How to choose between Casement Windows & Tilt and Turn Windows?
Buying replacement double glazed windows are, in many instances, one of the first improvements homeowners make. That can be either for a new home, or to give your existing place a “face lift”.
With quite a few options for replacement windows in the market, we thought it will be useful to take a look at the popular casement window and a newer variation known as the Tilt & Turn.
Both Casement Windows & Tilt and Turn Windows are versatile and can be used in many situations. But what are the biggest differences and which design is better suited for your needs?
Basic design features
The usually accepted meaning of the word casement typically refers to the part of a window that moves (opens & closes).
Both of these designs could technically be called casement windows, but the biggest difference is in the way that the windows are operated.
- Standard Casement Windows: Will have hinges on the side, top or bottom. Top & bottom hinged versions are also sometimes known as Awning or Hopper windows respectively. However, unlike the standard version, a hopper window should always open inwards.
- Tilt & Turn Windows: This design is fitted with a very specialised hinge system, that allows for opening like a regular casement. The hinge also allows for the window to tilt inwards from the top – much like a hopper window. The tilt or turn function is determined by which way you turn the window handle. This type of design always opens inwards.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Casement Windows or Tilt and Turn Windows
Having a window that opens outwards means that you don’t have to worry about the open window getting in the way of anything. This is not the case with inward opening windows like Tilt & Turn.
For example: In the kitchen, if you have a tilt / turn window over a worktop, you would need to have the worktop clear to open the window fully in “turn-mode”. If you have curtains or blinds fitted too close to the window frame, then when the window is in “tilt-mode”, it could hit them.
In upper floors, the inward opening feature of the Tilt / Turn window makes them easy to clean from inside the house. Great if you live in a flat on a high floor.
A variation on this design is the reversible window. Another type of specialised hinge allows the inner frame to be rotated vertically through almost 180 degrees. Effectively, you can turn the window “inside-out”.
Tilt/turn windows open really wide (over 90 degrees of turn), which means that they can provide an excellent exit in the event of a fire. However, this can be a danger to children, who could easily climb out.
Visual Appearance
When closed, there is not much to tell either of these designs from the other. However, you may find that the frames for tilt & turn are “chunkier” than a regular casement window.
Energy Efficiency
Both of these designs benefit from double glazing and therefore are inherently quite energy efficient.
A Higher, or lower, energy efficiency specification can be achieved by varying the thickness of the Double glazing itself. 28mm units will be more efficient than 24mm units, for example.
You will be able to determine the energy efficiency of the window design (the whole window, not just the glazing) by the WER or Window Energy Rating supplied with the installation. A++ highest rating, G is the lowest.
Security
UPVC Casement Windows & Tilt and Turn Windows will both benefit from multipoint lock systems. Both will also feature internal window beads.
Casement Windows & Tilt and Turn Windows – which is the best?
Other than the way the windows open & close, there is very little to separate these designs in specification terms. Which one is best is probably going to come down to personal preference.
Having said that, there is a price difference between the 2 designs. You will find that (for the same size & spec window) Tilt & Turn windows are usually the costlier.
For example:
- A Single Opener Casement window: 1200mm x 1200mm in white uPVC, Double Glazed and “B” rated may cost from around £300. More prices here.
- A Single Opener Tilt & Turn window: 1200mm x 1200mm in white uPVC, Double Glazed and “B” rated may cost from £550 to £650. Price guide here.
If you would like to know prices for Casement Windows & Tilt and Turn Windows, go to our quotes page and send us a few simple details about your project and we will arrange for free quotations from trusted suppliers for you.
