Home / Tilt & turn vs double-hung
GuideTilt & turn vs double-hung windows
Tilt-and-turn is the standard window across Europe. Double-hung is what most American homes grew up with. Here's how they compare, and what to plan for if you're switching.
One handle, three positions
It ventilates better, seals tighter and is safer than a double-hung.
Handle downClosed
Multi-point locks pull the sash tight against the frame all the way around, so it's airtight, watertight and secure.
Handle upTilt
The top tilts in a few inches. You get fresh air while the window stays locked at the sides. It's safe with kids around and lets in very little rain.
Handle sidewaysTurn
The sash swings fully in like a door, for maximum airflow, egress, and cleaning the outside glass from inside.
Side by side
| Tilt & turn | Double-hung | |
|---|---|---|
| How it opens | Tilts in at the top for ventilation, or swings fully in like a door. One handle controls both. | Two sashes slide up and down. At most about half the opening is open at once. |
| Ventilation | Tilt for secure, rain-resistant airflow; turn for the full opening. | Open the top, the bottom, or both partway. |
| Seal | Multi-point locks pull the sash tight against the frame all the way around. | Sliding sashes rely on weatherstripping that the sash slides against. |
| Cleaning | Turn the sash in and clean the outside glass from inside. | Many models tilt the sashes in for cleaning; older ones don't. |
| Egress | In the turn position the whole sash opens, so a smaller unit can give a large clear opening. | Only one sash opens, so the unit has to be larger for the same clear opening. |
| Inside clearance | The sash swings into the room, so keep space for it to open clear of blinds, shelves and furniture. | Nothing swings into the room. |
| Window AC units | Can't hold a standard window AC unit. Plan for a through-wall unit, ductless mini-split or portable AC. | Takes a standard window AC unit. |
| Screens | Screens mount on the outside of the frame since the sash opens inward. | Half screens or full screens on the outside track. |
Where tilt & turn makes sense
- Bedrooms that need egress. Because the whole sash opens in the turn position, it's easier to get the clear opening you need. Many of our single-sash sizes are egress compliant in the turn position. Tell us the room and we'll point you to the right size.
- Noisy streets. The compression seal and double insulated glass cut outside noise. Our windows are rated for sound reduction of up to 35 dB.
- Upper floors. You can clean the outside glass from inside, and the tilt position lets air in while the window stays locked at the sides.
- Energy. The Aluplast 4000 system has a U-factor of 0.23 and air leakage of 0.01 or less (U.S./I-P).
What to plan for when switching
- Swing space. Check that the sash can turn in without hitting blinds, a sill-height radiator cover, shelves or furniture. Left or right inswing helps; tell us which side you need.
- Air conditioning. A window AC unit won't fit. Through-wall sleeves, ductless mini-splits or portable units are the usual answers.
- Window treatments. Mount blinds or shades so they clear the sash, or use blinds made for inswing windows.
- Installation. We supply and deliver; your own contractor or installer handles the install. Our installation clips and H connectors can be added to any order.
Sizes and finishes
We stock single, double and triple sash tilt-and-turn windows, windows with a transom and fixed windows, all in black exterior / white interior or all white, delivered in about a week to NYC, Long Island and New Jersey. Our balcony doors and exterior doors are turn-only.
Get a free quote
Send your sizes or plans and we'll match them to stock and send pricing.