Aluminum windows are gaining popularity due to its durability, elegant appearance and versatility. Depending on the method of opening and functionality, we can distinguish different types of windows that meet the various needs of users. In this article, we will present individual types of aluminum windows, their opening mechanisms, and the advantages and disadvantages of each variant. 

Aluminum windows opening inwards

Functionality:

Aluminum windows opening inwards are the most common type of windows used in Poland. Their design allows the sash to be opened to the inside of the room, which makes cleaning the outside of the window easier.

Advantages:

• Easy to clean the outer surface of the window.
• Possibility to install external roller blinds or anti-burglary protection.
• Better thermal and acoustic insulation thanks to the possibility of precise closing.

Disadvantages:

• It requires space inside the room to open the leaf.
• They may interfere with furniture placed close to the window.

Aluminum windows opening outwards

Functionality:

Aluminum windows opening outwards are often used in countries with a warmer climate, but are also gaining popularity in Poland. The wing opens to the outside of the building.

Advantages:

• Saving space inside the room.
• Better protection against wind and rain because the sash is pressed against the frame by the wind.

Disadvantages:

• Difficult to clean the outer surface of the window.
• It requires outdoor space, which can be problematic in places with a high density of buildings. 

Aluminum fixed windows (FIX)

Functionality:

FIX windows made of aluminum, also called fixed windows, cannot be opened. They are used where there is no need for ventilation or where it is dangerous, e.g. at high altitudes.

Advantages:

• The best thermal and acoustic insulation of all window types.
• Simple design and lower purchase and installation costs.
• No moving mechanisms, which reduces the risk of failure.

Disadvantages:

• Inability to ventilate the room.
• Difficult evacuation in emergency situations. 

Aluminum tilt windows

Functionality:

Aluminum tilt windows they open from the bottom or top at an angle, which allows for ventilation without opening the entire leaf.

Advantages:

• They enable effective ventilation without fully opening the window.
• They take up little space when opening.
• Good for rooms where fully opening the window is impractical, e.g. bathrooms.

Disadvantages:

• Limited possibility of washing the external surface.
• Smaller ventilation opening area compared to casement windows. 

Aluminum tilt windows

Functionality:

Aluminum tilt windows, often confused with aluminum tilt windows, open outwards at an angle. Typically, their rotation axis is at the top by using pivot hinges, or the rotation axis is shifted by using scissor hinges, and the lower part of the window tilts outwards. These types of windows are especially popular in commercial and office buildings, where aesthetics and functionality are key. At significant heights, tilt windows are used, the opening of which occurs by extending the entire sash outside the window frame, and not just by tilting the lower part of the sash.

Advantages:

• Because they open outwards, tilt windows minimize the risk of falling out, which is important in multi-story buildings.
• They enable effective ventilation by directing the air stream upwards, which can improve air circulation in the room.
• The design of the window means that water does not get inside during rain, because the rain flows down the outside of the window, and during wind, the window is pressed against the window frame, which increases tightness.

They open to the outside, which allows full use of the space inside the room.

Disadvantages:

• Cleaning the outer surface of the window may be difficult, especially on the upper floors of buildings.
• They require space outside the building, which can be problematic in places with high building density or on busy sidewalks.
• They are usually more expensive than standard tilt or turn windows due to their more complicated opening mechanism.

Tilt-out windows are popular in Scandinavian countries and coastal regions, where weather conditions such as rainy and windy days require the use of this type of opening.

Aluminum casement windows

Functionality:

Aluminum casement windows they open to the side, just like a door. They can open to the left or right.

Advantages:

• Large ventilation opening area.
• Easy to clean the external surface.
• Can be used in various types of buildings.

Disadvantages:

• Requires space to open the leaf.
• They may collide with furniture or other interior elements. 

Aluminum tilt-and-turn windows

Functionality:

Tilt and turn windows made of aluminum They combine the functions of casement and tilt windows, which allows the sash to be opened sideways and tilted from above.

Advantages:

• Versatility and functionality, ability to choose the opening method.
• Easy ventilation and cleaning of the external surface.
• Possibility of fully opening the sash.

Disadvantages:

• It requires a more complicated opening mechanism, which may increase purchase and maintenance costs.
• Space needed to open the leaf to the side. 

Aluminum sliding windows

Functionality:

Aluminum sliding windows they open by moving one leaf to the side, which saves space.

Advantages:

• Saves space because the sashes do not extend beyond the window frame.
• Easy to open and close.
• Aesthetic appearance and the ability to create large glazing.

Disadvantages:

• Limited possibility of washing the external surface.
• Less thermal and acoustic insulation compared to casement windows. 

Aluminum lift and slide windows

Functionality:

Lift and slide windows made of aluminum or professionally made HS aluminum patio doors is an advanced version of sliding windows, where the sash lifts before moving, which allows for easier and smoother opening.

Advantages:

• Possibility to create large glazing.
• Better thermal and acoustic insulation than standard sliding windows.
• Easy to open and close.

Disadvantages:

• Higher purchase and installation costs due to the more complicated mechanism.
• Space needed to move the sash sideways. 

Aluminum offset and sliding windows

Functionality:

Offset and sliding windows made of aluminum they allow the sash to be moved parallel to the frame and tilted inwards, which ensures ventilation.

Advantages:

• Space-saving.
• Possibility of ventilation without fully opening the window.
• Aesthetic appearance and the ability to create large glazing.

Disadvantages:

• Limited thermal and acoustic insulation.
• A complicated mechanism that increases purchase and maintenance costs. 

Aluminum pivot windows (pivot)

Functionality:

Aluminum pivot windows they open around an axis located in half the width or height of the window, which allows the sash to rotate 180 degrees.

Advantages:

• Modern look and functionality.
• Easy to clean the external surface thanks to the possibility of rotating the leaf.
• Good for rooms with limited space.

Disadvantages:

• A complicated mechanism that may increase purchase and installation costs.
• Less thermal and acoustic insulation compared to fixed windows. 

Automation of aluminum windows

All of the above types of aluminum windows can be opened both manually and automatically using a remote control or button. Thanks to appropriate automation and the use of special fittings, this is possible remote control windows, which increases the comfort of use, especially in hard-to-reach places. The automation can also be equipped with weather sensors that will automatically close the window in the event of rain or strong wind.

 The use of aluminum windows inside the building and as an external partition

The type of use of aluminum windows depends on the thickness of the profile and the appropriate thermal break. Aluminum windows can be used both inside the building, and as an external partition, ensuring appropriate thermal and acoustic insulation.

 Summary

Aluminum windows offer a wide range of opening methods and functionality, which allows them to be adapted to the individual needs of users. Each type of window has its advantages and disadvantages that are worth considering before making your choice. Thanks to the possibility of automation, aluminum windows become even more functional and convenient to use, which makes them an excellent choice for both modern and traditional buildings.