Tilt and Turn Windows: A Complete Guide

A versatile and secure addition to your home, tilt and turn windows are quite popular throughout the UK. These windows are perfect for a family with children as they reduce the risk of them climbing out or jamming their fingers. The tilt and turn window adds a unique aesthetic appeal and value to your home. The dual opening system makes it more functional and easier to use.

Tilt and turn windows are slightly more expensive compared to other styles of windows, mostly because of the complex working system. They are available in different materials such as the uPVC , aluminium , and wood. Just like every other type of window, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to installing a tilt and turn window in your home, which are discussed below.

Understanding whether tilt and turn windows will be suitable for your home is crucial. Installers and fitters are often able to help by discussing and assessing your requirements.

Finding the right installer, however, can be a tedious task. It takes hours of your time, calling each one and getting quotes to find the best fit. At GreenMatch, we cut this process down to a simple click. We can put you in touch with up to 4 installers and get their quotes for you to compare. Our service is free with no obligations.

Inspired by the Scandinavian design and incredibly versatile, a tilt and turn window opens on two axes. This allows you to open the window in two different ways. You can tilt the window inwards from the bottom, leaving a slight gap at the top for ventilation. The window can also be opened like a casement window, but inwards. This type of window is usually installed as a safety measure or an emergency escape route.

So how does a tilt and turn window work? The key lies in the handle mechanism of the window. Positioning the handle downwards will lock the window, engaging all the locking points at once. Turning the handle all the way up (to the top), you open the window inwards just like you would a casement window. Turning the handle horizontally, halfway will tilt the window from the bottom. However, this mechanism may differ between manufacturers of the windows.

Tilt and turn windows are still a popular choice in the UK. Most homeowners with children install this style of window as a measure of protection for their children. It reduces the risk of children jamming their fingers even when you leave the window open for ventilation. Ideally, these windows are more often seen in conservatories, orangeries, or extensions. The window is also installed with the purpose of having an emergency exit from the home.

Moreover, these windows offer flexible ventilation even during harsh weather conditions such as winter. The slight gap at the top allows you to let fresh air flow in without much of the winter chill that comes with it.

Tilt and turn and casement, both come with their own pros and cons. Which would be a better choice for you depends on your requirements, where you are thinking of installing the window, among a few other factors. The differences explained below will likely help you reach a decision as to which is better, tilt and turn or a casement window.

The working of both windows is different. Casement windows can be opened only on the outside in multiple ways. They can be hinged to fully open either sideways, at the bottom, or at the top. Tilt and turn windows, on the other hand, can only be opened on the inside. Their dual-purpose versatility lies in the fact that they can be tilted inwards from the bottom with a slight gap at the top, and like a casement window but inwards.

Both windows offer plenty of ventilation. Casement windows can be fully opened, leaving more space for fresh air to flood in. Tilt and turn windows are hinged, hence offer limited ventilation when tilted inwards. However, when opened completely, they can offer ventilation similar to that of a casement window.

If well insulated, both windows can prove to be highly energy efficient. Both windows, if fitted with double or triple glazed glass, can help save on your energy bills. However, a tilt and turn window, owing to their multiple locking points may be more energy efficient compared to a casement window.

Tilt and turn windows are easier to clean and maintain compared to casement windows. It gives you access to both sides of the window to clean since they open on the inside. Tilt and turn windows are especially easier to clean when living in a flat or a multi-storey home. Casement windows, on the other hand, are a tad bit difficult to clean if not on the ground floor or are located in areas that are difficult to reach.

Both windows differ in their designs. Casement windows would go well with both traditional and modern homes. Tilt and turn windows, on the other hand, have a more contemporary appearance and hence, would add appeal to modern or contemporary homes.

Tilt and turn windows have a unique design, which comes with its own pros and cons. Below we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of installing tilt and turn windows to enable you in making an informed decision.

This style of window is quite versatile, allowing you to open the window in two different ways. You can tilt the window inwards from the bottom and open the window like you would a traditional window, but inwards. 

A tilt and turn window has a flexible design that allows easy ventilation in your home. The tilt function of the window allows you to keep the window just enough open for fresh air to flow into your home. You can also leave the window completely open in order to enjoy more of the natural, fresh air. Moreover, when it rains, the tilt of the window prevents the water from entering your home.

Tilt and turn windows are more secure compared to the traditional windows. The tilt of the window leaves very little gap for an intruder to enter your home. The window has a swing hinge, which makes it difficult to force the window open. The window is also safer for families with children or even pets. Keeping the window open at a tilt ensure that children or pets do not climb out or jam their fingers or paws.

The window is air-sealed because of the complexity of the design. This ensures that the heat remains on the inside. It also ensures cold draft does not come through, decreasing the burden on your heater. This makes the tilt and turn windows highly energy efficient, allowing you to save on your energy bills.

The tilt and turn windows are also easy to clean and maintain compared to traditional windows. The inwards swing of the window gives you easy access to both sides of the glass, making it easy to clean.

The complex, modern design of the tilt and turn window makes it more expensive compared to casement, double hung windows, or other styles of windows. The complexity of the design also adds to the cost when it comes to repairs and maintenance.

