GSW // TILT & TURN WINDOWS / QUALITIES
Tilt and Open Windows
Tilt and open windows are European style windows with double action operation. They are opened with one handle that allows the sash to either tilt in, using the bottom hinges, or fully open inwards using the side hinges. For ventilation, they tilt; for cleaning access and fire escape, they open.
Tilt and open windows are great for their functionality and efficiency. The tilt mode of tilt and open windows is activated when the handle is turned to be facing up. Once this action is complete, the window will tilt in pivoting at the bottom and opening at the top. Such feature is a great way to achieve healthy ventilation as the gap at the top provides vertical air exchange.
The open part of tilt and open windows refers to the second mode of opening. For this second mode, handle needs to be turned so that it is parallel to the floor. Once done, the sash can be pulled in which opens the window as though it were door. This open mode is great for cleaning convenience, venting out smells, and fire escape.
Sometimes, tilt and open windows are referred to as tilt and turn windows as the two are interchangeable. However, there are sometimes models called tilt and open that function slightly differently than tilt and turn windows. These open the same way but use different handle positions. For example, on a tilt and turn window model, the handle at a 90˚ angle would be used to fully swing the sash inwards, whereas on a “tilt and open” window, this handle placement would be used to tilt the window instead. The same pattern applies for the handle at the vertical or 180˚ position. Nevertheless, the two types are really the same and usually don’t share any differences.
Quality Standards for The Tilt and Turn Windows
Tilt and turn windows UPVC should be manufactured according to European requirements. Currently, some supplies and manufactures are making tilt turn windows in America for an American audience. However, these “European” designed products do not fully meet European standards. Not to mention passive house standards ordained by Passive House Institute. In most cases, low budget manufactures use Chinese no name profiles, and may use low quality glass as well. When shopping for European windows, it important to find products which would meet quality European standards ISO9001 and ISO14001 and North American standards, NFRC.
Products made under these standards will ensure that you are getting quality products that will last you for many decades and remain durable, stylish, energy efficient, and noise resilient. All our products are made under European and NFRC building standards. We provide products that have a functional, high soundproofing and energy efficient system, with aesthetically appealing design for any style of home. Our products will last you many years to come. They are budget-friendly and a purchase with us will guarantee great customer support and customer-prioritized assistance. The will help to optimize energy consumption, decreasing heating and cooling costs.
Are Tilt and Turn Windows More Secure?
The tilt and turn casement window type is the most secure. It features a multi-point locking system that securely locks the window sash in place. Tilt and turn windows have European standard RC2 intruder proofing which makes them more secure than any American style window. The glazing can also be ordered as safety glazing which adds extra security.
Tilt turn casement windows are very secure and durable. Their unique burglary-proof design ensures protection from the environment and most robbers/intruders. They use steel reinforced frames and a multi locking system. This makes them miles superior to North American standard windows. Our tilt turn have an RC value of 2-3. This is the European standard for protection and security against burglars, thieves, and other mischief workers. They can also be used as a great fire escape exit in case of emergency.
Our tilt turn casement windows have secure laminated glazing. It has similar properties to those of windshields used in cars. If the window is damaged by a strong impact, the glass may crack but it will not shatter. This is due to the use of a thin film imbedded in the glass unit. It would support the many many small broken glass pieces and not let the whole window to be broken completely. This clever technology is not well known to be used in many windows American and Canadian. However, it is required in some places.
In most cases criminals would run away if they can’t get in, in the first minute, rather than keep trying. This is because in order to enter through the “broken” window, they would need to cut the film. Thereby cutting themselves in the process. This is due to the broken glass that would be left behind. It would leave blood on the scene that can be used by the authorities as evidence. It could also be used to track down the criminal(s). In the time that the criminal(s) would be running away or trying another way to enter, you can call the police and take action. If regular safety glazing is not enough, you can order 2 or 3 layers of laminated glazing. This would protect against any intruder.
Are Tilt and Turn Windows More Expensive?
Depending on the seller, vinyl tilt and turn windows can be from 5 – 60% more expensive than other window types. Tilt and turn windows in the US and Canada are more expensive because of their complicated hardware design, steel core reinforcement in the UPVC frames, and 1.5 times thicker profile wall thickness. However, not all tilt and turn windows are more expensive.
Most UPVC European windows are more expensive than other window types because of several reasons. These are the 1.5 times thicker profile walls, steel core vinyl framing, triple pane glazing, and the complicated hardware.
For durability and structural strength, European windows use thicker profile walls and steel core tubing as reinforcement inside the windows’ vinyl (UPVC) frames. As the result, you are getting 5 – 10 times stronger frames. With the steel core specifically, you are also getting options for operable windows that are up to double the regular maximum size.
