What Are Casement Windows?: Dissecting a Popular Window Type
Choosing the right windows for your home starts with choosing the right type. There are various types of windows that open in different ways, provide slightly different aesthetics, and have their own sets of pros and cons.
Let’s look closer here at casement windows to help you decide if they are right for your project!
Custom-made replacement windows are built to fit the opening that exists as your old windows are removed. This is an especially nice solution for odd-sized windows that are sometimes found in older homes.
What Are Casement Windows?
Casement windows have hinges on one side and open and close like a door, which is quite different from other window styles.
To open the window, there is usually a mechanism with a crank that you turn to extend the window. Though you can simply push out some casement windows and a tensioning device will hold the window open.
Because of this design, they are the only window type that allows you to open the entire window. Double hung windows allow you to open only the top half or the bottom half. You can only open one side of sliding windows. And fixed windows don’t open at all.
Casement windows can come in a single-frame style where one piece of glass fills the whole frame. Or you can get double casement windows, also called French windows. This style includes two pieces of glass that open from either side and meet in the middle.
Casement windows can have hinges on either side to open like a door. Or the hinges can be on the top to open like an awning.
Benefits of Casement Windows
Why would homeowners choose casement windows over other styles of windows? There are a few benefits that this design offers, which is what makes them popular. Let’s look at the advantages here.
A Picture Window That Opens
Many people love the unobstructed view offered by picture windows. Other types of windows have the sash running right through the middle — and it’s worse when you open the window halfway.
But the big disadvantage of picture windows is that you can’t open them and let in the fresh air.
Casement windows offer the best of both worlds. With the single-frame style, there is nothing in the middle of the window blocking your view, yet you can open the window anytime you like.
Encourages Airflow
Another benefit is that the way the window opens helps to promote airflow into the house. Sliding windows or double-hung windows simply create a hole in the side of your house. The breeze has to find its own way in.
It’s a different story with casement windows. When pushed outward, the window itself catches the passing breeze and funnels it into your home. This is a great technique to use when your house is close to your neighbor’s and the air doesn’t flow easily into your home by itself.
However, the window will have the opposite effect if it opens the wrong way. The open window blocks a breeze that comes from behind it and allows very little air to enter the opening.
So make sure to consider the direction of the prevailing breezes before picking the side that opens. You could also choose a casement window that opens from the top, but you wouldn’t get much of a breeze boost.
Energy Efficiency
Another benefit of that single piece of glass is that casement windows are more energy efficient than split-style windows. When you close the window and latch it, the sash fits snugly in the frame with no additional openings for air to escape through.
This helps keep your home at your desired temperature without spending extra on your energy bills.
Security
All windows are made from glass and thus can’t be 100% secure. However, casement windows can offer more security because they make it harder for a thief to break in.
Consider this. When a thief breaks a double-hung or slider window, they can reach through the hole and operate the latch. They can then open the window to get the broken glass out of the way, giving them a clear path of entry.
But casement windows cannot be so easily opened from the outside. Unless they are the push style, casement windows have to be opened with the crank. You can imagine how cumbersome that might be trying to twist that crank around with broken glass surrounding your arm.
The only other option is to break a big enough hole in the glass to crawl through. But then the thief has to maneuver through the jagged pieces of glass. Not to mention it makes more noise breaking it all.
Plus, the cranks are detachable so homeowners can add another layer of security by removing the crank. You can place it nearby indoors so it’s handy for you but not helpful to a thief.
Thieves are looking for places that are easy to enter. The extra hassle from casement windows could be just enough so they move on to an easier target.
Ever-Improving Design
Some of the old casement windows got a bad rap because they were difficult to open. People didn’t like dealing with the crank and the mechanism’s failure meant you couldn’t open (or close) your windows.
While problems may still arise, they are few and far between with modern casement windows. The mechanical systems are continuously being improved and you could always choose a push-open style if you want to avoid the crank altogether.
Considering Replacement Windows?
Curious to learn more about casement windows? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Wallaby Windows. We offer high-quality vinyl windows that won’t chip, peel, crack, or warp.
Our window experts are happy to answer all your questions and help you choose and install the perfect windows for your home!