The main types, by how they open.
Casement windows hinge at the side and crank outward, opening the whole sash for ventilation and sitting flush when closed. Double-hung windows have two sashes that slide vertically, so you can open the top, the bottom, or both. Fixed or picture windows do not open at all, trading ventilation for the largest glass area and the slimmest frame.
Tilt-and-turn windows use one handle to either tilt the top inward for a draft or swing the whole sash inward like a door, which makes cleaning safe on high floors. Pass-through windows open over a counter to create a serving hatch between a kitchen and an outdoor bar or patio.
Which type for which opening.
For maximum airflow and a clean face, choose casement. For a traditional facade or a like-for-like replacement, double-hung. For light and view with no ventilation, fixed. For high floors and easy cleaning, tilt-and-turn. For a kitchen that opens to outdoor space, pass-through.
Crateworks builds all of these in thermally-broken aluminum, made to your opening for renovation and replacement projects. A common layout mixes types in one wall: a large fixed pane for the view, with casements beside it for air.
Common questions.
- What are the most common types of windows?
- The most common types are casement, which cranks outward; double-hung, with two vertically sliding sashes; fixed or picture, which does not open; tilt-and-turn, which tilts or swings inward; and pass-through, which opens over a counter. Each type is defined by how it opens.
- Which window type is best for ventilation?
- Casement windows give the most ventilation, because the whole sash cranks open to catch air. Double-hung windows ventilate well too, since opening both sashes lets warm air out the top and cool air in the bottom. Fixed windows do not ventilate at all.
- Which window type is easiest to clean on a high floor?
- Tilt-and-turn windows are easiest to clean on upper floors, because the sash swings inward, so you can reach the outside of the glass from inside the room rather than from outside.
Project in motion
Pick the right type for your project
Tell us your openings and what each room needs. We build casement, double-hung, fixed, tilt-turn, and pass-through windows to order.