For better results, European windows use triple rather than double pane glazing. By choosing the triple pane route, you get 1.5 to 2 times higher energy efficiency, more resistance to condensation, and noticeably better soundproofing.
For a better user experience, higher satisfaction, higher security, and longer lifespan, European windows use a more complicated hardware system. This system also allows your to open the window in 2 ways, achieving 2 open modes plus a bonus one. With this system, you get better ventilation, more control, and a much better experience in general.
However, at the end of the day, you can get both the benefits of European windows and premium quality at customer friendly costs. Instead of picking up midrange house windows, why not consider high class European windows for a very similar price. We offer 100% custom made European windows with premium quality and a verity of options in soundproofing, sun protection, and frame colors (56+). However, these are not like normal options in that they can all be optimized according to your location and climate to best suit your project, all starting at a great price.
How To Adjust Tilt and Turn Windows
For adjust the sash up and or side to side, you would need to use a 4mm Allen wench. To adjust the vertical tilt slope, you would need to swing the window inwards 90 degrees and use a Torx T15 on the back of the open window by the top hinge. Everything can be done by 1 person in less than 5 min.
Tilt and turn windows adjustment is not hard and can be done by anyone quite quickly. To adjust house windows (tilt turn style) it does not take many tools. For example, for adjusting the sash up and or side to side, you would need to use a 4mm Allen wench. The wrench needs to be used to offset a pin in the tilt and turn window lower hinge. This can be done by using the bottom of the Allen wrench to press down at the top of the lower hinge. Once the pin is down, you can freely adjust. To adjust the vertical tilt slope, you would need to swing the window inwards 90 degrees and use a Torx T15 on the back of the open window by the top hinge. You can see more details in the installation manual.
Usually adjustment would need to be done after instillation. However, not all windows need to be adjusted. Ones that do, can be quickly adjusted in less than 5 minutes. Usually 2-3 minutes as average. If your house shifts slightly, you can easily compensate for it by adjusting the windows. It will only take you 15 – 20 minutes twice a year to adjust all the windows that need to be. This is a unique feature of tilt turn windows that allows them to be compatible in almost any scenario.
Do Tilt and Turn Windows Break Easily?
The durability of windows depends on the glazing, frame, and hardware. Tilt and turn windows have 50% thicker chamber walls and steel core tubing. This makes tilt and turn frames 5 times stronger than regular vinyl frames. Tilt and turn windows also use triple pane glazing with 30% thicker glass panes, argon gas filling, and potential for safety glazing.
The frame quality as well as the frame strength greatly impact the performance in durability. Generally, the 2 main factors that determine the strength of window frames. They are the thickness of the frame chamber walls and the inclusion or exclusion of steel core inside the frames.
Why is the width of an UPVC window profile important? It is important because this thickness greatly impacts the structural strength of UPVC window. As well as thickness of steel core in the frames.
In North America, there are no class divisions in the thickness of the chamber walls in Vinyl window profiles. As such, vendors may end up selling windows without informing about the thickness of the wall in the Vinyl profile. Most commonly North American windows with Vinyl windows with chamber walls 1/16” – 5/64” (1.6 mm – 2 mm). In the US and Canada, window profiles are thinner. By European standards, they are Class C or B profiles. This means that they have thinner chamber walls. Not horrible but a flaw that can be fixed.
Thicker Frame Chamber Walls
In Europe, Vinyl (UPVC) grade A windows have thicker frame chamber walls. This provides better performance, durability, and longer service life. There, there are three classes of Vinyl (UPVC) profiles. They all classify a select range in chamber wall thickness. They are the Class A 3 mm (1/8″), Class B 2.5 – 2.7 mm (3/32″), and Class C 2.0 – 2.3 mm (5/64″). All offer better performance than North American windows. But, to make sure our customers get the best, we only use premium quality vinyl with European Class A thick chambers.
Steel core in windows is flat steel tubing used all around the inside of the frames. It is a crucial aspect in structural performance of vinyl windows. However, it is not something used in American nor Canadian windows. This is a big flaw. Profiles without a use of steel tubing support in the frames are over 5 times weaker. This is a huge difference and may end up saving you money on replacing the windows.
However, in European tilt and turn windows, steel core is a standard and a must. The thicker the steel core tubing, the stronger and tougher the windows are going to be. We, as GL Advanced windows, use extra wide and thick steel core reinforced in our window frames. All for best results. In Europe, they have attempted to use aluminum for reinforcement in the frames, but it is too high in thermal conductivity. Also, aluminum has 3 times lower score on Young’s modulus, it increase deflection aluminum profiles .
