Tilt And Turn Windows: What Homeowners Need To Know
Tilt and turn windows have been popular with European homeowners for many years now, but this type of glazing is still relatively new in Australia. While many Australian homeowners need to focus on staying cool and not keeping warm, tilt and turn windows still offer several benefits. If you're considering replacing the windows in your home, find out why you might want to think about tilt and turn windows.
How tilt and turn windows work
A tilt and turn window has three positions, all managed using a single handle. When you pull the handle down, you can securely lock the window. Lift the handle up to the side, and the side hinge allows the window to open inward up to 180 degrees. Alternatively, lift the handle up further to activate the tilt position, where the sash tilts inwards to around 90 degrees and locks in place.
Tilt and turn windows are unique because they give you more choice about how to open your windows, all managed with one handle. This design offers several benefits to homeowners.
Benefits of tilt and turn windows
There are plenty of reasons to consider this type of window. Tilt and turn windows are:
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More suitable where you need a large window because the hinge system and frame is stronger than other types of glazing. Tilt and turn windows are often a good choice for people building one-off, customised homes.
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Easier to clean, especially if you live in an apartment. Getting access to the outside of a window when you live in an apartment is almost impossible, unless you want to climb a ladder. With a tilt and turn window, you can easily reach both sides when you turn the window inside.
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More secure. The tilt and turn design means that the frame is more robust on all sides. An intruder would need to totally destroy the window to get access, thanks to the special espagnolette lock systems that manufacturers normally use. What's more, while you sleep, the tilt option enables good ventilation without allowing a potential intruder to get in.
Tilt and turn windows are normally more energy efficient than others types of glazing. U-value is a term that the industry uses to measure how well heat transfers through a window. Lower U-values indicate greater energy efficiency. Tilt and turn windows normally score well because they include double or triple glazing options, and the frame design is even more airtight than normal double glazed windows.
Tilt and turn windows can also work as an emergency exit if there's a fire in the house. When the window turns fully open, you can climb through the gap and escape more easily than you could through a conventional frame.
Misconceptions about tilt and turn windows
As tilt and turn windows are relatively new to the market, some consumers still have some misconceptions about the product choices available to them.
First, you can choose from a selection of frame types. As well as UPVC, you can also choose timber or aluminium-clad timber frames. As such, you can choose a style that matches the age and aesthetics of your home.
Tilt and turn windows aren't necessarily more expensive than other framing options, either. The manufacturing process is sometimes cheaper, so you can often get good deals from a supplier, especially when you replace all the windows at the same time.
Disadvantages
Of course, tilt and turn windows may not suit everyone. For example, some homeowners don't like the idea of window that opens inwards. This configuration isn't ideal if you like to keep plants or ornaments on your window, and you may also find it annoying if you have curtains that you cannot move out of the way when the window opens.
Small tilt and turn windows aren't always ideal, either. The frame on a tilt and turn window is thicker than a conventional window, which means the total area of glass is smaller. As such, you may get less light through a small window opening
European homeowners have enjoyed tilt and turn windows for many years. If you're keen to understand how these frames could benefit your home, talk to a glazing supplier in your area.
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