Did you think that a window was straightforward, but when you tried to obtain the information, you realized that almost nobody seems to speak the same language? Surely you have heard of tilt-and-turn windows, profiles, thermal bridge breakage, transmittance, and many more.
We are aware that, sometimes, those familiar with this world believe that everyone can understand very complex concepts and words without trying to prepare them beforehand and without making an effort to put ourselves in their place.
Our goal with this post is to precisely explain to you as best as possible what a tilt-and-turn window is and what it is for. A complicated word even to read and pronounce, but which, however has become the most common window today.
What is a tilt-and-turn window?
Let us first explain two of the many other types of windows you can put in your home: what is a casement window and what is a swing window.
A casement window, casement window, casement window
A casement window, also called a casement window,w is simply the most typical one we can imagine.
Technically, it is the one that allows the opening of one or two leaves that rotate on the side frames, to which hinges join them. In other words, it comprises a fixed frame and one or two mobile leaves, which open the same way as a standard door.
The opening is usually inside, towards the inside of the building, although it can also be outside, towards the street.
Swing window, tilt window, casement window.
A swing window is similar to a casement window, but in this case, the sash opens by turning on the lower frame instead of on the side.
When the hinge is in the lower frame, and the window opens from above -as in this image-it is usually called a tilting window. And when the hinge is on the top frame, and the window opens from below, it is often called a casement window.
Finally, a tilt-and-turn window combines these two types of opening: swing and swing.
To do this, the handle has three positions instead of two.
The most common is that:
- In the down position (C), the window is closed by pressing the sash against the frame
- Turning the handle to the middle position (A), the window offers a swing opening
- Turning the handle to the upper position (B), the window offers a swing opening. Although, instead of opening completely, the oscillating leaf is only separated from the frame by about 12 centimeters to allow aeration and ventilation of the home. There are systems to reduce this separation. Some, just a few millimeters
If the tilt-and-turn window has two leaves:
Each one can have its handle. In this case, the two active leaves are tilt-and-turn.
There may be an active tilt-and-turn sash with a handle and a passive sash with only a swing opening that is operated with a lever, traditional or with a button.
Differences between a casement window and a tilt-and-turn window
The main difference, as we have seen, is that while the casement window only allows the sashes to rotate concerning the side frames, the tilt-and-turn window also offers an oscillating opening, handy for ventilating the home, leaving the sash firmly attached.
With a casement window, in addition to occupying more interior space, the leaves are released, able to hit and deteriorate due to a draft.
Another fundamental difference is the weight of the blade.
The mechanism to allow the oscillating position adds extra weight to the sash so that the hardware will be subjected to a more significant effort. Suitable hardware then becomes one of the central values ​​and a fundamental element when comparing two different windows.
That is why Ecoven plus only relies on the quality of the leader, Winkhaus, and its innovative perimeter activPilot system, and it is very safe in all our tilt-and-turn windows.
Advantages of a tilt-and-turn window
- Tilt-and-turn windows have an effortless, comfortable, and safe operation.
- Equipped with a suitable perimeter fitting, they are the most efficient and thermally and acoustically insulating window system since they allow a hermetic union of the leaf to the frame, preventing the entry of air and noise from the outside.
- For this reason, tilt-and-turn windows favor maximum comfort, energy, and economic savings. Also, a lower emission of CO2 into the atmosphere is due to this lower heating and air conditioning consumption.
- Regarding the casement windows, as we have said, they allow a second oscillating opening that is very useful for ventilating and aerating the interior spaces.
Disadvantages of a tilt-and-turn window
- Regarding the casement window, the oscillating mechanism adds an extra weight that must compensate for robust and safe hardware quality.
- Regarding the sliding systems, the swing opening requires a more remarkable interior space to allow its complete opening without tripping over any furniture, wall, or other obstacles. In addition to preventing opening, these elements can damage the window if they are accidentally hit.
- Also, the proportion of glazed surfaces is lower concerning sliding systems because they add up to a larger size between the frames and profiles. For this reason, we must expect that they offer a slightly lower luminosity.
Tilt-and-turn windows that do not close properly. Causes and how to fix it
As we have been commenting, the hardware is one of the most fundamental elements of a tilt-and-turn window since it must be capable of supporting a great weight.
For the leaves to be firmly and hermetically attached to the frame, the hardware is adjusted in position and pressure to prevent leaks as much as possible, making the sale airtight, watertight and windproof. This adjustment must be exact.
However, with time and due to the effect of use and the weight supported, the hardware may suffer small misalignments.
To minimize this risk, in addition to logically trying to make careful use of the windows, it is necessary to carry out minimum maintenance that ensures the correct lubrication of the parts and their best conservation.
However, our Winkhaus activPilot fittings incorporate an innovative octagonal bolt system with adjustable pressure that allows our installers to make the adjustments that may be necessary in a straightforward and fast way.
Finally, one of the most frequent mistakes that users of tilt-and-turn windows usually make is leaving the handle in an intermediate position, neither closed swinging nor oscillating, so that the leaf remains open in both positions and cannot be closed.
To avoid this, the fittings usually incorporate a false maneuver mechanism, which prevents the handle from being manipulated if the leaf is open.
However, suppose your window has been poorly positioned. In that case, you only have to place this mechanism in a vertical position with one finger, aligned with the sash, and bring the window to a regular swing position, operating the handle to this position. Thus, you will ensure that the entire system is in the swing position, and you will be able to close the leaf normally.
