Tilt and turn or double hung
February 10, 2012 11:19 AM   Subscribe

Any experience replacing double-hung windows with something like the "european-style" tilt-and-turn windows or a casement window?

I'm looking at window options. The house currently has the classic single-pane double-hung (which sounds so dirty, doesn't it?) windows.

Double hung windows are notoriously inefficient (see chart on page 6 here) but almost universal in the US homes, even for replacements. The window installers I've talked to roll their eyes and sigh when I raise the possibility of doing something different.

I'd like to consider alternatives, especially the "european-style" tilt-and-turn windows like these (for example or these Jeld Wens). I'd prefer to use a company that specializes in these rather than a general manufacturer like Jeld Wen for whom this is a tiny piece of the market.

Any experiences with installation of these windows (in particular around the DC area?)
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy to Home & Garden (3 answers total)
 
I can't answer your question, but I do have a suggestion.

The chart you refer to indicates that double-hung windows have significantly more air leakage than casement windows. However, the text of the same document says "New double-hung windows typically feature greatly improved weather stripping and springs that hold the sashes in place. These newer windows are nearly as airtight as the best casement windows." You might want to look at the source of the data in the chart to make sure that efficiency is really a factor in your decision.
posted by pizzazz at 12:08 PM on February 10, 2012


Best answer: Double hung is indeed inherently more leaky than other window types. Just as you can get progressively better seals on them, so too do other types also improve. The latter just have less advantage left to gain.

The real question with windows is your priorities. The best efficiency to cost trade-off is probably pultruded fiberglass triple glazed such as thermotech, accurate dorwin and the like. However, if you'd prefer a wood framed window as many home-owners would, Marvin makes some decent products as do some smaller local specialty shops (at least that is true here in northern new england).

Tilt and turns are for the specific use of allowing ventilation without catching the drafts through your space that you get when opening a casement style. The hardware costs a lot more, and personally I'm not sure I'd bother over a casement, but that is your choice. You may also want to consider the type of house you have and how the visual appearance will be changed by your window choice.

Contractors don't like different because it contains unknown implications, and that either adds to their risk or costs you money. But, don't let that defer you from getting the windows you want.
posted by meinvt at 1:00 PM on February 10, 2012 [1 favorite]


Casement windows that open out get more weather damage than double hung - we had a couple and found they needed more maintenance than double hung windows installed at the same time.
posted by leslies at 5:59 PM on February 10, 2012 [1 favorite]


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