Over the years, the realm of design and fashion has not hesitated to evolve and change in tandem with individual preferences. Architecture is no different, and even windows have gone through their own style progression in terms of both looks and materials.
Windows are considered a building’s eyes, making them a focal point in architectural schemes. However, some window designs have retained their popularity for decades, such as casement windows. If you’re looking to install window frames into your house but are unsure which kind, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading as we explain everything you need to know about casement windows.
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is designed using hinges that allow the window to open at the side of the frame. Whether hinged at the bottom, top, or side, these windows function by opening from the middle, giving you a complete view of what’s in front of you. They are unlike sash sliding windows that take up at least half of the frame space and limit your visibility.
Traditional casement window styles use a small crank to open the window through an interior mechanical handle. In contrast, push-out casement window styles operate without the turning of a crank and can be opened by pushing on the glass panes. You have the choice of several designs, including single casement, double casement, and fixed casement.
Since casement windows are hinged, they are easy to open and close. If you wish to incorporate this window style into your home or office, you’ll first have to ensure that its measurements align with the shape and size of your window frame.
Casement Windows or Sash Windows?
Due to their opening mechanism, sash windows are less water resistant than casement windows. There’s a small gap between the two panes to ensure that one slides over the other, making the windows more susceptible to damage in weather conditions like draughts and thunderstorms.
It only worsens with time since the opening mechanism wears down the sealed region between the two panels. If you own a period or traditional property, you might be interested in purchasing sash windows. However, when you install a dummy sash casement window, you can obtain the same aesthetic finish without the risk of damage and deterioration.
Casement Windows or Awning Windows?
Also referred to as top-hung windows, awning windows resemble traditional casement windows, but their hinges are located on the top of the frame rather than the side. The real question is: should you go for a top-hung or side-hung window? Side-hung windows are the best for airflow due to their wider opening, letting in pleasant breezes quicker than an awning window would.
On the other hand, you can partially open awning windows for ventilation even when it’s raining because rain won’t get in unless it’s heavy. Deciding between the two requires you to consider which room you’re looking to install the window in. While awning windows are a good fit for bedrooms, side-hinged casements are more suitable for dining rooms, living rooms, and kitchens.
The Cost of Casement Windows
To determine how much a casement window installation will cost you, you need to take numerous factors into account. The material, style (one pane, top or double hinged casements, single mullion), glazing (double or triple glazing), finish, and hardware all affect the price of casement windows. It’s recommended to consult your window installation service regarding your preferences and personal style to make an informed decision within your price range.
Benefits of Casement Windows
Now that you have a solid idea of what casement windows entail, let’s look at why you should incorporate them into your property’s interior.
Secure
When well-constructed, casement windows are difficult to break or open from the outside, providing you and your loved ones with protection against break-ins. You lock them from the inside using sturdy hook-shaped metal locks that will prevent someone from gaining access to your home or building by wrenching the window open.
Energy Efficient
Utility bills are relentlessly on the rise and take a considerable chunk out of an individual’s wallet. For this reason, more and more people are looking for energy-efficient appliances and designs for their homes and offices. When people shop for windows, the characteristic of energy efficiency is one of their top priorities.
Casement window designs are some of the most efficient ones because of the tight seal running around all the window sides. When the windows are closed, the air is less likely to pass through cracks between the frame and the pane’s edge. In contrast, since there’s better circulation of air when the windows are open, they naturally cool your house. Casement windows open at a diagonal angle to the side, catching breezes or blowing winds more easily. These windows will not only decrease the magnitude of your energy bills, but also make your home more comfortable.
Easy to Use
When it comes to hard-to-reach areas like above the kitchen sink, casement windows can be precisely what you need to be positioned there due to how easy they are to operate with a single hand. Since they work on a cranking mechanism, users can open and shut their windows with one push or pull movement. Casement windows are particularly ideal for the elderly and those with limited mobility functions.
Customizable
Everybody has their own style, and most individuals want their living spaces to represent what they stand for. Luckily, casement windows can be designed in various details and customized to very specific dimensions, aligning with the vision of your dream house. You can even work them into other styles, such as bow, bay, and French windows.
Offer Great Views
Who doesn’t want to peer outside at fields of green or just overlook life in a healthy bustling city in the midst of life’s mundanity. Casement windows have no division of panes, allowing their users to observe unobstructed views whenever they want. They’re a great option when it comes to choosing wide windows overlooking a breathtaking landscape.
Endnote
Casement windows can be the perfect addition to any home and enhance the appeal of your property. Gone are the days of sliding windows that aren’t energy efficient or easy to handle. Casement windows offer style and functionality that you can benefit from for many years without worrying about regular replacements.
If you’re considering selling your property and renovating certain corners or spaces to boost your estate’s value, purchasing these windows can serve this purpose. Working with a reputable window service company will ensure you get exactly the product you want, so don’t wait to research and find the best fit for you.
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