If it Opens More than 4 Inches it is not a Restrictor
Another letter from Stevenage Homes clarifying what is faulty with the window restrictors.
The letter states that if a window opens by…
more than 100mm (4 inches) before needing further release (by some additional catch/latch/button/key), this indicates there is no restrictor or the existing restrictor is not working properly.
The restrictors on my window open to 22 deg. As they have since they were fitted about 20 years ago. The length from the pivot to the bottom of the window is about 17”. A simple calculation shows such a restrictor would opens to 6.8”.As the pivot is an inch behind the window that leaves the window opening about 6”.
Because of guttering on the window actual gap is just over 4”.
So that will be 7*24 = £178, plus at least half a day off work. Or I buy and fit them myself and then pay £50 to be inspected (Cost of restrictors + £50 and half a day off work). A bit of a racket really. But like most rackets, it is easier and cheaper to pay up.
I was contacted by Emily Twinch, a senior reporter for Inside Housing. She was trying to find out how many restrictors are being fitted town wide. I had no idea, so I pointed her to Michael Olawepo.
It will be interesting to see what story, if any, she comes up with.
update: The story is here
