13 Main Pros and Cons of Pivoting Windows | Definition and Benefits of Pivoting Windows
Pros and Cons of Pivoting Windows | Definition and Benefits of Pivoting Windows
Pivoted Window
A pivot window is a type of window that can be rotated on hinges to open in different positions. It is also called a casement window because it pivots on an axis like the arm of a human or animal would.
Pivot windows are often made with one-piece glass panes that do not need to be removed in order for the door to swing open completely.
A pivoted window is a type of double-hung window that rotates on its side. This allows it to open wider than a traditional double hung, and makes it easier for those with mobility issues to clean the outside of the glass.
Pivot windows are also known as “openers”. They’re more expensive than single-hung or casement windows because they require two sashes, one above and one below.
The bottom sash can be left open without any risk of rain getting in since the top sash closes tightly against it when closed.
On the other hand, if you want your pivot window to go completely back inside your wall cavity, you’ll need to install an air seal at the top so no water leaks out.
Pivot windows open wider than the traditional double-hung window. This is because of the way they are built.
A typical double-hung window has two sashes which are connected with a vertical hinge.
When one side of the window is opened, the top sash slides up and out of its grooves so that it can rotate on its hinges to open.
In a pivot window however, there’s only one sash which rotates on its hinges and allows it to swing back and forth into different positions.
Pros and Cons of Pivoting Windows
Pros of Pivoting Windows
1. Opening much wider than traditional double-hung windows:
The unique ability to “open wide” allows the owner to maximize ventilation and lighting.
2. Enhanced ventilation:
The unique ability to “open wide” allows the owner to maximize ventilation and lighting.
3. Ease to clean the outside of the glass:
The opening is wide enough that the window can be safely and easily cleaned from any side.
4. Durable:
Pivot windows are constructed from a variety of quality materials that will provide a lifetime of use.
5. Locking Devices:
These windows and doors offer the option of locking the door from the outside in many cases. The door can also be locked from the inside using a traditional deadbolt style lock, which offers an additional layer of safety for those with children or pets.
7. Provide all-season protection
They provide all-season protection from the elements, and because they pivot, it is possible to let in ventilation into an area without letting the rain and snow in as well.
8. Versatile:
Can be placed in construction type construction – not all construction is able to hold pivot windows
Cons Of Pivoting Window
1. Window can intrude interior space:
Due to the pivot design, this type of window takes up more space than regular double hung windows.
2. Window treatment like blinds:
Louvers are like blinds you close them down when you want privacy or need light control. The problem with these is that it cuts down on ventilation by controlling how much air gets in through the window.
3. Window can leak air:
If the pivot window is not installed correctly there is a good chance that it will leak air, making the window more efficient at heating and cooling your home than just letting you keep your single hung windows.
4. Expensive option:
Pivoting Windows are an expensive option to have installed into your home because of how much material needs to be used to construct these types of windows.
5. Security:
The pivoted window style is one of the most inefficient windows in terms of security. They can be easily opened from the outside than a casement window.
6. Glass is exposed to weather at all times of the year:
Window with are exposed to weather are not guaranteed no matter how hard they are sealed, for this reason owners must apply their own sealants on the glass of any type of window that are exposed outside year-round.
7. Maintenance:
The maintenance required for the pivoted window in large in comparison with other types of windows because they are exposed to the elements all year, which in general require more in the way of cleaning and maintenance than other fixed types.
8. Difficult installation:
The size and construction of pivot windows make them more difficult to install than standard windows.
9. Can easily get damaged:
The pivot doors are easily made of one or two sashes. They can be broken into pieces very fast, and because of it they can cause a danger to people and animals.
10. Can get stuck:
In order not to get stuck in a half-open position, you have to open them with special care and attention, otherwise they can stop halfway and will be blocked for a while.
Pivot Windows FAQs
1. What is a pivot window?
A pivoting window is one that opens by rotating horizontally or vertically. A window is a wooden or metal structure that includes a glass windowpane and is placed into a wall or roof to allow light or air in.
Pivoting windows have sashes that may revolve 90°-180° along a horizontal or vertical axis, which is generally situated on or near the center of the sash.
The rotation of a pivoting window provides for full ventilation but does not allow for the installation of a filtering screen.
2. Why would I need to buy a pivot window?
The primary benefit of having a pivot window is it can open up much wider than standard double-hung windows.
This is because the sash can rotate on its axes allowing for a wider opening.
This also allows cleaning the exterior glass without having to climb over a traditional window.
There are other benefits as well so it is an overall better choice for anyone who is looking to have a pivot window installed in their home.
3. Is it hard to install a pivot window?
Installing a pivot window isn’t too hard depending on what type of construction you are working with.
If your house is made of brick, installing the pivot windows can be very easy because there isn’t much maintenance that is needed by using brick.
Also, you can use mortar if needed to hold the pivot windows in place.
However, if you are installing them in a wooden frame house then it can be slightly more difficult since you will have to build frames for the windows.
4. What are the advantages of pivot doors?
Pivoting doors are an extremely beneficial addition to any home to allow for more room. They also open up the possibility of access into your home for those who may not be able to get through a regular door due to size or age.
First and foremost, the ability to open your door wide makes it much easier for ventilation and cleaning of your windows.
Also, if you’d like a room with a door that opens all the way instead of only half the way, you can easily accomplish this by having a pivot window installed.
5. Are pivot windows durable?
The durability of pivot windows greatly depends on where you live. If you live in an area where it snows or rains quite often, then the sashes will probably be able to take more punishment than someone who lives in an area where it rarely rains.
Pivot windows are well known for having very few maintenance issues so they are typically quite durable.
However, you should still take into consideration that they do have the potential to break just like any other window.
6. Are pivot windows more expensive?
Pivot windows are more expensive than single-hung windows. This is due to the fact that they use more materials to construct them.
This also means that it will take longer to make them because each sash has to be made individually.
7. What are the benefits of pivot doors?
The ability to open your door wide makes it much easier for ventilation and cleaning of your windows.
Also, if you’d like a room with a door that opens all the way instead of only half the way, you can easily accomplish this by having a pivot window installed.
8. What are the disadvantages of pivot doors?
The disadvantages of installing pivot doors include higher installation costs and installation difficulties compared to traditional doors.
It is much more complicated to install these types of doors since they are not as standard as other types.
