What Are The Best Windows For Ventilation?

At the time of writing, it’s a bright and glorious summer’s day and the temperature is edging ever closer to 30 degrees. At Reading Trade Windows, we love this time of year but we must admit, sometimes the heat can get a bit much. As spring recedes into the distance and the temperature really ramps up, we have to start thinking about home ventilation. 

That’s where our windows come in. Flinging them wide open and letting in as much air as possible is the natural response to rising temperatures, but which windows are best for home ventilation? Let’s take a close look and see which can help us keep cool.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are one of the most popular and versatile styles available in the UK. You’ll find them on the majority of modern properties across the country and are distinguished by the hinge on the left or right-hand side that allows them to open outwards. They also regularly include a smaller, top-hinged window as part of the design and are an excellent choice for improving ventilation.

As they open outwards, they create a funnelled breeze that pulls air in across the window and into the house. If you can open another similar window on the opposite side of the property, it’ll result in a strong current blowing through the house. This will keep the air circulating, removing moisture and hopefully making the internal temperature a bit more bearable.

Tilt & Turn Windows

Widely used in hotels and other tower blocks, you also see tilt and turn windows in houses too. They’re a comparatively modern innovation and can either be tilted inwards via a hinge at the bottom or turned inwards via one on the side. You might have heard them called “dual function windows,” but tilt and turn is the proper term. 

Like casement windows, tilt and turn windows are a good choice for ventilating a home. They can create a similar cross breeze, but with the added benefit that you can keep them open when it rains. They tilt inwards so any water droplets just slide off and don’t enter your house, meaning you can keep the breeze going even during wet days.

Bow Windows

At the larger end of the spectrum are bow windows. These tend to be very grand and impressive installations, made with three or more casements that angle outward in a curve. This increases the size of a room and also lets in plenty of light, but it also helps with airflow. 

The reason for this is that opening the window on either side creates a cross breeze. This results in a natural current flowing through the room, picking up the hot air and carrying it outside, thereby reducing that horrible, stuffy feeling you sometimes get on hot days. Because of their size, you’ll have trouble installing bow windows in smaller rooms but they’re ideal for larger ones like dining or living rooms.

We’re not certain why hot days in the UK feel more intense than they do when we’re on holiday, but the right choice of window can help mitigate the effects. So, if you’re working on a home improvement project and want a window that can help make a house more comfortable in the summer, why not contact us or complete an online quote? Our experts can guide you to the perfect window. 

Categories: News

Tags: bow windows, casement windows, cool a house down, home improvement, tilt and turn windows, window ventilation