Windows are an element of architecture that doesn’t always draw too much attention. Their role is primarily functional, which is why the prevalent type of windows in a certain country depends on the climate more than an aesthetic coda. In Scotland, cold and wet weather ripe with powerful winds requires buildings to use windows that can withstand these conditions while keeping the interiors comfortable to occupy.
The best way to understand the utility value of window types popular in Scottish homes and offices is to compare the dominant types used in every climate.
Sash Windows as the Traditional Choice
The type of windows most commonly associated with Scotland are sash windows, characteristic for featuring two independent panels with a vertical sliding mechanism powered by a set of weights. This style was frequently used throughout history, and can be found on many Victorian or Georgian buildings all over Scotland. Walk around and look carefully, and you will spot lots of sash windows in Glasgow or Edinburgh, which host the largest number of old, traditionally designed homes. Due to high price and complexity of use sash windows have lost some of their appeal in modern times, but they are still in high demand and cope quite well regardless of how harsh the weather conditions get.
Outward Opening Design Is Wind Resistant
In recent times, another design has emerged that performs well in rainy and windy conditions. Outward opening casement windows are a fixture of Northern European architecture and their adoption rate is growing fast in Scotland. This is due to their ability to stay firmly shut and keep all the moisture on the outside even when exposed to a storm. Robust construction and reversible frames help in this regard, especially in countries that see very low temperatures in winter. This type of window is widely used in Scandinavia, and we are increasingly seeing it in Britain where the weather conditions are relatively similar. If the goal is to keep the home protected at a reasonable price, outwards swinging casement windows are worth considering.
Tilt and Turn Windows Are Fit for Continental Countries
Windows that can be slightly tilted inwards have a practical advantage when ventilation is a concern, but they are better suited for a moderate climate. They also have a significant structural weakness, as the gap that opens when tilted is sufficient for some water to get inside in case of a sudden rain shower. Severe winds can force these windows open and lead to more extensive damage to the room. The tilt and turn design can be increasingly found in tenement buildings across Scotland due to ease of cleaning and their compliance with fire safety regulations in multi-storey buildings. Their use is questionable in coastal areas that are more frequently exposed to extreme weather – at the very least, higher quality windows with airtight fitting are needed.
Hot Locations Benefit from Sliding Windows
If you saw a large, horizontally sliding window while on a Mediterranean vacation and thought you would like to have that at home, you need to think again. Windows made for warm weather and scorching sun fare poorly in Northern latitudes, while broad glass panels would be vulnerable to wind gusts typical for the Scottish winter. These are also easy to accidentally leave open when not at home, with devastating results in case the weather turns. While windows of this type are occasionally seen in Scotland and can be a good fit on a modern urban home or a historical building that requires secondary glazing, they are far less common than any of the types described above.
