windows - top or side hinged?

suered

Hi all,

replacing some windows - back wall of bungalow, 3 windows - 2 in bathroom , one for small back bedroom. Would you go for top hinged (as in the whole pane is hinged at the top as opposed to a fan light) or side hinged? And would you have all 3 the same or not?

I was thinking that top hinged would give a bit more privacy when open - there are 2 storey houses whose top floor windows overlook the back of the bungalow and if anyone walks round from the front of the house they would go past the bathroom windows but a friend has just gone "oh no!! - definitely side hinged and blinds if necessary".

Would top hinged windows put you off if you were buying?

Grateful for all input.

SternMusik

Tilt-and-turn windows are best, IMO. Shame they aren't more commonly installed. Good privacy, easy operation, and you can clean the outside of the window while standing on the inside

southcoastrgi

tilt & turn are a pita imo, they open in so you can't put anything on the window ledge unless you want to move everything when you want to open them & are a nitemare to fit nets or curtains again because they open in

SternMusik

Most of the time you would tilt them so no need to move anything. Net curtains can be fitted to the actual window. Security is better too. They normally have sturdier frames and more anchor points than casement windows. No need to pay a window cleaner since you can easily clean them standing inside.

It is a matter of personal preference though. I find casement windows and top hinged ones incredibly impractical. Don't even get me started on sash... :-)

Alikay

I prefer side hinged with a small top hinged fanlight, Our previous 2 houses lacked fan lights so it was hard to ventilate the rooms on cold or windy days as opening a big window was too much: Was a real pain in kitchen and bathrooms.

suered

Thanks for the replies - which reminded me - currently all 3 are very old rotten sash windows. I can't afford to replace them with sash and can't put in fixed panes with fanlights because I would need steps every time I wanted to open them as the windows are set higher than normal modern ones and the ceilings are higher too. So I really am left with casements only and the question is just where the hinge goes.

Also, may I pick brains on the glass and locking? One of the quotes states 28mm Argon ASB glass and marine multilock locking - is that ok? It doesn't say. Not sure about the actual window but will check to make sure it's one of baldwindowfitter's favourite four.

Finally, is it worth going for low-E glass?

Thanks again

SternMusik

Sorry, can't help with the glass spec. What are the dimensions of the windows? If you have sash windows now you need to bear in mind the look of a casement window in the same place. If it is a very tall window it might look better to have two panels, the upper panel being top hinged (even if you can't reach it) - it will break up an otherwise very large area of glass.

suered

Ah, yes. They're 1200mm high, so not too bad - the kitchen window is taller than that and a casement and doesn't look horrendous. The bottom of these bathroom ones (bottom of frame, that is) is 126cm from the floor, hence my shortish self being unable to reach if fanlights were used as bath and loo are in way of both.

cattie

I'm not a lover of top opening windows as I find them such a hassle to open & close, having to stand on something to do so.

I think a property with top opening windows only would put me off. I'd personally go for side opening & blinds for privacy when needed.

cyclonebri1

Hinge them off the long side and fit sash jammers, don't make easy for the scrotes;);)