Casement and Tilt-and-Turn Windows: What Are the Benefits?
Airtightness, easy cleaning and secure ventilation: the strengths of inward-opening casement and tilt-and-turn windows, and when a slider makes more sense.
The inward-opening casement, with the sash pivoting on vertical hinges, remains the most common window type in France. Its tilt-and-turn version adds a top-hinged tilt position. Here is why these windows remain a safe choice.
Excellent airtightness
The sash presses against the frame all the way round, compressing the gaskets. This compression closing usually gives better air- and watertightness, and better sound insulation, than a sliding window whose panels run on tracks.
Easy cleaning
Both sides of the glass can be reached from inside: a real convenience upstairs, where you cannot reach the outer face.
Tilt-and-turn: secure ventilation
The tilt position, obtained by turning the handle upwards, opens the window a few centimetres at the top:
- you ventilate without strong draughts;
- you can leave it ajar when briefly leaving the room;
- children cannot climb through;
- little rain gets in.
It is especially suited to bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens.
Limits
- Swing space: the sash opens inwards and takes up room; watch out for furniture, beds or worktops in front.
- Very wide openings: beyond a certain size the sashes get heavy; a slider or a combination with fixed panes then makes more sense.
What to check when buying
- Branded, adjustable hardware with several locking points.
- The option of anti-burglary cams and a key-locking handle on the ground floor.
- An opening direction suited to the room layout.
- The Uw value and AEV rating of the complete window.
In short
For an airtight window that is easy to clean and allows safe ventilation, a casement with tilt-and-turn function is a very safe choice. Sliders are mainly justified for large bays and rooms where the swing is a problem.