The Ultimate Cost Guide to Tilt and Turn Windows for 2023
One of the most popular window designs in the UK in the current window market is the tilt-and-turn design. The window style operates on a complex opening mechanism that maximises heat efficiency and safety in your home.
Given that these windows are so popular, you may be wondering if they are the best fit for your home and your needs. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits of installing tilt-and-turn windows and give you a guide on how much you can expect to pay for their installation. Keep reading to learn more about tilt-and-turn windows in our ultimate cost guide to tilt-and-turn windows in 2023.
What Are Tilt and Turn Windows?
Tilt-and-turn windows have two ways of opening, meaning they are versatile in how they retain heat inside of the home. This feature makes them popular fixtures for homes in the UK as they are able to open wide in the summer but allow fresh air through in the winter without letting in too much of a chill.
The first way in which tilt-and-turn windows open is much like a casement window, where they open on a single hinge down one side. This opening feature is ideal for the summer months as it allows the windows to let more of the fresh air in, making your home cooler in hot weather.
Secondly, tilt-and-turn windows can open vertically, with a second hinge located on the bottom half of the window. This enables the window to open inwards, with less of an opening exposing the house to cold weather, this is the ideal mechanism for the winter months.
Are Casement Windows or Tilt and Turn Windows Better?
Many people choose to go with casement windows as they are typically the cheaper option and are a relatively standard design. However, in terms of functionality, tilt-and-turn windows tend to be the better option, owing to their versatility.
One of the other perks of installing tilt-and-turn windows is the safety aspect. Owing to the complex hinge system of tilt-and-turn windows, there is less likelihood of children trapping their fingers in the windows. When a tilt-and-turn window is opened on its horizontal axis, only the top of the window is open, meaning it’s more difficult for children to tamper with. These windows are also ideal for homes with pets as they can prevent them from climbing out of the window or trapping their paws and injuring themselves.
Casement windows, on the other hand, do not have these same safety features, but their simple design and low-cost installation often make them more appealing to homeowners.
Which Materials Are Used for Tilt and Turn Windows?
Tilt-and-turn windows can be constructed out of the same materials as most other windows. The most popular materials to use for tilt-and-turn window frames are wood, aluminium, and uPVC. When one looks at the costs of these frame materials, uPVC is the most cost-effective option. However, most people prefer wood as it is easier to colour-customise.
Wooden frames are more expensive than uPVC window frames and are less durable against extreme weather conditions. They are also more susceptible to conditions such as wood rot if they are not properly cared for. They are therefore often deemed the least cost-effective frame material for homes. However, many homeowners prefer wooden frames for the sake of maintaining a traditional aesthetic.
Finally, aluminium falls in between the cost of uPVC and wood as a once-off cost, however, the frames are highly durable and do not require a lot of maintenance in the long run. Aluminium frames are on the up in popularity and are great for homes with a more modern design.
All tilt-and-turn windows can be made with double-glazing or even triple glazing. The level of glazing will always have a direct effect on the cost of the window, given that the more glass is used in manufacturing a tilt-and-turn window, the more material is required and used.
Full Cost Breakdown: How Much Do Tilt and Turn Windows Cost?
| Glazing | Frame Material | Frame Size | Cost |
| Double Glazing | uPVC | 600 x 900mm | £250-£400 |
| 900 x 1200mm | £400-£600 | ||
| 1200 x 1200mm | £650-£900 | ||
| Aluminium | 600 x 900mm | £550-£700 | |
| 900 x 1200mm | £650-£800 | ||
| 1200 x 1200mm | £750-£1,000 | ||
| Wood | 600 x 900mm | £850-£1,000 | |
| 900 x 1200mm | £1,200-£1,400 | ||
| 1200 x 1200mm | £1,350-£1,500 |
What Factors Influence the Price of Tilt and Turn Windows?
There are several other factors which will have an impact on the cost of tilt-and-turn windows and their installation. This mainly comes down to the size and the level of customisation you wish to have on your windows.
Installation Costs
Aside from the materials you select for your tilt-and-turn windows, the size of the frame will also have a direct effect on the cost of the window. Usually bigger, and therefore, heavier windows cost more to install due to needing more manpower for a proper installation. It will also take more labour to manoeuvre them into the correct positions.
If you are installing tilt-and-turn windows on the first floor of a home, this will also end up costing more than installing them on the ground floor. The contractors will have to work at height, therefore, increasing the safety risks associated with their work. They will likely have to navigate a staircase to get the windows into place, which requires more work on their part.
Customisation
Given the complex mechanism, there is not much customisation you can do to a standard tilt-and-turn window. The mechanism restricts the shape of the window to either a square or rectangular shape, so it’s unlikely you will be able to modify these in any way.
The cost of customising the frames of the windows will also depend on what they are made of. Wooden frames are the easiest to customise as all they require is a lick of paint to change the colour. If you opt for aluminium or uPVC frames then you can only change their colour through colour-blasting which you will have to order to be done before the windows are delivered to the installation site. This is usually an expensive process.
The Location of the Project
If the site at which the tilt-and-turn windows are to be installed is far away, it is more likely that the cost of installation will go up. You may also be asked to compensate the contractors for fuel and extra arrangements made for accommodation if your home is in a remote location.
FAQs
Do tilt-and-turn windows add value?
Given the popularity of the design, tilt-and-turn windows will certainly add value to the property if they are installed. They are highly practical and efficient in terms of home heat retention, making them a desirable feature for property buyers. They also offer increased safety for household with children and pets, which is another selling point of the window tilt-and-turn windows.
Are tilt-and-turn windows more expensive than casement windows?
Given their complex opening mechanism, tilt-and-turn windows are far more expensive than casement windows. They are on the upper end of window styles costing-wise probably owing to their popularity in the market today.
Should I restore or replace my tilt-and-turn windows?
The decision to restore or replace your tilt-and-turn windows heavily depends on the reason you need to change them. If the glass of a tilt-and-turn window is damaged, you will likely be able to replace the glass only. However, if there is more severe damage to the frame, for example, you may need to replace the unit entirely. If you are unsure of whether to replace or restore your tilt-and-turn windows, speak to a contractor to quote you for both. This will give you an idea of which option will be more cost-effective and more viable for your budget.