A tilt and turn window is a European style window with one handle that works two ways. Turn it one way, the top of the sash tilts inward a few inches for draft free ventilation. Turn it the other, the whole sash swings inward like a door, open all the way and easy to clean both sides of the glass. The dual action comes from a multi point locking system in the frame, not a simple hinge.
So builders and homeowners in North America ask what a tilt and turn window is when they spot one in a showroom or on a project plan. Simple answer: it solves several practical problems at once. You can air out a room without rain coming in. Clean upper floor windows from inside. And it opens wide but locks up tight. WANJIA Hiseng makes aluminum clad wood and aluminum tilt and turn windows for export to North America, with European hardware from ROTO, SIEGENIA, and CMECH.
How a Tilt and Turn Window Is Put Together
The hardware does all of it. Locking pins sit around the sash and a multi point gear runs them off one handle. The handle has four positions: closed, tilt, turn, and sometimes a fourth for micro ventilation, depending on the hardware brand.
Closed, the pins engage the frame all the way around. The sash pulls tight against the weatherstripping. That helps with air sealing and sound reduction. Rotate the handle 90 degrees and the bottom pins stay engaged while the top pins release. The sash tilts inward at the top, usually 4 to 6 inches. That is the tilt position. Air comes in through the top gap while the bottom stays locked to the frame. Rain runs down the outside glass and does not enter the room.
Rotate the handle 180 degrees from closed and all the pins release except the side hinges. The sash swings inward like a door, pivoting on the side hinges. That is the turn position. You can open it fully to clean the exterior glass from inside, or use it as an emergency escape route if the window is large enough. The same handle controls both functions, so there is no separate latch or crank.
Why Builders Pick Tilt and Turn Windows
Ventilation Without Compromise
The tilt position sells a lot of these windows. You can leave it tilted in light rain or overnight and water stays out. The inward tilt sends air up and into the room, so people sitting nearby don't get a direct draft. That makes it a good fit for bedrooms, living rooms, home offices. Fresh air, no strong breeze.
Security in Both Positions
The sash locks at multiple points around the frame. That makes a tilt and turn harder to force open than a single latch window. In the tilt position, the bottom pins stay engaged, so nobody can push it open from outside. The opening is only a few inches wide. Not enough for a person to pass through. You can ventilate a ground floor room without creating an easy entry point. The multi point locking system is standard on the aluminum clad wood tilt and turn windows from WANJIA Hiseng.
Easy Cleaning from Inside
Cleaning a second story window usually means a ladder or a long handled squeegee. With a tilt and turn, you turn the handle to the full open position and swing the sash inward. Both sides of the glass are reachable from inside the room. This matters for apartment buildings, townhouses, any home with windows above the ground floor. It also works for people who don't want to hire a window cleaning service.
Thermal Performance
Tilt and turn windows can be built with double or triple glazing, Low E coatings, and thermally broken frames. The aluminum 91 series tilt and turn window from WANJIA Hiseng uses a thermal break and triple glazing to reach a Uw value of 1.4 W/m²K. That level of insulation helps reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. The multi point locking system also pulls the sash tight against the seals, which reduces air leakage compared to windows that rely on a single latch. For projects that target low energy use, these windows are worth considering. You can read more about low U value configurations on our passive house windows guide.
Material and hardware choices
WANJIA Hiseng makes these two ways: aluminum clad wood, or all aluminum. Which one fits depends on the job.
Aluminum clad wood tilt and turn windows
The inside is solid wood, so the room gets that warm natural look. The outside is aluminum, and that cladding takes the rain, sun, and temperature swings so the wood doesn't have to. You get the look of wood without the upkeep of an all wood window. The exterior can be powder coated, anodized, or finished with a wood grain texture. Hardware is from ROTO, SIEGENIA, or CMECH. Those are European brands, and they run smooth for a long time.
Glass options: double, triple, or Low E. Full details on our aluminum clad wood tilt and turn windows page.
