5 Benefits of Installing European Pivoting Windows

The Advantages of European Pivoting Windows for North American Homes

European Pivot windows are a great option for many housing developers and home owners that want to combine top-of-the-line quality with ease of function and an elegant aesthetic. Pivot windows have a hinge installed on opposite sides of the window frame that allow the window to ‘pivot’ open as the glass at the top and bottom angles towards the interior and exterior of the building respectively.

Here’s How Pivoting Windows Function Once Installed

Essentially, the pivot windows revolve when they are opened up. Once opened, the weight of both the top and bottom glass portions of the window is on the hinge. To ensure the hinge doesn’t give-out under the pressure, modern pivot window hinges add a friction device to carry the full weight of the window and restrict how far the window can be opened as well as allowing the window to be ‘locked’ in its pivoted position.

Pivoting windows do not turn freely; they may have friction points controlled by the user, allowing multiple starting positions. They could come with a conventional catch with side or central handle or with a push bar. The benefits of installing pivoting windows throughout your home include:

  1. Because of the ‘pivoting’ functionality, both the interior and exterior of the window can be cleaned from the inside of the building. No more exterior window washing needed!
  2. Although pivot windows have been around for hundreds of years, in North America they look modern and sophisticated because the stand-out from traditional North American windows.
  3. The only thing keeping the window in place is the window frame and the central hinge. For this reason users often enjoy being able to pivot their windows open for maximum ventilation without having the weight of a sliding pane of glass moving back and forth.
  4. 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.
  5. To an extent pivoting windows are impermeable and somewhat soundproof because of the high-pressure closure of the hinge, the large field of vision from the uninterrupted glass and the minimal use of internal space when the window is opened.

Browse Our Selection of Pivoting Windows HERE

Four Considerations You Should Make When Choosing New Patio Doors

Summer is Upon Us and There’s No Better Time to Upgrade Your Patio with New European Windows and Doors

It’s exciting when you deiced to replace your current, or add patio doors to your home. While you know you want to improve or add an entryway, there are a few factors you must take into consideration.

What Is The Design Aesthetic Of Your Home?

The first thing you must consider is what style of door best suits your preferred design aesthetic. While all of our doors are modern, you may prefer the more contemporary look of our tilt and turn doors—or a mix of modern and classic of our floor to ceiling HighQ French doors. Also consider if the door will be a focal point of the room, and how a double vs. a single door will affect furniture placement.

How Will You Use Your Door?

Patios, outdoor kitchens, and furnished outdoor living spaces are now considered a fully-functioning extension of your home. This means that how you plan to use your outdoor space, will influence the type of door you require. If you will have a lot of traffic in and out of your home, or plan to move large furniture in and out seasonally—double French doors may be the best way to go. If you are only in need of an additional exit or entrance, or your room is small—our tilt and turn doors may be the better fit.

How Much Light Do You Want To Let In?

Any new glass patio door added to a room will improve natural lighting, but you must consider how much light you prefer. Tilt and turn doors are an excellent way to create a wall of light, with some doors that you plan only to tilt—and some you use as an entryway. While French double doors won’t cover an entire wall, you may be able to line them with decorative windows to allow in more light. Either way, the structure of your home may limit your options.

What Are Your Needs For Security, Airflow, & Insulation?

It’s almost impossible to purchase a modern door that isn’t energy-efficient. This helps to reduce energy costs, and even to protect your interior furniture and accessories from sun fading. However, you must also consider airflow and security. If you are adding a double French door to improve airflow, consider how comfortable you are leaving one or both doors open screen-free. If security is of greater concern, or to increase airflow when you aren’t home—the “tilt” of a tilt and turn door may be the better way to go.

Before you get your heart set on French or tilt and turn, reach out today to discuss the types of doors suitable for the interior and exterior structure of your home!

How to Extend the Lifetime of Your European Windows and Doors?