The glazing in windows is another very important durability aspect. The main factors that influence the strength of the glass units and the number of glass panes as well as the width of the glass panes used. Common North American windows use dual pane glazing with 1/8” panes. However, there are 3 grades of pane thicknesses in America. The common third class of 1/8”, the second 5/32, and first of 3/16”. 1/8” is seen as standard among windows in the US and Canada. However, they can break easily if not customized with endurance in mind.
European tilt and turn windows have triple pane glazing with 2 classes of glass pane thickness. They are the second of 5/32” and first of 1/4”. Safety glazing is another feature these kinds of windows can have. Safety glazing is a special laminate glazing where the window uses a thin film. This is to prevent shattering if damaged. If damaged, the glass would preform similarly to a car windshield. It is especially useful for burglary proofing and in windows on the second floor or above.
How to Clean Tilt In Windows
To clean tilt windows you would need to turn the handle so that it would be parallel to the ground. Then the window is able to swing inwards which gives easy access to both sides of the sash for cleaning. This will only take less than 2 seconds to open.
Tilt in windows provide healthy ventilation. But its main complication is the difficulty to clean and maintain. Thankfully though, most of tilt in windows are tilt and turn windows which are great for cleaning. As of the past 30 years. This is because the turn functionality is so useful for cleaning. To clean the, you simple swing the sash in and use a cleaning solution on a cloth to wipe away the dirt and dust. It is a good idea to line the floor below the window with a cloth or plastic tarp before cleaning. This is so that any drips that would happen would not wet the floor directly. As for other maintenance chores, you would need to lightly grease the hinges one a year.
How to Tilt Windows
To tilt windows, you will need to turn the handle 90˚ or 180˚, depending on the kind of tilt and turn window you have. Most times, it is a 180˚ turn for the tilt mode. After the handle is turned, the window tilts in by itself. However, slight assistance may be required for smaller windows.
If the windows are able to tilt, you can simply turn the handle so that it is facing upwards. Then the window is freely able to tilt inwards. However, if you want very slow ventilation, our windows have the micro ventilation mode. For this mode, you can turn the handle 135˚ and pull in slightly. Now the window will let in small amounts of fresh air throughout the day through a very small opening at the top.
Opening the window more often is a great way to improve the indoor air quality, your comfort, and your health. With tilt and turn windows, this is very easy to do. One quick turn, and you can forget about it since they can be left open for hours. Meanwhile, they ventilate your house in a very healthy way that does not blow air at leg or chest level. Instead, it directs the current up and forward, creating a healthy air flow cycle in your house. With windows that can only tilt, the procedure is the same.
Windows That Swing Open
Windows that swing open are turn or tilt and turn windows. They swing open inwards like a door, functioning on rotating hinges at the side, or side and top. They have the most reliable and dust tolerant opening hardware of all window types and can be made in sizes larger than 36” x 72”.
Unlike windows which utilize sliding hinges, like casement or slider types, tilt and turn windows use rotating hinges which allow them to swing open. The swinging type of operation is considered the most reliable and stable. Since the window hardware in such models is not exposed to dust or dirt from the outside or inside, the mechanical pieces stay in pretty much, brand new condition for many years. There is also less inherent friction in the swinging design which limits possible issues and speeds up the working speed of the window. In addition to this, the fact that the hinges are contained on the side of the window facing the house interior, protects them from wind or harsh weather conditions outside. Such feature helps prolong the life of windows that swing open.
In addition to windows that swing open in just one direction, there are ones which can swing open in multiple directions. If the hinges are at the side, the window can swing open like a door. If the hinges are at the bottom, the window can tilt inwards. Tilt and turn windows have the latter two features. However, if the hinges are at the top, it is most likely a hopper window that swings open from the bottom.
How to Tilt Sash Windows
To tilt sash windows you would need to turn the handle so that the tip of the handle is facing up. Now it is able to tilt inwards and with barely any force can be gently pulled in so that it clicks into position. The whole posses will take you less than two seconds.
These windows are easy to use and have high performance. They are also energy efficient and are spreading in popularity across North America due to their superior properties and design.
These windows are easy to use and have high performance. They are also energy efficient and are spreading in popularity across north America due to their superior properties and design.
What is a Tilted Window Called
In America, local vendors mainly call them tilt turn, they are premium European windows. They are also sometimes called German windows, especially if they are made with symmetric window pane technology.
How Do You Replace Tilt and Turn Window Handles
Replacing handles on our tilt turn windows can not be easier. The handle has a thin plate right behind the gripping handle portion of the whole handle. This piece is attached only at one point, this means that it can pivot on that one point to tilted position. So, to remove the handle, you need to turn these piece 90 degrees. Now, there are going to be two screw heads visible, those need to be screwed out. Once this is done, you can remove the whole handle. It is now open for a new handle to be installed. The instillation presses is basically the opposite of removing the handle. Not much harder then that, just and 2 screws in tilted position of handle.
