight ones a 3 year old wouldnt mind getting it in the face with. Deflate it completely, and feed it into the gap at the top of the open tilt. Inflate it til it wedges the door adequately

If I have any more ideas I'll post back. Note, I edited a diagram into the post above after you replied to it

 

[milkyway]

Amazingly helpful. Thanks so much, Robin. Very kind for a bank robber

There's nowhere to fix the metal lollipop stick to I don't think. Also the mechanism is very complicated and I feel like that's where the top of the door connects and locks.

Based on what I can see IRL, I think the best solution is going to be sliding in the metal (ideally with some spring to it, to ease the stress on the window), with exactly the right shape to wedge between the metal mechanism groove on the frame, and the window.

 

[crank39]

I take it there's no room for one of these to slip down the side then ?

2Pcs/set Tilt Turn Window Restrictor Stay White Finish Child Safely Lock Catch | eBay UK

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[crank39]

Or....

Yale White Metal Door bolt 720124005071 (L)122mm (W)29mm https://share.google/h7xUPZBey5R7Vvx1t

Possibly held to the door with gel tape if you didn't want to drill and screw?

Pardon our interruption...

 

[milkyway]

The tilt turn restrictor is interesting @crank39 but unfortunately the bolt isn't shaped like that and there's no space to attach either of these things anywhere