What is a casement window? Casement windows are a popular style of windows that have been around for the past four hundred years. Throughout medieval Europe, casement windows were a common choice of windows for the noble class of people. Casement windows are also a popular option for North American homes, and they are a window style that will seemingly never retire. One of the main questions is, what are casement windows all about for those that aren’t knowledgeable on the current window designs?
Casement Windows – What Are They?
If you’re comparing window styles to each other, you’ll notice pretty fast that a casement window has a more traditional appeal than sliding windows and other designs. Casement windows are windows that open outward. Some also refer to them as hinged windows because they have a hinged design and a crank. If you’re comparing casement windows to awning windows, you’ll see that the casement windows open sideways instead of the vertical openings that awning windows have. Opening windows from the side provides increased airflow throughout the home.
Casement windows aren’t designed to be opened inwards. If you’re looking for a window that does open inward, it’s good to keep yourself informed on the other styles that can replicate this purpose. Most of the windows on the market will open or swing outwards.
Installing Casement Windows
Installing casement windows is fairly similar to the installation process of double-hung windows. A casement window will be installed vertically. The process is similar for doors as well. If you install a casement window sideways, then that would, in a sense, turn it into an awning window.
Casement windows provide a great deal of natural lighting and ventilation for the home.
Finishes And Material Used For Casement Windows
Casement windows sizes come in a large variety. These types of windows are popular, and you’ll probably see at least one in every home in North America. Casement windows and double casement windows work with so many different styles and looks of homes, and that’s why people flock to these windows when they are considering replacing their old ones. Depending on your preference, casement windows can be crafted with different materials.
Vinyl Casement Windows
If your home is subject to lots of weather variations throughout the year, such as rain and heat, vinyl casement windows are ideal. Vinyl material is the most commonly used material for window manufacturing standards. This is because they can keep their shape and form. Casement windows are also great for rainy seasons because they are waterproof. There is a wide range of window style options available with vinyl casement windows. Because of the finish on casement window frames that protect against elements such as UV rays, the color will be maintained for the foreseeable future.
Casement Windows Made Of Wood
The mainstream option for casement windows is wood. Wood is highly chosen because it lends a classic look to a home. Not only does it give homes ideal weatherproofing, but it also increases the rustic appeal and design of the home. Wood is known to be a good insulator as well. In comparison to some of the other materials that casement windows are made with, there is little heat transferred out of wood ones in winter and they keep the homes cool in summer.
Wood casement windows can come in many different natural-looking colors that can match the color of your home. If you want to go with an earth-friendly and biodegradable option, then you’ll be paying a little more. It’s recommended to contact a customer service representative for further assistance in finding a casement window that will work for your home.
Casement Windows Made Of Fiberglass
Windows made of fiberglass are extremely durable and long-lasting. They are weatherproof like the wood casement windows, and because their frames are so tough, they are about 25% pricier than vinyl windows. Fiberglass windows also come in many different colors, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to find a style that will match your house if you end up deciding on going with fiberglass casement windows.
Sizes Of Casement Windows
If you’re looking for casement windows for your home, you’ll need to keep in mind that there is a size limit for how big they can get. Because casement windows are side-hinged, the hardware on them has a maximum weight that they can hold. A single casement window is sized anywhere between 1.5 to 3 feet. You can also double or triple your style of windows, though, so there are endless possibilities if you want an entire wall of windows. Casement windows are a customizable option for your home, and a customer service representative will help you in finding just the right one to suit your needs.
Hardware On Casement Windows
Casement windows will typically come with a double manual hinge or a crank. Most windows will come with hardware included. If you want to install locks on your windows or any other hardware options, that can be done as well. One of the questions that many people ask is if casement windows have screens. This generally depends on the casement window being installed, but many of them do have the option to be screened throughout the installation process.
Casement windows can be repaired up until a certain point. If you have a casement window that’s extremely old, has received severe wind, UV, or water damage, then it could potentially be beyond the point of repair. The hardware around the casement window can be repaired as well. To assess if your windows can be repaired, a window contractor will usually have to be on-site to analyze the windows. They will inspect your casement windows to see the extent of the damage being dealt with and provide you either with a quote on the repair or let you know that they are too damaged to successfully repair them.
Extras To Know About Casement Windows
The casement window is a style of window that is an all-in-one. It’s a highly sought after window when people are ready to replace their current windows. They provide a good amount of natural light into the home, have high ventilation, and are durable for many years. With picture windows, you don’t get much of that at all in comparison to casement windows, aside from the natural lighting. There are a couple of other window-related things that you should know about casement windows.
- Casement windows are opened with a crank or a side hinge.
- They are usually installed vertically.
- You can combine casement windows with additional casement windows.
- Some hardware options they have are cranks and window screens.
- They have a classic look but not overly traditional.
- They can be manufactured in different materials such as vinyl, wood, and fiberglass.
Casement windows are great looking windows, and you really can’t go wrong when selecting them for your window replacement job. They provide a classic look without lowering the overall functionality that a window should have. They provide the home with ample ventilation and natural light that will have you feeling better just looking through them. They are extremely straightforward to operate, and they last for many years. If you choose to install screens, these will further prevent bugs from getting inside your home. The versatility of casement windows makes them one of the most highly sought after window options on the market today.
If you have any questions about casement windows, contacting a local window contractor will be your best bet. They can assist you with any questions you have about the replacement process, price material, and everything else. If you want a great way to increase your home’s value, overall aesthetic appeal, and even lower your monthly energy bills, getting your windows replaced with casement windows is a good way to get started with that.