However, if you're looking to replace single glazing with double, you can obtain government grants for windows programs to decrease costs. If you are not eligible for any of these, you can still check with installers that provide double glazing on finance schemes.

Installation of this window requires careful planning. Since the window opens inwards, you need to place it in a way that it does not hamper your activities. For example, placing right behind your couch may prove to be a mistake as it increases the risk of someone getting hurt.

The modern appearance and style of the window adds limitations to installing it. If you are living in a traditional, period home, the tilt and turn may not be a suitable window for your home as it may look out of place. This window is ideal for homes with a modern or contemporary design.

Tilt and turn window is a classic, Scandinavian inspired design that is often seen in modern European homes. Double hung windows, on the other hand, is considered to be a classic American style. Double hung windows are usually built with wood, vinyl, or aluminium. The tilt and turn windows are usually built with uPVC, timber, or aluminium.

The major difference between the two windows lies in their respective opening mechanism. A tilt and turn window can be opened in two different ways, at a tilt and inwards like a traditional window. A double hung window has two sashes that can be opened either from the top, or the bottom. A double hung window also has a feature where both the sashes can be tilted inwards. This allows you to clean the glass on the outside of the window without any hassles.

The traditional, classic look of the double hung windows goes well with any style of home, be it modern or traditional. Tilt and turn windows have a more modern look, as a result of which it would only go well with modern or contemporary home design. The tilt and turn windows, however, are more energy efficient and secure compared to double hung windows.

Deciding which window is best or most suitable for you depends on several factors. If you want an energy efficient window, you may want to have a tilt and turn window installed. However, if your home has a traditional design, this window may not go well with the overall look of the home. 

Installers can help assess your requirements, budgets, and what would be a better fit. However, finding the right installer is a stressful, lengthy task. At GreenMatch, we can make this task simpler for you. Simply click on the button below and we will do the stressful, lengthy work for you. We can get you up to 4 free quotes to compare so you can make an informed stress-free decision.

Tilt and turn windows are usually available as uPVC, wooden, or aluminium windows. Each of these materials come with their own unique features and benefits. The choice of material for your window depends on several factors such as:

Tilt and turn uPVC windows are often preferable to homeowners for several reasons. uPVC is the cheapest material compared to wood or aluminium. Hence, installing a uPVC window may prove to be a better choice if you’re on a budget. Cleaning and maintaining uPVC windows is also as easy as giving it a quick wipe with a wet cloth from time to time.

The material is strong and durable, turning it into a long term investment, where you may not have to worry about replacement in the near future. uPVC is weather and moisture resistant, minimising its chances of rotting. The material can also withstand harsh weather conditions, again making it a popular choice among homeowners.

Wooden or timber tilt and turn windows are a quite a popular choice among homeowners. Wooden windows are usually chosen for their traditional, classic aesthetic appeal that they add to your home. Moreover, you can customize your wooden windows to match the style, colour, and design of your home.

If you’re looking for an environment friendly window solution, then wooden tilt and turn windows are the best choice. They are long lasting and durable, giving you worth your investment. Wood, however, may prove difficult to maintain in harsh weather conditions. This may also require you to spend a little extra on ensuring your windows are protected against the environment.

Aluminium is a strong, durable material. Installing aluminium tilt and turn windows may very well prove to be a life-long investment. The strength of the material also allows you to install large tilt and turn windows in your home. Aluminium windows are often a choice for homeowners with modern or contemporary styled homes. Aluminium gives quite a sleek, modern look to your home.

The durability of the material also makes it a popular choice among homeowners. Aluminium can withstand harsh weather conditions and is resistant to moisture or corrosion. Cleaning and maintaining aluminium windows is also fairly easy. All you need to do is give it a wipe with a damp cloth from time to time.

Deciding which material is best for your tilt and turn window depends on several factors. Your budget, the size you require, the style of your home, etc. can all play a role in the type of window material you choose. The next step comes to choosing the right installer. This is a task that takes long tiring hours, calling one installer after the other and requesting quotes.

We can simplify this process to a simple click of a button. All you have to do is sit back and compare tailored quotes. We will do the tedious task of getting up to 4 quotes from local installers for you to compare.

You’ve decided to install a tilt and turn window in your home. The next question is, how much do new windows cost?

The cost of tilt and turn windows varies depending on several factors. The size of the window you choose, the material, the region you live in, and more. The cost of a window will also vary from installer to installer. Whether you choose a local or a national installer will also affect the cost. These factors make it difficult to give an exact cost of a tilt and turn window.

In general, tilt and turn windows would cost more compared to other styles of windows, such as traditional wooden casement windows. A tilt and turn modern uPVC window would cost less compared to a wooden tilt and turn window. Then again, factors mentioned above also play a role in the cost of your window.

We have learned that the cost of a tilt and turn window depends on several factors. Size, material, region, etc. all play a role in the cost of a window. To know the exact cost of a window, it is advisable to get quotes and compare them. This will give you an idea on whether installing a tilt and turn window is affordable and feasible or would you need to choose a different option.

In order to compare quotes, you will be required to contact several installers. Contacting installers one by one is a time consuming, tiring process. At GreenMatch, we can make this easy for you. We will do the tedious task of contacting installers with your requirements and get you up to 4 free quotes. All you have to do is click on the button below, sit back, and compare the quotes we provide.