Tilt and turn windows: How do they work and what are the benefits?

If you’re looking to spruce up your home both functionally and aesthetically, tilt and turn windows are a great option. Their useful dual opening system allows users to open the window fully, like a traditional casement, or partially, for effective ventilation. 

Typically seen in European countries, tilt and turn windows are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. A safer option for those with young children than casement or sash windows, tilt and turn window styles provide a sophisticated design, functionality, and flexibility.  

The concept of tilt and turn windows is said to have originated in Germany, however, some say that these windows are mostly influenced by Scandinavian design. Tilt and turn windows offer incredible practicality and versatility in terms of their functionality, compared with bay and casement windows. They are built to be opened on both horizontal and vertical axes, giving you the choice to have them opened from the top, tilting the window inwards at an angle, or from the side, like a door. 

When the window is closed and locked, it functions as a picture window, providing a complete, unobstructed view of the outside.

Pros

• Tilt and turn window are very versatile, thanks to their multiple opening options
• Great for ventilation
• Safer for young children when open at an angle

Cons

• More expensive than casement windows
• Open inwards, which won’t suit every room
• More complex to fix if broken, thanks to multiple mechanisms

The secret to how tilt and turn windows work lies in the window’s handle system. Essentially, the window has three function options:

• Placing the handle downwards will lock the entire mechanism within the window. 
• Positioning the handle upwards (towards the ceiling), will tilt and open the window inwards from the top. However, keep in mind that the window won’t fully open from the top, it’s just going to tilt inward a couple of inches and will then lock into place. 
• Lastly, if you position the handle horizontally, the window will open using the side-hung mechanism. The sash will swing open inwards, like a reverse casement window. 

The angled function really differentiates tilt and turn windows from other styles. It can be ideal when you wish to open the window when it’s raining outside, allowing the nice, fresh breeze inside while keeping all the water outside. This option is also useful if you need to ventilate a room, but have children that might be able to climb up and out of the window.

Like all other types of windows, tilt and turn windows come in a variety of different materials. In all, choosing the right type of tilt and turn window material will boil down to a handful of factors, such as the dimensions of the windows, colour and hardware choices. Each factor will impact the price of the material you opt for and will ultimately determine the overall budget. 

uPVC

If you’re considering investing in tilt and turn windows but are on a tight budget, uPVC is the most obvious choice. uPVC is an affordable material, compared with aluminium and wood, and maintaining uPVC tilt and turn windows can be very easy because all you have to do is wipe them clean using a damp microfiber cloth from time to time.

In addition, uPVC windows are durable and can last a long time. Typically, uPVC windows can last up to 25 years, providing you value for money and giving you peace of mind. 

Wood

Tilt and turn windows manufactured with timber are an aesthetically-pleasing option, as well as a sustainable one. Not only do they provide a charm that uPVC and metal cannot, but, provided they’re sourced properly, are a low-carbon way of upgrading windows. Timber is often a requirement of homes in conservation areas and listed buildings (provided planning permission, of course) and are a more natural fit for period-style houses. 

However, wooden windows are far more expensive, compared with uPVC and aluminium, and will require a lot more maintenance and care. That said, they can last for at least 60 years, if not over a century. 

Aluminium

When it comes to durability and design versatility, you can’t go wrong with aluminium tilt and turn windows. And because of the strength and longevity of the material, homeowners can also opt for installing bigger tilt and turn windows. They’re quite commonly used by people who want to give their homes a more contemporary look and feel while not requiring much maintenance.

In addition, aluminium windows are weather-resistant, don’t corrode, and are resistant to moisture. This is why they can last up to or more than 30 years. 

It’s very important to consider the different factors that may impact the price of your tilt and turn windows. For example, you’ll have to factor in the cost of window installation, the material you choose, the size of window required, and any additional hardware or components required. 

To get better prices or an idea of the total budget, compare prices from different manufacturers and vendors, as well as local and national suppliers. Carefully consider which vendor offers the best warranty on the windows, the installation package and the level of customer service.

Tilt and turn windows typically cost more than standard casement windows. The total price of tilt and turn windows depends on a variety of elements, including from the type of material you’re looking for, the dimensions of the windows, what area you’re located in, the company you choose and if you’re looking for coloured uPVC, pre-painted timber or powder-coated aluminium.