What are the Benefits of Casement Windows?

Casement windows have an unusual construction, especially when they’re propped open. Unlike a lot of window styles that slide open to one side, or up and down, casement windows are hinged on a side and crank outward.

The outward prop style makes for an interesting design that some homeowners seem to love while others share not quite as much excitement for. The style is very popular in kitchens, especially over sinks, because of the outstanding ventilation, yet can be used in a number of different rooms.

Characteristics

Casement windows are very open in how they open and close. Instead of a sliding mechanism, the window is attached to a crank that drives the opening and shutting feature. The exterior hinges of the window enable complete, top to bottom ventilation.

The design is popular for kitchens where cooks like to get more ventilation than other sections of the house. The full ventilation can help remove strong odors or other smells from the kitchen, as well as help provide a nice breeze in certain times of the year.

Awning Windows

Casement style windows that are hinged at the top are known in the industry as awning windows. If you prefer this type of hinge it is important to regard them as awning casement windows so the service member can understand exactly what you want installed.

Hoppers

Windows that are casement style and hinged at the bottom are considered hoppers. A good way to picture them is like the name implies, something that is hopping inwardly to the interior of the home.

FCL Windows

A type of casement window that opens from the left-handed side of the frame. The hinges are also on the left, while the locking mechanism is on the right when looking at it from the exterior.

FCR Windows

A type of window that opens from the right-handed side of the frame. Everything is the exact opposite of an FCL opening window, so the locking mechanism is on the left and hinges on the right.

A lever, crank, or cam handle is used to open and shut these types of windows. The crank or cam handle can help support the outwardly positioned window pane when a breeze or gust picks up outside. The one major knock is you have to be careful with these when they’re positioned open, as strong winds can be hard on the hinges and even rip them off.

When the glass panes are installed they are usually set in a rabbeted frame then sealed with some type of beveled putty or glazing. The compound helps secure the glass as well as help with energy efficiency.

Casement windows are often combined in two or more window frames though some only prefer a singular window. The combination of frames may include window panes that open and ones that do not. When combined together they can provide a nearly full wall view of an exterior, as well as a friendly indoor breeze.

History

Casement windows have a long history. In Europe, the style was used before the sash window was introduced. The early designs were built with a metal frame and had leaded glass.

The initial designs were still hinged, yet opened inward to the interior of the building. During the Victorian era, the designs were improved as they began to open outward and also featured shutters. It wasn’t uncommon for builders to construct the casement from timber in its entirety.

Casement style windows continue to remain popular in Europe and are also built in America though not quite as common.

Benefits of Casement Windows

There are numerous benefits to casement windows. Among some of the most well known include:

• Excellent ventilation – There are very few windows on the market that feature the same kind of ventilation as casement windows, which is why they’re so popular in kitchens and bathrooms. The full, top to bottom opening can be extended to almost 90 degrees providing a ton of open air whether you’re looking to vent something out or bring in fresh air from the exterior. Furthermore, the crank can point the pane at varying angles to precisely direct air flow to exactly where you want it.
• Energy efficient – Casement windows are considered by experts to be one of the most energy efficient on the market. It’s due to the sash closing by pressing it against the frame, thus preventing lower air leakage rates. The trademark style of this design is both fitting for trapping warm or cold air inside the house.
• Unobstructed sightlines – In addition to providing outstanding natural ventilation, these windows (when opened) have unobstructed sightlines. There is no central rail on the frame, which is a really desirable feature for some homeowners.
• Elegant design – If you like showing your home off to guests then casement windows make a lot of sense because they not only look really elegant, but the unique outswing opening is sure to get the envy of friends and family.
• Match up with a lot of architecture designs – Casement windows are versatile in that they work along well with many different styles of architecture. Furthermore, the many variations means that you can swing them outward or inward, as well as pair them up as flankers with a picture window.

Casement Window Styles

Though most people only refer to a single casement type of window, there are many other variations of this classic European style.

In-Swing Casement Windows

These windows open into your room, not out of it. In-swing casement windows are not quite as popular or common as they were when they first got introduced in the United Kingdom. However, they still work appropriately when located next to a walkway or swing-out sash where it would get in the way of objects.

Out-Swing Casement Windows

When you think of a standard casement window this is what should come to mind. It has the unique, outwardly opening swinging function with a crank or lever. The exterior opening function works nicely when you have furniture or other objects in the way for in-swing windows, yet prefer the casement style over a sliding window.

Double/French Casement Windows

The windows have two sashes and no center stile. Fittingly, when both panes are propped open they provide one of the most unobstructed views of any interior window. Also great for getting fresh air into the house, as you probably would expect. The windows are usually opened from a single crank.

Push Out Casement Windows

Unlike a lot of casement styles where you keep cranking and cranking until the pane reaches a desirable distance or angle, push out style windows require only a brief turn; then you push out the panes with your hands. The opening and closing motion is very innovative and easy to do.

Push Out French Casement Windows

They have several parallels to the general push out style only with two handles. The two sashes of the windows swing open from the center, and like the general push out style are extremely easy to open and close. The stays can keep the panes propped open as wide as you want.

Picture Windows with Casement Flankers

A lot of picture windows are stationary with no way to prop open the glass. However, picture windows with casement flankers are an exception to the rule. The flankers are on each side of the picture window, so homeowners can still get a little ventilation by the traditionally massive picture window.

Casement Windows from Feldco

We offer energy efficient, energy-star rated, vinyl framed casement windows. Durable and affordable, they’ll keep your home energy costs low while making your home beautiful. We’ve serviced over 400,000 homes throughout the Midwest and continue to do so with our professional service and installation, it’s no wonder we’ve been in business for over forty years. To get your window project started, click here and get a free quote.