Casement windows are the most common type of window whether as an existing or a replacement window. But if you have ever travelled abroad you will have seen many houses and apartments with inward opening windows. Should you consider these instead of outward opening windows?
What is the difference between inward and outward opening windows?
Doors will frequently open inwards so why not windows?
Both inward and outward opening windows are constructed in similar ways but the differences begin in how the window open. For outward opening windows, these are positioned over the outer frame or window mullion if there is one. For inward opening windows these are positioned on the inside of the frame.
In other countries, the use of each window type actually varies according to climate. In colder countries such as Scandinavia you will often find outward opening windows like here in the UK but the trend in warmer countries is towards the inward opening.
Weather affects the choice of inward or outward opening windows.
We must remember that in warmer countries there is a requirement for shutters and often flyscreens. Flyscreens in particular help prevent mosquitos from entering the room at night when you still want your windows open.
In order for these to work effectively, it makes sense for the opening sashes to open inwards so that the shutters and flyscreens can work effectively from the outside. It also makes sense to have these outside as you can still open your windows even with the shutters or flyscreens are shut.
What looks better? Inward or outward opening windows?
We believe what makes a better looking window is a matter of personal choice but it can be argued that inward opening windows from the outside may a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. With modern windows all hinges are now hidden thanks to the use of friction hinges instead of traditional window hinges. Inward opening windows can provide a cleaner appearance as the opening sash, very much like an inward opening door is hidden behind the frame.
Inward opening windows will give you the advantage of having a Juliet balcony arrangement, window boxes with flowers and provide a more continental feel to your home. But they will also prevent you from putting anything on your internal window cills if you open your windows frequently.
Living with inward opening windows
Rare in the UK, but available from AluK, Reynaers and others, inward opening windows are suitable for landings and restricted spaces
The huge advantage of inward opening windows is that they can be cleaned from the inside. This may be an advantage to high level windows. It is unlikely also that inward opening windows can be caught by gusts of wind, but as modern friction hinges have an element of resistance today, this risk is much less. But nonetheless outward opening windows can be caught by the wind.
Curtains and blinds may be another reason you may not want to have inward opening windows. However this is a subjective matter. With millions of opening inwards windows in Europe and throughout the world, these houses will also have curtains and blinds. Therefore how much of an inconvenience this really is is down to personal preference.
If you already have inward opening doors with curtain behind you will already be used to moving the curtains out of the way when you open your doors.
Living with outward opening windows
Outward opening windows with fixed mullion. Floating mullions are also available.
Owing to outward opening window being set against their own rebate, weather performance is somewhat better on outward opening windows with less risk of water or driving rain settling on the profiles as they would on an inward opening window. Again this will depend on how exposed your own windows and doors are. This may not be an issue if your own home is not particularly exposed to the elements.
The UK Window Market is unique in many ways
Many of the windows we replace today often replicate the original windows. Therefore if you are replacing old outward opening windows, the temptation is to replace them with the same. However depending on your home, depending upon whether you wish to be different inward opening windows may provide an option.
Whilst many of the aluminium door and window systems supplied in the UK today are designed and created by European companies that offer an internal opening window not every systems company will offer one in the UK so contact us and we can put you in touch with companies that do.
Ultimately the choice will depend on how you use your windows and your own personal preference but there is no reason why you shouldn’t give inward opening windows consideration. Contact us for help and advice.
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