Freeport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 (eCode360 ed. 2026) § 128-51
Specifications for window guards for double-hung windows
Operative Text
The following specifications apply to window guards for double-hung windows. A. Guards shall be constructed of rigid metal, free of sharp projections, edges or rough surfaces. B. Guards shall be so constructed as to reject the passage of a solid five-inch sphere at every space and interval. C. Guards shall bear a load of 150 pounds at center-span when extended to maximum width. A test with the guard attached in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for installation must be performed, and the results, including information as to temporary or permanent distortion, certified by a professional engineer or independent testing laboratory. D. Specific guard guidelines. (1) On guards utilizing nontelescoping bars, there shall be a permanent spot weld on at least two of the horizontal bars so as to provide a minimum of two inches' overlap when the guard is fully extended. (2) On telescoping bars, when the guard is extended to the maximum allowable width, there shall be a minimum overlap of five inches or 1/3 of the length of the bar, whichever is greater. (3) A permanent label shall be affixed on at least one horizontal bar, on each facing surface. Said label shall read: WARNING! EXTENSION OF THIS GUARD BEYOND ___ INCHES IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL. [NOTE: Insert the number of inches appropriate to the particular model in the space]. (4) On telescoping guards, there shall be an additional stile or other approved support(s), at the telescopic opening of the outer tubing of the bars, that shall prevent any spreading of the bars. E. Guards shall be a minimum of 15 inches high measured along the vertical stiles. F. The channel stiles shall each have at least two holes for permanent window mounting. If guards are more than 15 inches in height, additional mounting holes are required to provide a maximum interval of 18 inches between mounting holes. G. Stops. (1) Rigid metal L-shaped stops, to be a minimum of 1/2 the width of the window track and each leg of which shall measure at least two inches, shall be installed securely with two screws in the upper tracks of each side of the bottom window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than 4 1/2 inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the window guard. (2) Where L-shaped stops cannot be placed in the window track without interfering with the normal operation of the window, a rigid metal strip may be securely fastened across the track of the bottom window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than 4 1/2 inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the window guard. Strips shall be mounted on each of the windows and shall be secured by two screws on each side of the window track. [Note: The use of the term "securely fastened" or "securely mounted" refers to the use of the prescribed number, type and size of screws in the specified positions or locations.] (3) In situations where the stops described in Subsection G(1) and (2) above cannot be used, such as in ballast windows, rigid metal L-shaped stops may be securely fastened to the frame of the window to prevent the lower window from being raised more than 4 1/2 inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the window guards. A stop shall be securely mounted on each side of the exterior lower window frame and shall be secured by two approved screws in each stop. (4) In special situations where the stops described in Subsection G(1) , (2) , and (3) above cannot be used, a letter request for a waiver may be made to the Superintendent of Buildings for approval of an alternative stopping device. (5) Stops are not required where approved window guards are installed that are of sufficient height to prevent an opening of more than 4 1/2 inches above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar of the window guard when the lower window is raised to its maximum open position. H. Screws. Screws used to mount window guards and stopping devices shall be one-way sheet metal screws or metal tamper-resistant screws. Tamper-resistant screws are defined as screws requiring special tools for their installation and/or removal, which tools are not readily available in retail hardware stores. All tamper-resistant screws must be countersunk flush with the stile or stopping device. (1) Appropriate screws shall be: (a) Minimum size No. 10 and long enough to penetrate one inch into a wooden window frame; or (b) Of an adequate type, size and length to be securely fastened to a metal window frame. (2) The manufacturer shall supply all required screws with guards. I. The coating of guards shall be unleaded. A statement from the paint manufacturer attesting to this fact must accompany application for window guard approval. J. Coded manufacturer's identification symbol (guard model) and fabrication date symbols (month and year) shall be imprinted indelibly (die-stamped) on one end of the stiles, so located as to be readily visible when viewed from within the room where the guard has been installed. K. Each guard sold by a manufacturer shall be sold with a self-contained envelope or plastic bag containing: (1) Approved installation instructions; (2) L-shaped or other approved stops; and (3) Specified screws for installation of guard and stops. If wood screws are supplied by the manufacturer, a warning label should be included stating that for metal installations, screws of the appropriate type, size and length must be substituted. This warning shall be imprinted on the packaging container. L. Instructions for safe installation shall be provided with each guard by manufacturer. (1) Instructions shall specify maximum window width for which the guard is intended and shall contain the following prominently printed wording: WARNING: USE OF THIS GUARD BEYOND SPECIFIED MAXIMUM WIDTH IS DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL. (2) Instructions shall prominently warn that guards and stops must be installed only in sound (nonrotting) window tracks. (3) Instructions shall prominently specify: WINDOW GUARDS MAY NOT BE INSTALLED IN WINDOWS PROVIDING ACCESS TO FIRE ESCAPES. (4) Instructions shall specify that guards be installed so that the bottom horizontal members are mounted a maximum of 4 1/2 inches above the window sill. (5) Instructions shall specify the use of the supplied L-shaped stops to be installed with screws provided, or alternative approved stopping devices also provided with prescribed screws, to limit the opening above the lowest section of the top horizontal bar to 4 1/2 inches when the bottom sash is raised.
Section 128-51 of Freeport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 establishes detailed technical standards for window guards installed on double-hung windows. The rule covers the physical construction of guards — including material strength, bar spacing, overlap requirements, and load-bearing capacity — as well as the hardware, labeling, coatings, and installation instructions that must accompany each guard. Stopping devices must also be installed to prevent the lower window sash from being raised more than 4½ inches above the top horizontal bar of the guard, with specific alternatives available when standard stops cannot be used.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Freeport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 § 128-51 generally ensure that any window guard installed on a double-hung window meets every construction specification in the ordinance — rigid metal construction, proper bar spacing to reject a five-inch sphere, certified load-bearing testing by a professional engineer or independent laboratory, and unleaded coating with manufacturer attestation. Compliant operators also verify that guards are sold and installed with all required components: approved L-shaped stops, tamper-resistant or one-way screws, manufacturer identification markings, and complete installation instructions bearing the required warning language. Maintaining records of load-test certifications and keeping guards within their specified maximum widths are practices consistent with meeting the ordinance's requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Freeport, N.Y., Code of Ordinances ch. 128 § 128-51, tenants have an interest in knowing that window guards in their units must meet strict construction, labeling, and installation standards — including stopping devices that limit how far the lower sash can be raised. If a guard appears to be improperly installed, missing required stops, lacks required warning labels, or shows signs of damage or tampering, tenants can document the condition and raise the issue with the building owner or manager in writing. Tenants may also contact the Freeport Superintendent of Buildings, who is referenced in § 128-51 as having authority over alternative stopping device approvals, or reach out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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