Top-Hung Aluminium Windows: Top-Notch Features

Are you familiar with top-guided or awning windows? These are the alternative names for top-hung aluminium windows. Such windows are preferably used in compact spaces with less area for horizontal windows. However, due to its unlimited benefits and sleek design, they are ideally used in residential and commercial projects. 

Depending on the fixation angle, you can find three types: top-hung, top-guided, and top-guided reversible. Like all other aluminium windows, these windows are attached to a window frame from the top, held with the help of friction stays or hinges and operated by a handle at the bottom. They are simple and easy to operate.

If we look at the performance, these outward-opening windows are a good source of ventilation, allow natural light to enter the space, and meet energy efficiency requirements elegantly. This article discusses top-hung aluminium windows, their qualities, different design options, multiple sizes, and security or safety concerns. 

We also discuss their application and thermal and weather performance. So stay with us and learn more! 

What are Top-Hung Aluminium Windows

Top-hung aluminium windows are fixed at the top and have outward openings from the bottom. They have outer aluminium frames and outward projecting hinged sashes for multiple purposes. You can open them to a certain angle and prevent rain from entering inside. They also have thermal breaks that provide high-energy efficiency. 

These outward-opening windows are available in multiple styles— modern, classic, heritage, and steel-look with varying prices. Because of their sleek aesthetic looks and low maintenance, they are used in luxury hotels, shopping malls, and commercial centres. Because of their unbeatable features, they are also suitable for all types of homes. 

Let’s discuss their features one by one. 

Design

With the advancement in interior design, there are extraordinary options for  aluminium top-hung windows. As standard, they are made from thermally broken profiles and offer a wide range of frame and sash options that give us different styles of design and fulfil modern requirements  —classic, standard, heritage, and steel-look design.  

Add icing to the cake, you can use different colour options for the outer frame, like an anodising finish, standard powder coated, and metallic finish. They are usually made from slim and thick profiles. However, the standard size of top-hung aluminium windows ranges between 60 mm and 100 mm, while large sizes require more profiles.

 Sizes

There are two size options: standard and large. The standard sizes have 1.5m height, 900mm width, and the sash weights upto 50kg. Compared to the standard size, large size top-hung aluminium windows have 2m height and 2mm width, and the sash weighs upto 130kg.

Top-Hung Aluminium Windows Glass Options

Although outward-opening windows have a slim and sleek look, they are constructed with premium quality glass units—double and triple-glazed glass. The double glass units have a Ug-value of 1.0 W/m2K, while triple glass units have a Ug-value of 0.6 W/m2K. To add more security, one pane of glass unit is made from laminated glass, which also helps reduce noise. 

Opening Styles 

They are available in three different types

• Top-guided: Such windows are made with fixation stays so that when you open the window, the hinge slides toward the middle. 

• Top-guided reversible: It is constructed in the same way as top-guide, but you can rotate the window sash upto 170°, which is helpful for cleaning. 

• Top-hung: The standard butt hinges are used in their construction and used for sizeable top-hung aluminium windows. 

Thermal Performance

As documented in Building Regulations, Part L, aluminium windows must have 1.4 W/m2K or lower U-value or Band B Door Energy Rating for excited residential projects and new residential buildings at a 1.6 W/m2K U-value.

Weather Performance

Top-hung aluminium windows have extraordinary weather performance. They can fulfil EN 12207 for air permeability, EN 12208 for water tightness, and EN 12210 for wind resistance, making them a perfect choice for all residential and commercial projects. 

Safety Features

Top-hung aluminium windows meet all the security requirements specified in Approved Document Q. For example; they have restrictors to control the opening of windows and a multipoint locking system. Glazing and the Burger resistance classes (RC2 & RC3) also provide additional security. Surprisingly, if you want to install these windows on the ground floor, they also have PAS24 security features. 

Top Hung-Windows Application 

Here, we discuss the application where you can use Top-hung aluminium windows.

• They are used in small or compact buildings with less space to open the window horizontally.
• Outward-opening windows can be used in single-story buildings or high balcony areas where outside cleaning is unnecessary. 
• Top-hung aluminium windows are used in commercial buildings which have large, bright windows.
• Commercial buildings have top-hung aluminium windows above large windows that do not require internal cleaning or reglazing. 
• Many residential and commercial buildings used top-hung windows above the horizontal windows for better ventilation. 
• If you don’t have enough space above your kitchen sink to open windows inward, then outward opening windows are best.

How Aluminium and Metals Help in Top-Hung Aluminium Windows

At Aluminium and Metals, you can find a wide range of top-hung aluminium windows that fulfil all your requirements. Our expert team guides you in choosing the perfect fit for you, even if they can customise outward opening windows according to your desire. So why are you still thinking about it? 

Final Words

With the increasing contemporary design trend, Top-hung aluminium windows are becoming the ultimate choice for commercial and residential projects. They are easy to operate and available in over 100 designs and styles. They provide good ventilation and a high security and safety source that protects from foreign particles, dust, and rain. You can choose unlimited design options at Aluminium and Metals that fit your needs and preferences.