Inward or Outward Opening Windows

Idealcombi Futura+i is avalable Tilt & Turn functionality as standard – meaning they either open inward as a side hung window or tilt inward as a bottom hung window. The switch between Tilt and Turn mode is done with a single handle.

Inward opening windows are easy to clean from the inside – as they open into your home. (Turn mode)

Tilted inward in ventilation position the tilt & turn window has a small gap at the top providing ventilation.

Items on the internal windows sills can stay when you tilt the window for ventilation – but must be removed when you turn the window to clean the outside glass.

Inward opening windows allows the use of external shutters, flyscreens and balustrades.

See video below for an example of automated external shutters with inward opening Futura+i windows in a PassivHaus, The Old Water Tower.

Idealcombi Futura+, Frame IC & Nation IC are all outward opening windows with Futura+ being  contemporary windows and Frame IC and Nation IC traditional windows with a flush casement.

With the sash opening out, it is possible to have plants and blinds/curtains on the inside of the window.

For ventilation the outward opening windows can be restricted by a build in night latch, an opening restrictor or by the handle operated brake.

The outward opening windows are available in a range of opening functions; top guided, top swing (reversible), side guided and side hung. Where top swing and side guided allows cleaning from the inside.

Traditionally inward opening windows were chunky and did not match the slim profiles of outward opening windows – but with the introduction of Idealcore™ Idealcombi was able to produce both inward opening and outward opening windows with the same slim 53mm aluminium profile.

In the image below you can see how a fixed light, an outward opening window and an inward opening window all looks identical. This gives you the freedom to choose the opening type you require for each room of your project.

Most traditional UK windows are side hung casements that open outwards, because that became the standard British design and it suits the way British homes are furnished. An outward-opening sash does not swing into the room, so it never catches curtains, blinds or furniture, and it leaves the window sill free.

The design also helps in wet, windy weather. On a well-made outward-opening casement, wind pressure pushes the sash against its seals, and overlapping sash details shed rain away from the opening.

There is no rule that UK windows must open outwards. Sash windows slide up and down, and inward-opening tilt and turn windows are now common in new builds, flats and renovations. In Scotland, windows more than 4 m above the ground must be safe to clean, so upper-floor windows there often use reversible or easy-clean hinges, and inward-opening windows suit tall buildings.

Read more about inward-opening windows in our guide to tilt and turn windows.

Inward vs outward opening windows at a glance