European windows are quickly becoming very popular among residential and even commercial builders in North America. There are several very good reasons for that but it can sometimes be difficult to anyone who is not accustomed to what sets European windows apart from their more well-known North American equivalents. Of course, there are several differences in the types of materials used as well as the styles and designs, but one of the most noticeable is the material. It is called white.

When we refer to white, we are referring to the white painted sills of the window. These were originally used on the sides of the casement window. Casement windows are ones that open by pulling out a side or top sash. Some of the earliest styles of sills were made of wood and others were made of metal.

As the popularity of these kinds of windows spread, manufacturers began making them in other materials. They became popular in the United States for their energy efficiency and ventilation features. The original style windows were made from wood with a number of turns and angles so that the air flow was easy to control for the interior decorator and was easy to open and close.

Double hung and turn mode are the terms used to describe these kind of sashes. The casement style windows have a swing out side or top that is hinged at the center so that it opens like a door. The double hung style has a glass that is hinged on each side with a single turn or angle allowing a breeze to ventilate the room. This particular design can be very elegant and allow for the best in European windows. Most of these windows are in multi-story rooms with space to spare.

Another form of these windows are tilting inwards. These windows also are a type of casement and tilt mode and are often referred to as a French door. They work well for the room where there is limited space and have horizontal slats. Horizontal slats on the other hand can be angled or turned. The tilt mode allows a larger amount of ventilation than would be allowed by the other two styles.

Single-hung and double hung windows are another alternative, but they aren’t as efficient. The European style has a combination of these two types that provide a balanced set of windows. The most common design for single hung windows are those that are hinged in the middle and have two panes of glass. These work great in homes with limited space. If the space is greater however, the tilt or turn style doors are much more suitable and healthy ventilation is easy to get.

All these windows are designed with energy efficiency in mind and the most important advantages are the natural circulation of air, wide open panes and the ability to provide ventilation and a healthy climate exchange. In the old days, older homes were designed with inwards hung windows, but new developments are now incorporating tilt and turn windows which are great at ensuring an even flow of air and help keep temperatures regulated. The double hung option offers the best all round combination of energy efficiency and ventilation.

When it comes to maintenance, the tilt and turn windows are probably the easiest to maintain due to their small size and simple do-it-yourself operation. High energy efficiency windows are far more difficult to clean and maintain and can often take most of the abuse from the family car and patio furniture! Many new developments now offer premium vinyl windows which offer an increased level of maintenance resistance and durability when compared to the older standard vinyl windows. This is one of the key reasons why these windows are becoming so popular in recent years.