Tilt and turn windows, two ways to open

What is a tilt and turn window?

A tilt and turn window is one sash with two ways to open, set by a single handle. Bertrand describes it as a window that can “tilt inward from the top for ventilation or swing fully open inward from the side for cleaning or maximum air flow.” Read the short definition at tilt and turn window.

The style is common in Europe. Bertrand, a maker in Luzino, Poland, builds it as its core style. Honey Rock offers Bertrand’s line, and none of its other two partners list this type.

How does the handle work?

The handle turns the hardware between positions. On most tilt and turn hardware the steps look like this:

1. Closed and locked: the handle points down, and the sash locks at several points around the frame.
2. Turn: the handle points sideways. The sash swings in on side hinges like a door.
3. Tilt: the handle points up. The top edge of the sash drops inward while the bottom stays put.

Handle positions can vary by hardware maker. Bertrand’s Simulated Double Hung page lists “hidden hinges and minimalistic handles” as options. Ask to hold a sample before you approve hardware.

Why choose tilt mode for airflow?

Tilt mode gives fresh air through a small opening at the top while the sash stays in the frame. Turn mode gives the whole opening, which helps a room clear out fast. Bertrand names both uses: ventilation and maximum air flow.

Texas homes use both. Tilt works for overnight air in mild months. Turn works for a quick cross-breeze. Pair either mode with Low-E glass and a good U-factor so the sash does its job when closed.

How do you clean a tilt and turn window?

Turn the sash open, and both faces of the glass sit within reach from inside the room. Bertrand lists cleaning as one reason for the turn position. That is a real gain on second floors, stair landings and over kitchen counters, where reaching the outside is hard.

Wipe the glass, then check the gaskets and the moving hardware. A sash that swings in also keeps the screen question simple: screens mount outside, so ask how yours is removed.

What does an inswing sash mean for furniture and curtains?

A turned sash swings into the room, so it needs clearance. Plan these items before you pick a swing side:

• Sill height: a deep sill with a plant, a desk or a bench in front limits the turn.
• Curtains and blinds: a sash that swings in will push into hung panels. Use inside-mount shades or short treatments.
• Door swings: do not let a turned sash hit a nearby door.
• Furniture: keep a clear arc in front of any sash you plan to turn.

Tilt mode needs far less room, because only the top edge moves.

What are the Bertrand options?

Bertrand makes tilt and turn windows in wood, aluminum and uPVC. These families matter for this window type:

• Synergic (wood-aluminum): Bertrand says its frames measure 90 mm for tilt and turn windows. Bertrand also lists a 5 year warranty and burglary resistance up to RC2 class for Synergic.
• ConceptSystem 77 (aluminum): listed as a Miami Dade NOA rated system for tilt and turn, casement and fixed windows.
• Simulated Double Hung: a classic sash look with a modern tilt-turn or fixed system behind it. See the double-hung windows page and the post on simulated double hung windows.

The Bertrand partner page covers the maker, its shipping from Poland and the published specs.

How does tilt and turn compare with other types?

	Tilt and turn	Casement	Double hung
Opening	Inward, two modes	Outward (or inward)	Slides up and down
Cleaning	From inside, sash swings in	Often from outside	Sash tilts in on many models
Furniture clearance	Needs space inside	Needs space outside	None
Partner	Bertrand	Jada, Bertrand, Sun	Sun (Bertrand look-alike)

For casement choices see casement and awning windows.

What should you ask before ordering?

• Which tilt and turn system do you propose, and in which frame material?
• What are the sash weight and size limits for my opening?
• What does the glass package list for U-factor and SHGC?
• Can I see the handle and the hinge style, and how are screens handled?
• What is the lead time, and who installs the unit? Bertrand ships from Poland and says it has no U.S. subsidiaries.
• What is the written warranty for this exact line?

What are the trade-offs of tilt and turn windows?

Tilt and turn windows reward careful planning. Here is the honest list.

• Interior space: the turned sash needs a clear arc inside the room.
• Hardware: one sash with several modes uses more moving parts than a fixed unit. Ask for the hardware brand and the service plan.
• Weight: large glass makes a heavy sash. Bertrand lists sash weight limits by system, so check yours.
• Lead time and shipping: Bertrand ships from Poland. Ask for a dated lead time.
• Service: ask who services hardware after install.

On the plus side, the sash seals against the frame in closed mode, the glass is easy to reach, and you get two kinds of airflow from one handle. Bertrand lists reinforced anti-burglary fittings at RC1 or RC2 level as an option on its Simulated Double Hung, and burglary resistance up to RC2 class on Synergic.

Which frame material fits which home?

Bertrand says tilt and turn windows are often made from wood, vinyl or aluminum. Its range covers wood, PVC, aluminum and the hybrids wood-aluminum and PVC-aluminum. Pick the material for the look and care you want:

1. Wood-aluminum (Synergic, Alutrend): a wood interior with an aluminum shell. See clad wood windows.
2. Aluminum (ConceptSystem 77, MB-86N): slim metal frames. See aluminum windows.
3. uPVC and wood: other Bertrand systems. Ask Honey Rock what is available for your project.

Next step

Send us your plans or photos and we will match the window type to each room. See all windows or start your project. Call (214) 484-9982.