Aluminum tilt and turn windows
If you want a slimmer frame and a more modern look, the aluminum series gets you there. The 91 series is a thermal break window built from 6060-T66 aluminum with 1.8 mm wall thickness, and local reinforcement up to 2.0 mm. Triple glazing (5+16A+5+16A+5) drops the Uw to 1.4 W/m²K and pushes Rw to 37 dB. This series carries ENERGY STAR, NFRC, and CSA certifications.
The 70 series is the more basic one, with a Uw of 2.0 W/m²K and Rw of 30 dB using glass up to 5+27A+5. For a really big opening, the K80 automatic adds a smart control panel and still hits Uw 1.4 and Rw 37 dB. That one is automatic, hence the name. Compare all of them on our aluminium tilt and turn windows page.
| Series | Frame Material | Uw | Rw | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 series | Thermal break aluminum | 1.4 W/m²K | 37 dB | ENERGY STAR, NFRC, CSA |
| 70 series | Thermal break aluminum | 2.0 W/m²K | 30 dB | NFRC, CSA |
| K80 automatic | Thermal break aluminum | 1.4 W/m²K | 37 dB | NFRC, CSA |
Where Tilt and Turn Windows Make Sense
They work in many buildings. A few situations are better than the rest.
In multi story homes and apartments, the inward opening turn function makes cleaning safe and simple because you do not need to lean out or use a ladder, and the tilt function allows ventilation even on upper floors where wind can be strong. The window opens inward, so it does not interfere with balconies or exterior walkways.
In cold climates, the multi point locking and triple glazing options help keep heat inside. The tilt position lets you air out a room without losing as much heat as opening a window fully. That same tilt position provides continuous airflow without letting in insects if you add a screen. Screens are an option on WANJIA Hiseng windows.
For commercial projects such as offices, schools, and healthcare buildings, tilt and turn windows offer controlled ventilation and easy maintenance. The hardware is durable enough for frequent use, and the inward opening design means the exterior facade stays clean and uncluttered.
What to Consider Before Buying
Before you specify these windows, think through a few practical points.
First, the window opens inward. You need clear space inside the room for the sash to swing. Furniture, curtains, or shelves placed too close to the window will block the turn function. The tilt function still works, but you lose the full opening benefit. Plan the interior layout accordingly.
Second, screens require a specific design. A standard exterior screen will not work with an inward opening sash. WANJIA Hiseng offers integrated screen systems that fit the frame and allow the tilt and turn operation. Include screens in your order if you need insect protection.
Third, hardware quality matters more than with a simple casement window. The multi point locking system and the hinge mechanism carry the full weight of the sash in both positions. Cheaper hardware can sag or bind over time. WANJIA Hiseng uses ROTO, SIEGENIA, and CMECH hardware on the aluminum clad wood series. The aluminum series is built with the same standard of durability.
Fourth, installation requires attention to square and level. The frame must be installed plumb and square for the multi point locking pins to engage correctly. WANJIA Hiseng provides installation videos and guidance after delivery. The technical team can assist remotely until the project is finished. We do not offer on site installation. But the documentation is detailed enough for a competent installer.
Finally, lead time and warranty are important for project planning. Production usually takes 25-30 business days depending on the design, materials, and order volume. Warranty depends on the specific product and contract terms. If you need a quote, send your project details and you will receive a response within 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tilt and Turn Windows
How do tilt and turn windows work?
One handle does both jobs. Turn it 90 degrees and the sash tilts inward at the top for ventilation, the bottom stays locked. Turn it 180 degrees and the whole sash swings inward on side hinges, like a door.
The multi point locking system engages pins around the frame in both positions. That keeps the window secure and the seal tight.
Are tilt and turn windows more expensive than regular windows?
The hardware is more complex than a simple casement or sliding window, so upfront cost is often higher. But the dual function replaces two window types in many applications. And the multi point locking and thermal performance can reduce long term energy and maintenance costs.
For a specific price, request a quote with your project details.
Can tilt and turn windows be used for egress?
Yes, if the window meets the local building code for egress size and operation. The turn position opens the full sash inward, which can serve as an emergency escape route.
Check with your local code official for minimum clear opening dimensions. WANJIA Hiseng can build windows to your specified sizes.