The phrase “European windows” and “doorways” is often a catch-all description referring to various products which not only originate in Europe, but also share some common features. These common features tend to include several different functionalities such as lift and tilt for sliding doors and tilt and turn for windows. One of the more significant differences between doors and windows is the way in which they open. Doors can generally be opened by sliding the frame up or down, whereas windows must first be pulled up flush against the exterior wall. The difference in the opening process means that doors and windows are often designed to work in tandem with each other, while windows are often built completely from scratch to accommodate the opening process.
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As well as similarities in how they operate, there are also some notable differences when it comes to the designs of European doors and windows. While traditionally built from wood, moulded glass, and tile, modern day European doors and windows are made from a wide variety of materials, including aluminium, stainless steel, fibreglass, and GRP (glass fibre). This is due to the fact that most door and window frames used in the continent are typically made from a mixture of different metals, with tin, steel, copper, and wood being the most common options.
Lift and tilt mechanisms are another similarity between doors and windows. Many doors and European windows open two ways, opening in the middle of the frame and then swinging outwards, offering the best possible view of outside and complimenting any interior design. A door or European window which operates in a tilt mode will allow the user to open the frame of the door from the inside, offering a similar effect to opening a cupboard door. However, tilt-up doors and windows allow users to tilt the window outwards, offering the best views without the need to open the whole frame.
Similarly, both types of door and window offer superb ventilation, especially for larger rooms and particularly in the colder months. Most European windows tilt in and out for ventilation, allowing air to circulate around the exterior of the property, whereas tilt-down casement windows require a user to open the window in order to allow air to ventilate the property. Furthermore, many modern styles include an optional ventilation panel. These panels are normally located at the top or bottom of the window casing, which can provide for a better flow of air and ventilation.
Ventilation is another key difference between doors and windows. While European windows often feature double panes, this is not the case with most American made products. Double panes often block out the natural light, which can make rooms feel darker and more congested than they really are. Some homeowners prefer this, but others find that it makes their rooms feel claustrophobic.
Finally, one of the main differences between American and European windows is the way that they operate. In American-designed homes, the doors swing inward, providing easy access to the property from both the inside and the outside. However, when viewed from the outside, this provides little ventilation and allows for increased air pollution levels in the property. Conversely, American doors swing outwards, providing an easy entry from the inside but not from the outside. An inwards swinging door provides easy access to both sides of the sash and provides excellent ventilation, both from the inside and the outside.
There are also a few differences between in-swing and out-swing windows. For example, in-swing windows feature a knuckle lever that turns the louvers up and down, allowing for easy air flow and ventilation. The lever also rotates the louvers in opposite directions, allowing for air to be pulled across the pane of glass from both sides. On the other hand, European windows feature a single action button and either a lock or a pull cord to open the louvers.
As you can see, there are many differences between the two styles of windows. However, each of these differences, if combined with the benefits of European double hung windows, provide the homeowner with the perfect solution for their home’s ventilation needs. By choosing a quality European double hung window that features a custom, in-swing mechanism and incorporates an in-swing mechanism with a locking mechanism, many homeowners will discover a solution that will improve their ventilation and energy efficiency. Therefore, if your home is currently lacking in proper ventilation, you may want to consider upgrading your existing windows.
