Tilt Turn Windows in the UK – What You Should Know

Tilt turn windows are something that most of the UK public have not heard of, never mind consider buying. Whereas our European counterparts (primarily those in Germany) cannot get enough of them. The superior airtightness and flexibility is certainly appealing.

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We have our own in-depth explanations of why tilt turns are a fantastic idea, but we understand that every choice requires and unbiased view.

Coming up are key differences between tilt-turn and a standard British window, and the considerations you should make before you buy.

Plants, Ornaments and Photographs

In the UK, we like to have “stuff” on our window cills. Most homes have family photographs, a few pot-plants and various trinkets gathering next to every window.

Since our windows open outwards, we barely think about it. Inward-opening tilt and turn windows in the UK present a small problem.

Luckily, as they are designed to tilt from the top, you won’t have to clear out window cills for 99% of the time. However, it will be a different story if you want to open the window fully.

Blinds

Again, the “inward opening” part creates a question: how do you fit blinds inside and still be able to open the window?

There are workarounds for this problem that we can help with – there are blinds specifically designed to work with tilt-turn windows. But it’s worth noting that your current blinds may not work with your new windows.

Differences in Building Practice in the Continent

Sadly, not all buildings are suitable for tilt turn windows in the UK.

The short version is that buildings’ walls normally have an inner and an outer layer to them. In Germany, windows are normally installed on the inner layer; and, in Britain, they are installed on the outer layer.

This is often not a problem, but it will be something that the surveyor should be very aware of when they are doing their checks.

One of the problems here could be the internal plaster.The photo below shows the inside of a German tilt-turn window next to a Danish outward opening casement – the hinges on the inside of the tilt turn are very close to the edge of the frame, and could potentially interfere with the plaster inside.

Similarly, there is less space at the bottom of the frame for the window cill inside. Extra care must be taken to ensure that the window can still open after a window board is fitted.

So, Should I be Worried?

Ultimately, no. Not at all. Your supplier should already be aware of these differences, and will let you know if they think there will be a problem converting your property.

The above points are great to have in hand though! Lifestyle choices – the blinds and items on the window cill – are well worth knowing about before the installation has finished, and you realise that you weren’t informed on the changes well-enough.

Enlightened Windows have many reasons to recommend choosing tilt and turn windows, but we also understand that they are not for everyone.