Green Building Forum - Tilt and turn windows - screens and microventilation? Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:31:22 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Tilt and turn windows - screens and microventilation? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17858&Focus=301882#Comment_301882 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17858&Focus=301882#Comment_301882 Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:17:27 +0100 CX23882
- the option of an external fly (or solar mesh) screen.
- microventilation or night vent position

Screens:
For fly screens, it seems that the majority of tilt and turn windows on the market now incorporate a drip-bar at the bottom of the opening panel/sash, meaning that retrofit screens that sit within the opening won't work (I'm talking about the semi-permanent clip-in type that allow the window to be closed with the screen in place).

MIcroventilation:
One useful feature of typical UK casement and awning windows is the night lock position, which allows for the window to be locked with a small opening. Some continental tilt and turn windows provide a "microventilation" position on the handle, where it is moved between the tilt position and turn position, and it allows a small opening for ventilation. I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere in marketing material.

Even better than a fixed small vent position would be the option to variably restricting the tilt amount simply via the main mechanism, without the need for supplementary limiters. My biggest concern is the risk to cats becoming stuck in the open "V" between the frame and sash. Being able to limit the opening to no more than 1 to 1.5cm at mid-height would mitigate that. Has anybody come across that?

Finally - can anyone share their thoughts on the benefits of "tilt before turn" versus "turn then tilt". I assume that "tilt before turn" is less wear and tear on the mechanism if you predominantly use the tilt mode. To me, the idea of turn then tilt is "aesthetically" correct - handle horizontal to turn open, handle vertically-up to tilt, and down to lock; and this is the way I've seen most windows operate in person (admittedly only a handful).]]>
Tilt and turn windows - screens and microventilation? http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17858&Focus=301886#Comment_301886 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=17858&Focus=301886#Comment_301886 Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:46:48 +0100 djh Posted By: CX23882Looking at tilt and turn windows available in the UK (will consider aluclad, uPVC, or thermally broken aluminium), one thing that isn't clear is whether any of the windows have (or can be specified with) the following features:

- the option of an external fly (or solar mesh) screen.
- microventilation or night vent positionI can only speak about what was available eight years ago when we bought but I don't suppose it has got worse.

We have flyscreens fitted to several windows and the patio door. The window screens all clip into place but I've taken to leaving them there the whole year except when we clean them and the window. (see below for patio door) The screens fit inside the reveal and the clips are screwed into the alumium outer of the windows. They were bought from a third-party (http://www.streme.co.uk/) and work well. They also supplied the patio door screen which is a pleated type for the sliding door. I slide it across when summer comes, and slide it back when it's cooler (it's slid back now because it's still cool enough and we're not using the patio door.) It helps to moderate the sunlight somewhat. They're all Pantone matched to the external colour of the windows.

I can't speak to drip-bars, indeed I can't imagine what they would look like on a tilt and turn window.

Tilt and turn windows all have a tilt position! That's for night ventilation, although we often open them by turning them fully open when we want more night ventilation. There's no point in 'microventilation' - that's what the MVHR is for!

We have cats and there's no way they could get stuck in the side of a tilted window even if they wanted to. The gap is less than 2 cm at mid-height.

Tilt before turn is better IMHO. That way the handle is parallel with the axis of rotation, which makes for a natural movement when you're opening or closing the window. It's not about aesthetics, it's about practicality.]]>