Looking After Your Tilt and Turn Windows

Tilt and turn windows are really popular for their versatility and aesthetics. The mechanism is more robust so they often require more space… and that means bigger windows. And that brings plenty of natural light and fresh air into your home.

As well as being bigger, they’re easier to clean than standard windows and are more energy efficient because the air-seals are more robust. They’re also available in triple glazing if that’s your preference.

But perhaps the biggest draw is that tilt and turn windows offer a variety of ventilation options.

What are Tilt and Turn Windows?

And how do you look after them?

A tilt and turn window features a handle that turns in two directions. Depending on where you place the handle, your window can be opened fully inwards or at an angle with an opening for ventilation at the top.

It’s this variety of ventilation options that perhaps offer the tilt and turn window’s best feature. That top ventilation cuts out strong breezes without compromising ventilation (remember those bus and train signs – ‘for draught-free ventilation open between the lines’?). It’s absolutely great for giving you cool ventilation on those hot summer nights.

But when you need to really clear out the cobwebs, swing your handle into the fully open position and let in the fresh air and help your room breathe freely.

Tilt and turn windows can be opened fully inside the room (most casement windows open outwards). This aspect makes tilt and turn windows really easy to clean. If it’s on a first floor or higher you won’t need ladders and of course standing on your bedroom floor is much safer.

From a practical perspective tilt and turn windows are definite winners. And because opening a tilt and turn window needs a bigger mechanism, the windows are often bigger too.

What About Security?

More opening options must mean less secure windows? Funnily enough tilt and turn windows offer amazing security. They’re high quality and one of the best engineered window choices you can make.

To accommodate the increased mechanism requirements the frame has to be robust and is usually larger too. Therefore it offers a better multi point locking system than a standard casement window. The usually wider size and opening also means your tilt and turn window makes for a good escape route in an emergency.

And external hinges can be a weak point that burglars can use to jemmy open a window (see our article on patio door security). Because a tilt and turn window opens inwards, the hinges are on the inside. If a burglar decides to jemmy these, sit tight. They will be on their way out, not in.

Cleaning Your Tilt and Turn Windows

One of the best bits of being a UPVC tilt and turn window owner is the ease of cleaning. Because tilt and turn windows open fully inwards you can open them inwards, give the outside a good clean and you’re done. Even if you’re on the first floor. No ladders, no scaffolding, no leaning out. And you can keep the safety parachute in the drawer.

Wooden frames takes a little more effort in the form of painting and protecting the wood.

Cleaning upvc windows is easy too. Warm soapy water is ok for both windows and doors and the glass. Or you can use glass cleaner for the panes (but avoid getting the glass cleaner on the frames). Washing up liquid is ok to use and can be used on patterned lead finishes too.

Regular cleaning is the best. Aim for at least once every three months but where you live might affect how often you need to clean them (we also have a range of frame care products that include those for aluminium window frames).

Your windows will usually have drainage slots to help disperse any water in frame. You should keep these clear.

It’s not a bad idea to take a hoover to your windows to clear the tracks of any dirt and debris to help the mechanisms keep running smoothly.

Have Your Tilt and Turn Windows Got Stuck After Cleaning?

All windows get stuck sometimes. Tilt and turn mechanisms operate in two ways so can easily become stuck if they’re not operated in the right way. A common issue with tilt and turn windows is them getting stuck after you’ve cleaned them too. You might find:

• Your window gets stuck in the tilt and normal open position.
• The window won’t close and feels like it’s jammed
• Your window tilts to one side, like it has dropped

Take heart. There’s often a trigger (in the form of a spring-loaded button) on the inside of the frame near the handle. This can get pressed when you’re cleaning the insides of your window. But it’s easy to fix.

The usual culprit for tilt and turn window problems is after cleaning. The mechanism allows the window to be opened inwards to be cleaned. What most people don’t know is that there is a trigger button just below the handle along the edge of the window. This is easily pressed when cleaning.

Pressing the button and following the below steps can help release a stuck mechanism:

• Push the frame at the top corner near the hinge to put it into the normal opening position
• Locate and hold the button
• Still holding the button you should now be able to turn the handle upwards to the tilt position
• Release the button, close the window and twist the handle down to lock it

A note though, never force a window handle into a position. It could damage the mechanism. If you’re really stuck or there are visible signs of damage, it’s best to call in a professional fitter.

For professional fitters we’ve created a guide to help you find your way around the tilt and turn mechanism systems. It includes a survey sheet to help you find the right information when on site.

Read the Tilt and Turn Product Guide.

Final Thoughts

Tilt and turn windows are popular for their durability and their ease of use and low maintenance. But all windows can have the occasional problem. From a stuck window handle to which blind will fit, tilt and turn windows have the occasional problem as much as a casement window.

Regular maintenance, will prolong the life of your windows and reduce the problems you face down the line.