European tilt & turn windows
European Tilt and Turn Windows in Scarborough
A tilt and turn window does two things with one handle. Turn the handle up and the top of the sash tips into the room a few inches for ventilation. Turn it sideways and the whole sash swings in like a door. They have been standard in Europe for decades and are catching on in Ontario. Fortress Windows & Doors installs them in Scarborough with our own crew.
Reviewed by Steve McCue and Steve Mercer, owners, Fortress Windows & Doors Inc.
Since 1989
Owner-run, family business
Canadian-made
Built for Ontario winters
Our own install crew
No subcontractors
Lifetime warranty
Covers product and labour
How they work
How the two modes work
Tilt is for everyday air. The sash leans in at the top, rain runs down the outside of the glass, and the opening is small enough to leave while you are out.
Turn opens the whole window inward. That gives full airflow, a large opening that can serve as an exit, and easy access to both sides of the glass for cleaning without a ladder.
Why they seal
Why they seal well
When the handle is closed, the hardware locks the sash to the frame at several points around the edge, not just at one latch. That multi-point lock pulls the sash evenly into the seals, so the window is both airtight and hard to force. It is the same idea we use on entry doors.
Good to know
What to know before you order
Things to plan for
Because the sash swings inward, you need clear space inside. Blinds, curtains and a sill full of plants have to be thought about. Inside-mounted blinds can get in the way of the turn function, so we talk that through at the measure.
Tilt and turn windows are a good fit for modern homes, rooms facing a busy street where you want airflow without a wide-open window, and upper floors where cleaning the outside is otherwise a ladder job.
Where they came from
The design comes from Germany and is common across Europe, where it is often the standard window in apartments and houses. The appeal is that a single window replaces two jobs: a secure vent position you can leave open, and a full opening for airing out a room or cleaning. The hardware is more complex than a casement crank, which is why a well-built frame and careful install matter.
Installation
An inward-opening sash is less forgiving of a crooked frame than a slider, so the frame has to be set dead square and level for the hardware to engage properly. Our own crew does the install under Steve McCue, who has 37 years of window and door installation behind him. The window is then insulated, sealed and adjusted, and it is covered by the True Fortress Exclusive Lifetime Warranty, which covers the product and the labour.
Quotes
Call (416) 291-5795 and Steve Mercer will measure your openings and go through sizes and options. For other window styles, see window installation. We also install in Toronto and Markham.
Using them day to day
The handle position tells you everything: down is locked, sideways is turn, up is tilt. Close the window before switching between tilt and turn, since forcing the handle mid-swing can knock the hardware out of adjustment. Once a year, wipe the seals and put a little lubricant on the locking points around the frame.
Our process
How the job runs
From first call to final walk-through.
Book
Call or use the quote form.
Measure
We measure and check the inside clearance.
Quote
One written price.
Install
Frame set square and level, sealed and trimmed.
Adjust
Tilt and turn hardware tested with you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a tilt and turn window work?
One handle controls two opening modes. Turning it up tilts the top of the sash inward for ventilation, and turning it sideways lets the whole sash swing inward like a door.
Are tilt and turn windows secure?
Yes. When closed, the hardware locks the sash to the frame at multiple points around its edge, which makes the window hard to force and helps it seal tightly.
Do tilt and turn windows work with blinds?
They can, but because the sash opens inward, blinds and curtains need clearance. Inside-mounted blinds may block the turn function, so placement should be planned before install.
Do you install tilt and turn windows in Scarborough?
Yes. Fortress Windows & Doors installs European tilt and turn windows in Scarborough and across the GTA. Call (416) 291-5795 for a free quote.
Get a free quote on tilt and turn windows
One written price, measured by an owner. Call (416) 291-5795 or book online.