With summer having officially arrived, we’re swinging our windows open to let the fresh air in and keeping our homes from becoming too warm. When considering window ventilation, we must look at how modern innovations impact airflow.
With modern home innovations, we have the most thermally efficient uPVC windows and doors that we have ever had. This is great for keeping our homes warm in the winter and keeping our energy costs down. However, it can pose problems ensuring adequate window ventilation during the summer.
Understanding Building Regulations and Window Ventilation
All homes require a base level of window ventilation that the government mandates in accordance with Part F of the building regulations. The majority of new windows are now fitted with trickle vents to ensure consistent window ventilation. You probably already have them.
They’re the little slots at the top of the window you can flick open to give your home constant airflow. If you don’t have them yet, any new windows you have installed will likely have them built-in already to meet window ventilation standards.
You don’t have to open them, but they give the home a level of window ventilation throughout the winter when we tend to keep the whole window closed due to the temperature.
Choosing the Right Style for Window Ventilation
The various styles of windows on offer have also increased just as much as the thermal efficiency has! Here at Fitter, we offer several different types of windows, depending on the client’s preferences and needs regarding window ventilation.
Today we wanted to look at how airflow fits into the various styles that we provide so that you can make an informed decision about which window is going to be best for window ventilation in your home.
1. The Classic Casement Window
First up is the traditional casement window. The casement window has become a standard in the UK home for basic window ventilation. Traditional buildings and heritage properties tend to feature old sliding sash windows that you put up and have to hope they don’t come crashing down unexpectedly.
The casement window showed up at around the same time that double glazing and uPVC started taking over the market. Some casement installations will come with a smaller window that tilts outwards at the top of one side. Casement windows rank pretty highly on our window ventilation scale, especially the variety that comes with the smaller window at the top.
The smaller window promotes a funnel of cool air to enter the home. The larger window openings also promote this, but they can also cause the home to become cold due to the size of the gap. While good for window ventilation, opening these windows up can also invite insects because of how much room they have to manoeuvre into the home.
2. Modern Sash Windows
The modern sash window is a dramatic improvement for heritage-style window ventilation. Older designs of this window would dramatically shut often, but our sash windows feature no such issue.
Sash windows have very good window ventilation due to their control over how much they open the window. By opening both sashes, you create a natural convection flow. With our modern sash windows, we have incorporated a tilt function that allows them to tilt inwards for easier window ventilation. This also doubles up as an easy cleaning option to ensure your new installation looks excellent.
3. The Functional Tilt and Turn Window
The absolute best option for window ventilation in the home has got to be the modern tilt and turn window. uPVC tilt and turn windows are among the most modern innovations for homeowners prioritising window ventilation.
Tilt and turn operate on a mechanism that offers two levels of window ventilation:
- The Tilt: Works as a kind of easy-open vent. It doesn’t open very far, but it’s perfect as a semi-permanent way to keep airflow coming into the house securely.
- The Turn: Alternatively, you can pull the window inside to create a massive opening that allows huge amounts of air in for rapid window ventilation!
Summary
So, whilst all of our modern windows promote window ventilation throughout the home, our tilt and turn windows are absolutely the best option. The versatility of controlling just how much air is going to come into the home is the functional positive of having a tilt and turn window installed.
Get a Quote Today
If you’re interested in any of our modern windows that promote window ventilation, please use our online pricing tool to get a quick and free quote today!
Furthermore, if you have any specific questions for us here at Fitter regarding window ventilation, we’re happy to answer them through our online contact form or on our phone lines at 01279 799818.
Categories: Windows & Doors
Tags: casement windows, tilt and turn windows, uPVC Windows, ventilation, windows
