When casement windows entered the market, windows required dividers for strength, making decorative mullions an integral part of their design. Since then, the styles and aesthetics of casement windows have evolved from rustic 18th century to contemporary modern. Today’s options evoke a minimalist design but can have technologies like solar power panels, crank openings, and retractable awnings added. These innovative features allow homeowners to expand their creativity regarding their design priorities, often choosing casement windows as their replacements. Here is everything to know about casement windows to help you decide if they are the right windows for you!
What is a Casement Window?
Some windows open by sliding up and down, but casement windows open outward from their frame like a door. They usually come with double-pane glass and have hinges attached to the sides of the structure that allow the window to open and close when a crank is turned. To remain weather-tight and secure, they have an easy-to-reach level that simultaneously activates multiple locks. They can be made from any material, including aluminum, wood, steel, fiberglass, and vinyl.
Why Are Casement Windows So Popular?
Casement windows have lasted for centuries because they continue to enhance any home. These windows are elegant, safe, energy-efficient, and produce the best ventilation compared to other types of windows. The tightness of their seal enables them to save energy and makes them difficult to pry open, increasing security. Their capacity to provide immense amounts of natural light and thermal resistance makes them a worthy contender in the industry. It’s also hard to resist the uninterrupted views they enable you to see. These reasons, and a few others, are why casement windows have surged in popularity over recent years.
Casement vs. Sash Windows
The only other product that can rival the popularity of the casement window is the sash window. Sash windows are elegant and cheaper than casement windows but have developed a leaky reputation because they close by sliding. A sash window opens and closes by sliding one glass sash up and down. Air transmission happens with sash windows because there’s room for air to come in and out even when closed. You can’t deny the power of a casement window’s tight fit. That snug fit produces superb energy efficiency, security, and thermal resistance. A casement window proves to be superior in all climates.
If you are working on maximizing your home’s insulation, there is no better option than casement windows. Wide openings allow for natural ventilation in summer to enjoy an unhindered passage of air on sweltering days, and a tight fit allows for thermally resistant winters. Remember, casement windows aren’t suited for all rooms, though. Since they open outward, they need a fair amount of unobstructed space to function. Sash windows are better for rooms that look out onto covered areas, like patios and overgrown gardens.
Casement vs. Double-hung Windows
Double-hung windows have two operable sashes that can move up and down within their frame. The two movable sashes allow the window to open from the top or bottom, keeping more than half the window closed at all times. This kind of window is perfect if you have pets or small children, but it does restrict the amount of air that flows through the window. Both casement and double-hung windows fit nicely into their frames, but casement windows are still more energy-efficient – casement windows still have a slightly tighter fit. Even so, the double-hung option is still very durable. If it’s easy cleaning you’re looking for, double-hung windows can tilt inwards, so you can clean them from inside, making them the preferred option for upper floors.
Replacement Casement Windows
Casement windows may be your best choice if you are looking for high-quality replacement windows. Casement windows are minimalistic and have a more traditional window style. They tend to be less decorative and are among the most recognizable kind of windows. They can come single or in pairs and remain open using casement stays. They also provide better security due to embedded hook-shaped locks that are impossible to reach from the outside. Casement windows welcome design versatility and can be adjusted to fit any home design. A modern casement aesthetic can instantly modernize a home and elevate its design. Casement windows are energy-efficient, durable, and give your home a clean finish making them perfect if you are looking for a classic and chic window replacement.
When looking for a replacement window, consider casement windows. Casement windows can withstand any climate, provide air ventilation, and enable you to see every view outside your home beautifully. Call WindowFits today at (951) 677-2593 or visit our website to learn more about casement window installation.