“We go about it like burglars.”

What is the procedure for performing burglary tests on windows?

RKWe go about it like burglars. Our test methods simulate the way they work and are regularly updated and aligned with the practical experience gained by the criminal investigation department. As most break-ins involve prising open the window, the key element in a burglary test is the manual part. Using various burglary tools, we attempt to create a passable opening through which a burglar can enter.

How do you determine whether a window is burglar-resistant?

RKThe decisive test criterion is the break-in time: Upon encountering sufficient mechanical resistance, burglars behave like a deer: they get nervous. Without speedy success, they tend to abort the operation. According to police statistics, 40 % of attempted break-ins can be prevented in this way. The tested resistance time ranges from 3 minutes (RC 2) to 20 minutes (RC 6). If no passable opening is created within the test period, then the test is deemed to have been passed.

So most burglars prise open windows. Is security glazing still needed at all?

RKBurglar-resistant building components are only ever as strong as the weakest link in the overall “security chain”. This chain extends from the masonry, fixing, window frame and hardware, including screw connections, to the glass infill panel and its integration. The ift engineers check all possible weak points. To prevent glazing from being breached, say, by the simple throw of a stone, standards-compliant smash-resistant glazing is required for resistance class RC 2 upwards. For the higher resistance classes, the demands placed on the glazing naturally increase.

So is resistance class RC 2 adequate and when is RC 3 recommended?

RKFirst of all, the risk of burglary needs to be assessed and the appropriate security fittings defined. In other words: the less visible a window is from the outside, the greater the distance to the next-door neighbour and the more valuable a property appears or is, the greater the risk of burglary. Alongside deterrents such as movement detectors with light and acoustic signals, the mechanical security of windows and doors is the most important precaution. The required fittings also depend on the particular security needs of the building occupants. For normal residential buildings without valuable inventory, the criminal investigation department recommends resistance class RC 2. RC 3 applies for properties containing valuable assets as well as endangered office and administrative buildings.

What points do I need to consider when selecting new windows?

RKIt is important that the windows and casement doors have successfully passed a full test to European standard series EN 1627 ff. At ift Rosenheim, this is confirmed by a test document with the corresponding ift certificate.

Does the installation process also play a role?

RKIt certainly does. Good-practice installation is a key element of the security concept. Fitting only by qualified installers is strongly recommended. To achieve maximum security, construction clients should specify certified products and services for windows and their installation.

And how can I establish whether the windows of an existing apartment or older house offer adequate burglary protection?

RKMushroom-type or similar bolted locking points are a clear indication of burglar-resistant windows. Security glazing is not always marked as such and is often difficult for laypersons to recognise. A certified specialist company should be consulted on such matters.