A Tilt and Turn Window are perhaps the most versatile window (or doors) style in the United States. It was first developed in Vancouver, Washington during the 1970’s. The original concept was to use sliding doors to provide a seamless entryway to a room. In addition to this simple idea, the doors are also hinged on either side of a window and can be angled up or down. Most of these windows are available in single or double pane.
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In a typical Tilt and Turn Window, the sliding doors swing into the center of the frame, leaving the edges open. In order to operate the windows, the doors must be closed and when the frame is opened, the glass panes push back against each other, allowing light to pass through. Unlike regular windows, the tilt and turn surfaces of these doors have no visible hardware and only small holes for ventilation. Most companies producing these windows also supply the required hardware to support the tilting action.
Some of the earliest Tilt and Turn Windows were single-paned, but later versions have been improved with double panes. The simplest of these windows is a simple horizontal tilt and turn that allows ventilation. These simple units may have a single or double-paned glass pane, with the panes of one or both windows tilted separately. Each unit can be locked in a closed position when not in use. In this way, a Tilt and Turn Window can serve as an energy efficient, aesthetically pleasing home improvement.
If you are interested in purchasing a tilt and turn window, it’s important to do some research to determine if it meets your requirements. First, ask yourself what energy savings benefits you will derive from this window. Many European tilt and turn windows meet rigorous standards and regulations, which means they are highly efficient. However, it’s important to note that even” Euro-style” windows (tilt and turn windows with panes) offer energy savings. Therefore, it’s a good idea to learn about the tilt and turn window that will give you the best energy savings.
The tilt and turn windows made in the US are typically manufactured using either aluminum or steel. Aluminum and steel frames tend to be more resistant to corrosion than wood framed frames, which tend to be more susceptible to rot. Unfortunately, aluminum and steel frames also have their disadvantages. For example, the aluminum frames tend to rust easily. Additionally, they need to be painted occasionally because they become stained by rain and dust. Wood, on the other hand, doesn’t need painting.
In addition, both types of tilt and turn windows require that you open them with the hinge located on the left side, opposite the front of the house. If the hinges are located on the right side, the ventilation is blocked and the seal between the frame and the panes becomes ineffective. To fix this, some tilt and turn windows now include a locking mechanism to prevent opening the hinges on the left side. This locking mechanism is typically found on the handle, which rotates the door lock up to keep dust and moisture from entering the house.
Even though most tilt and turn windows tilt clockwise, it’s a good idea to run a duct to the inside of the home to increase air flow. On a typical, non-Germans quality window, this may not be feasible. German windows are typically double walled with insulation between each wall. The insulating materials are thick – like two inches of thick-gauge wallboard for each square foot. In order to make the double-wall construction work, the inside of the windows must be kept at a fairly constant temperature.
Tilt and turn windows can be an effective way to reduce heat loss and energy efficiency in a home. Depending on the type of glazing used and the type of glazing installation, they can be as energy efficient as framed or frameless panes. For those looking for an alternative to glazing, tilt and turn windows can also offer some glazing benefits. In addition to improved energy efficiency, they are quieter than ordinary panes. And, while a bit more expensive than standard panes, the glazing is more durable, resulting in a longer lifespan.
