They are called “casement” windows, specifically turn/tilt operation, and they do exist in the USA. They are typically more expensive than vinyl double hung, and home builders tend to shy away from anything “different” that might scare away home buyers. That’s why you don’t see them very often.
But if you want them, you can buy them and have them installed. You can even get them in patio door sizes, but the larger the door, the heavier it is when it tilts.
It’s really common for people unfamiliar with the door function to lift the handle and think it’s locked, and then a strong breeze blows the door inward. Between the noise and seeing the door falling inward, it can be pretty scary.
Source: I worked in construction in the US with European builders who loved these things and couldn’t figure out why Americans didn’t.
My expensive vinyl double hung windows in my previous house actually had a casement-like feature and I could easily remove either part. I loved those windows; I wish I could have taken them with me.
I still am freaking out every time it happens. What happens if you actually don’t scream and fight for your life by pressing against it and putting it back into a closed position immediately? What happens if you just let it happen and let go?
I looked at getting trippled paned windows a while back, and the benefits were marginal compared to double paned from the same company. It seems that once you’re already in the higher end of the market, they don’t do much over good double paned.
New apartment I moved to only has these and I’ve been dreaming of having them for years. It’s amazing. Although it looks fragile and scary when the huge door/window is only fixed lightly on the bottom 😅
Add comment