If you live in a flat or an upper-floor home, cleaning the outside of your windows can be a real problem. That’s why reversible windows are a popular choice across Glasgow. But they’re not right for every home, and traditional window styles still have plenty going for them.
This guide explains how reversible windows work, how they compare with traditional casement and sash windows, and which is likely to suit your home.
What Are Reversible Windows?
A reversible window has an opening sash that pivots on a horizontal axis and can rotate a full 180°. Rotated all the way round, the outside of the glass faces into the room, so you can clean it from inside. Most reversible windows also open part-way to a ventilation position, held by a safety catch.
They’re especially common in Scotland, in flats, high-rise buildings and upper floors where reaching the outside of the glass is difficult or unsafe. Window system makers such as Liniar describe reversible windows as designed for exactly these hard-to-reach locations.
What Counts as a “Traditional” Window?
In this guide, “traditional” means the window styles most UK homes already have:
- Casement windows: hinged at the side or top, opening outwards. The most common style in the UK.
- Sash windows: two sashes that slide up and down, as seen on many Glasgow tenements and period homes.
Reversible vs Traditional Windows at a Glance
| Reversible windows | Casement windows | Sash windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How they open | Pivot and rotate 180° | Swing out on hinges | Slide up and down |
| Cleaning outside glass | From inside, easily | Often needs outside access, unless fitted with easy-clean hinges | From inside on modern tilt-in sashes |
| Ventilation | Vent position with safety catch | Wide opening, plus night-vent position | Small opening at top or bottom |
| Look | Modern | Suits most homes | Traditional, ideal for period properties |
| Typical cost | Higher | Usually the most affordable | Usually higher than casement |
| Best for | Flats and upper floors | Most houses | Tenements and period homes |
Benefits of Reversible Windows
Safe cleaning from inside. This is the main reason people choose them. There’s no need for a ladder or a window cleaner on upper floors, and no leaning out of an open window.
Controlled ventilation. The vent position lets fresh air in while a safety catch stops the window opening further. The catch has to be released deliberately before the window can be rotated for cleaning, which also makes them a sensible choice for homes with children.
Security. Like other modern uPVC windows, reversible windows lock at several points around the frame when closed.
Energy efficiency. With modern double glazing and good seals, reversible windows keep heat in as well as any other well-made uPVC window. The Energy Saving Trust’s guide to energy-efficient windows explains what to look for.
Drawbacks of Reversible Windows
- Cost: the pivot mechanism makes them more expensive than a standard casement window of the same size.
- Look: they have a modern appearance, so they don’t suit period homes or conservation areas where a traditional style is expected.
- The sash projects when open: in the vent position, part of the sash sits outside the frame, which is worth bearing in mind next to walkways or balconies.
Benefits of Traditional Windows
More styles to choose from. Casement and sash windows come in a huge range of designs, from simple modern casements to heritage-style sashes that match a tenement’s original look.
Lower cost. Casement windows in particular are usually the most affordable option.
Right for period homes. On a traditional sandstone tenement or villa, sash or flush casement windows keep the building’s character, and may be required in a conservation area.
Familiar and easy to use. Most people already know how they work, and parts and repairs are widely available.
The main drawback is cleaning. On upper floors, the outside of a standard casement window can be hard to reach safely, unless it has easy-clean hinges.
What About Tilt and Turn Windows?
If cleaning from inside is your main reason for considering reversible windows, it’s worth looking at tilt and turn windows too. They open inwards like a door, so you can clean both sides of the glass from inside, and they tilt for secure ventilation. The main difference is that a tilt and turn window swings into the room, while a reversible window doesn’t.
Which Is Best for Your Glasgow Home?
- Flats, high-rise and upper floors: reversible windows (or tilt and turn) make cleaning far safer and easier.
- Tenements and period homes: traditional sash or flush casement windows keep the character of the building.
- Most houses on a budget: casement windows are the practical, affordable choice.
You don’t have to choose one style for the whole house. Many homeowners fit reversible windows upstairs and casement windows downstairs. For cleaning tips that apply to every style, see our guide on how to fully open uPVC windows for cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reversible windows better than traditional windows?
For flats and upper floors, often yes, because you can clean the outside glass safely from inside. For period homes and tighter budgets, traditional casement or sash windows are usually the better fit.
Are reversible windows good for flats?
Yes. They were designed for flats and high-rise buildings where the outside of the glass is hard to reach, and the safety catch keeps the vent opening restricted.
Are reversible windows more expensive?
Usually, yes. The pivot mechanism costs more to make than a standard hinged casement window. The exact price depends on size, glazing and finish.
Are reversible windows secure?
Yes. When closed, modern uPVC reversible windows lock at several points around the frame, and the safety catch stops them being opened beyond the vent position.
What’s the difference between reversible and tilt and turn windows?
Both let you clean the outside glass from inside. A reversible window rotates 180° on a pivot without swinging into the room. A tilt and turn window opens inwards like a door, or tilts at the top for ventilation.
Need Help Choosing Windows?
We can help you choose the right windows for each room. See our reversible windows in Glasgow page, call us on 07723 363366 or request a free, no-obligation quote.