Here’s How to Ensure Your HighQ Windows and Doors Can Last You a Lifetime

HighQ windows and doors are already designed with the highest quality and most durable uPVC materials. At HighQ we understand that windows and doors are an investment and they have an important job to do. If you’re constructing a new home, installing new windows and doors will add value to the home that will enable you to sell the home for top dollar. If you own an older home and are looking to give your exiting home an immediate face-lift, new windows and doors will achieve just that. Of course, spending a little more on higher quality windows and doors will help ensure you don’t have to afford costly repairs and replacements in the future. Most of our customers are interested in hearing about how they can help their windows and doors last longer, therefore, we’ve put together this post to summarize the easiest ways to extend their lifetime:

Regularly Clean Your HighQ Windows and Doors

It may sound like a chore but in order to keep your European windows and doors in top condition for the longest period of time, you need to regularly clean them. The right way of doing that is by taking a standard all-purpose sponge, that is small enough to fit into the small crevasses of your windows and doors. Be careful not to use a sponge that will scratch, we typically recommend microfiber sponges on HighQ windows and doors. If your windows and doors are heavily soiled, use warm soapy water to wash them clean. Doing this regularly will prevent build up of organic materials and spotting from calcium deposits. Sometimes the joints and hinges of windows are neglected as it’s easier to clean the interior and exterior parts of the window, therefore, before you clean the window, make sure that it is opened so that all its parts can be cleaned properly. Lastly, please keep in mind is the fact that windows are prone to rust and you need to dry the windows as soon as possible to avoid it.

* If your HighQ Windows and Doors have just been installed make sure all stickers are removed from the glass. Stickers that are left on the windows can leave permanent residue.

Use Your Windows and Doors as They Were Designed to Be Used

European windows and doors are popular because a single product can be used in so many different ways. With that being said, it’s important to only use your windows and doors as they were designed to be used. Try not to get creative with their usability and be mindful of which parts of your windows are likely to get the most wear. For example, our popular folding doors shouldn’t be left in the ‘folded’ position permanently as the compression of this position could take a toll on the hardware if done repeatedly over an extended period of time. Casement windows should be left hanging open for too-long because this will strain the hinges if done repeatedly over a long period of time. Along those same lines be proactive about inspecting your windows and doors from time to time to make sure that there are no cracks, scratches or abrasions. Dealing with small issues immediately will prevent them from growing into larger issues.

Lubricate Your Windows and Doors

Casement and awning operator hinges and locks should be lubricated every 2 years. Use white Lithium grease on the hardware gears and silicone spray on hinge tracks and locks. Be sure to clean the areas needing lubricant prior to applying the lubricant.

Sliding and lift & slide door hardware should be lubricated on a yearly basis. This includes the lock mechanism and door roller wheels and track. Use silicone spray. Clean track before applying lubricate.

If You Have any Questions About Making Your HighQ Windows and Doors Last Longer Please Call Us

Why Home Owners in British Columbia Love European Windows

British Columbia is in the Pacific North West which is characterized by stormy, wet climate conditions that can pose a series of threats to home owners and many challenges to home developers. Separate from any concerns regarding security and ease-of-use, home owners and home developers need to consider that all home exteriors will be exposed to tremendous amounts of precipitation, cold and freezing temperatures. As a result, doors, windows and building walls need to be particularly durable, tightly sealed, and well insulated.

In the last few years the popularity of European Windows and Doors have skyrocketed in part due to this issue. European windows and doors offer weather-proofing features that perform more efficiently than traditional North American doors and windows.

HighQ Windows and Doors are Double Glazed and Meet the Highest Energy Ratings

Choosing replacement windows for a home in British Columbia is an opportunity to make your home more energy efficient, reduce heating costs and also prevent damage from water and moisture to your home.  All HighQ window systems achieve an ‘A’ rating (A rated windows) – the highest energy rating when installed with the appropriate glazing unit and double glazed windows offered by HighQ. HighQ window systems can also accommodate triple glazing which can help towards Passivhaus standard and improved noise reduction.

Seals and Security

Tight window seals and will last as long as your window panes and security for you and your home is paramount, so all of our window systems are made from only the highest quality uPVC and have been designed to provide rigidity and strength.  This allows the highest performance handles, hinges and locking mechanisms to be fitted to your double glazed windows – your HighQ installer will provide you with advice on this issue.  All HighQ window and door systems can comply with PAS 24, the standard governing enhanced security enabling them to achieve Secured by Design (SBD) certification.

Quality and Performance

As well as meeting the highest Energy Saving standards, HighQ window systems have been tested in accordance with and meet the highest requirements of BS7412 for the standard of a manufactured window, including BS6375 for weather performance, in fact HighQ windows and doors are one of the only retailers of windows that have been manufactured by uPVC Window Systems to test for ‘severe’ weather conditions.

Get Windows and Doors that can With Stand the Pacific North West’s Weather and Climate

Needless to say, homes in British Columbia that install HighQ Windows and Doors will be kept safe and dry for in the long run. Call us for more information about the window and door selection that will best meet the needs of your project.