9 Advantages of Tilt & Turn Windows

advantages of tilt and turn windows

Over the years European-inspired tilt and turn windows have become an increasingly popular choice as a premium feature in luxury homes in North America. But, having only recently gained traction in mainstream designs in this part of the world, they are still one of architecture’s best kept secrets when it comes to increasing property value and improving aesthetics. Optimal security, streamlined designs, and high-performance in energy efficiency are only a few of the many advantages of tilt & turn windows. So why are so many high-end designers choosing to incorporate them into their latest projects? 

We’ve put together a list of nine advantages of having tilt & turn windows, but before we get into that, here is a quick overview of what they are and how they work.:

How Do They Work?

Using a single handle, a tilt & turn window provides the functionality of three different window types in one single window unit:

Tilt & Turn Window Positions
  • Fixed — One easy-to-operate handle moves the multi-point locking hardware into place and locks the window on all sides. Not only does this provide an airtight and waterproof seal against the elements, but it also creates a high-security closure protecting against forced entry.  
  • In-Swing Casement — With the handle in the “turn” position, the sash turns inwards on side hinges. This position allows for easy cleaning from the interior, rapid cross-ventilation, and quick emergency egress.
  • Hopper— With the handle in the “tilt” position, the sash tilts inwards at the top, providing draft-free ventilation while maintaining the security and privacy.

The 9 Advantages of EuroLine Tilt & Turn Windows

  1. 3 Windows in 1: Because tilt & turn windows are essentially the three most popular window types in one design, they provide more value and functionality than traditional fixed, in-swing, or hopper windows. 
  2. Perfect for Any Size Space: Our custom windows are available in a variety of sizes to accommodate any living situation. As a result of their unique design, you can use tilt & turn windows to create oversized windows that are able to provide airflow without any visible seams in the glass. They also still look great in tight spaces as single, slender windows, while maintaining all their functionality.  
  3. Versatile & Flexible: Not only do they fit in a wide range of spaces, but these windows are also ideal for use across design styles and in a range of architectural projects. They come in a large variety of colours, finishes and shapes. 
  4. High-Performance Energy Efficiency: In general, tilt & turn windows are better at maintaining a pleasant indoor climate while keeping electric bills low than traditional, North American window styles. EuroLine Windows takes the high-performance aspect of tilt & turn windows one step further by offering the thermal performance needed for a Passive House design and, by creating windows that are rated at the highest StepCode possible according to the B.C Energy StepCode Council.
  5. Expansive Unobstructed Views: With their seamless, single-pane designs, tilt & turn windows are the perfect design feature to highlight beautiful, unobstructed views and panoramic vistas. 
  6. Easy-to-Clean Design: The in-swing function of our windows allows for easy cleaning of exterior glass. This means you can safely clean the exterior of your windows from the inside your home. There is no need for precarious ladders or extra preparation. 
  7. Better Ventilation: Another great benefit of tilt and turn windows is the varied ventilation options they provide. These windows allow for top-only ventilation, easily enabling hot air flow out of the top portion of the window while the rest of the window remains closed and secure. Alternatively, the window can be completely opened so you can enjoy the full experience of what nature has to offer, like a fresh summer breeze, from inside your home. 
  8. Modern Aesthetics: Clean lines, slender frames, and a range of designer finishes and handle options lend to an in-demand, modern aesthetic that can elevate your space and increase the value of your home overall. 
  9. Increased Security: EuroLine’s multi-point locking system, reinforced steel frame, locking hinges, and glazed glass provide optimal security. Our tilt & turn windows also stand up to elements creating an impassive, virtually impenetrable barrier against anything mother nature may throw at them.

As you can see, there are many reasons to love these European-style windows and our tilt & turn products give you the most durable, versatile, and energy-efficient window system in their class. Take a tour of some of our latest premium home projects to get a better idea of how tilt & turn windows can enhance your living space:

The Latest Project by EuroLine Windows in Scenic West Vancouver

Spectacular Custom Windows in Vancouver’s Trendy Dunbar-Southlands

Not All Tilt & Turn Windows Are Created Equal

Tilt & Turn Windows

Windows and Doors = Heat Loss

Windows and doors are some of the most important components of the building envelope. One could even say that they are the most important component, since heat lost through windows is often as much as heat loss through walls and roof combined.

When buying a new house or renovating an existing one, choosing windows and doors is a big decision, one that will have a considerable effect on the energy-efficiency and comfort of your home.

R-Value or U-Factor?

In Canada the r-value – or “resistance value” – is often still used. It measures how resistant a product is against thermal flow. Usually these values are given at centre of glass, which is always higher (higher values are better) than the value for the entire window, including the frame.

Officially, Canada now uses the u-factor (heat transfer coefficient – lower values are better). This value is not just based on the centre of glass, but on the entire window including the frame. Here, too, one cannot simply rely on the value to determine the performance of the window unit, because, like the r-value, the u-factor does not take into consideration air and water tightness. A simple sliding window with a small frame and good glass can achieve good results in the lab, whereas in real life the same window might leak air and water. A tilt & turn window that is equipped with multi-point locking hardware, on the other hand, seals tightly all around performing better when installed, yet does not achieve significantly better results with the same glass in the lab. Most tilt & turn windows have a deeper frame and can accommodate triple glazed IG units with larger air spaces, which do make a significant difference in the u-factor and real efficiency.

Tilt & Turn – A New Standard in North America

Thanks to their thermal performance, tilt & turn windows are the standard for windows in Europe and Asia, and are gaining popularity in North America. Increased demand has resulted in more and more companies fabricating tilt & turn windows themselves, or importing them for sale.

While tilt & turn window and door systems are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions by forming a barrier against wind, rain and cold, it is important to be aware that not all tilt & turn windows are created equal.

German Engineered

While many companies advertise “German Technology” and “German Engineering”, this does not mean that the windows – or their components – are actually made in Germany, just that the tilt & turn technology originated there. Many windows and/or components are made in other European or Asian countries, where labour and materials are cheaper, and environmental regulations are laxer, resulting in a cheaper final product. In addition, costs are reduced where possible, for instance by using fewer locking points. Even if the windows and/or components are in fact made in Germany, it is very possible that they are not approved for sale on the Canadian market, since German – as well as other European and Asian – profiles often still contain heavy metals such as lead or cadmium, which is not allowed in North America. Differences in construction style, structural and wind loads, egress requirements, and even something as simple as insect screen availability, also must be taken into consideration, which is all too easily forgotten when importing windows from abroad.

Buyer Beware

All windows that are sold in Canada must comply with Canadian regulations. It is not only illegal to sell imported windows that do not meet these regulations, but it is equally as illegal to purchase these windows. A person who sells a house with windows that do not comply with these regulations may be sued by the new owners.

Made in Canada Using German Technology

EuroLine products are manufactured in Delta, B.C. We use German multi-point locking hardware from Roto Frank, the inventor of the tilt & turn system, and profiles from REHAU, most of which are extruded right here in Canada. Profiles for our 4700-series ThermoPlus® are extruded in Germany, but do not contain any lead or cadmium. Our windows and doors are tested to ASTM and NAFS standards, are NFRC certified for thermal performance, and are Energy Star rated. Because your security and comfort are important to us, we sell our windows the way we test them: with the maximum possible number of locking points and roll-formed galvanized steel reinforcement all around.