When it comes to choosing the perfect windows for your home, you have plenty of options. The type you choose will ultimately depend on your personal preference, budget, and the desired function of the windows. Casement windows, for example, are ideal for areas that are harder to reach and for those who want as much ventilation as possible while still maintaining a stylish aesthetic. Let’s take a closer look at the unique features and design of casement windows to help you decide if they are right for your space.
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is a type of window that is attached to its frame by one or more side hinges, allowing it to swing outward (or sometimes inward) like a door. They are typically operated with a crank, handle, or push mechanism, making them easy to open and close. Casement windows provide excellent ventilation since they can catch and direct breezes into a home more effectively than some other window styles.
Why Are They Called “Casement” Windows?
The term “casement” comes from the Old French word “casement”, which means “frame” or “opening.” Historically, casement windows were one of the earliest types of operable windows, often set within stone or wooden frames in medieval European buildings. Unlike modern sliding or double-hung windows, casement windows were designed to open wide, allowing for maximum airflow and easy access.
Why Are Casement Windows Used?
Homeowners and builders choose casement windows for several reasons.
- Since they open fully, casement windows allow the maximum amount of fresh air into your home as opposed to, say, sliding windows that only open halfway.
- Even when closed, casement windows offer a clear, unobstructed view because they don’t have a center frame (mullion).
- When closed, the sash presses tightly against the frame, which reduces air leakage and improves insulation, making them one of the more energy efficient window styles (more on that next).
- The crank mechanism makes casement windows simple to open and close, even in hard-to-reach places like over a kitchen sink.
Are Casement Windows Energy Efficient?
Again, casement windows are one of the most energy-efficient window styles available for a few reasons:
They Have A Tighter Seal When Closed
Casement windows have a compression seal around the frame, which creates a strong, airtight closure when the window is shut. This seal reduces drafts and prevents heat loss, making them more energy-efficient than windows with sliding mechanisms that rely on weaker weatherstripping.
They Offer Excellent Ventilation Control
Because casement windows open outward like a door, they can catch breezes and direct airflow into your home. This natural ventilation can help reduce the need for air conditioning, improving energy efficiency and potentially lowering your utility bill.
They Have Fewer Air Leaks Compared to Sliding Windows
Unlike double-hung or sliding windows, which have multiple moving parts where air can escape, casement windows only have one operable sash. This reduces the number of potential leaks, especially when properly installed and maintained.
They Are Great for Passive Solar Heating
Casement windows can be strategically placed to maximize sunlight in winter while keeping hot air out in summer. Pairing them with low-E (low emissivity) glass further improves insulation and energy performance.
They Work Well with Modern Energy-Efficient Glass
Casement windows are compatible with double or triple-pane glass, argon gas fills, and UV coatings, all of which enhance insulation and reduce heat transfer.
At ABC Seamless of Nebraska, we take energy efficiency to the next level with our proprietary two heat-reflective coatings. Our two reflective heat coatings combined with the triple weather stripping and thermal resistant reinforced vinyl material help reflect heat in the summer, trap warmth in the winter, and overall reduce stress on your HVAC system. Our casement windows provide maximum energy efficiency and long-term savings when paired with high-quality vinyl frames (which naturally resist heat transfer).
How Long Do Casement Windows Last?
The lifespan of a casement window depends on how they’re used and how well they’re maintained. Because they open out, both sides are exposed to the elements that standard home windows aren’t. But if they’re well taken care of, vinyl casement windows can last up to 30 years or longer.
Casement Window vs. French Casement Window
Remember that a standard casement window consists of a single sash that’s hinged on one side and swings outward when opened. It operates using a crank mechanism, making it easy to open and close.
A French casement window, on the other hand, features two sashes that swing open from the center without a vertical frame or center frame between them. This design provides a wider opening, making it ideal for homeowners who want a more expansive, open look or need a larger exit point for safety purposes. French casement windows still use a crank mechanism but require a second lock to secure both sashes when closed.
Can Casement Windows Have Screens?
Yes, casement windows can have screens, but they are designed differently from screens used on sliding or double-hung windows.
How Do Screens Work on Casement Windows?
Since a casement window opens outward, the screen is installed on the inside of the window, rather than the outside. This allows the window to open freely while keeping insects and debris out.
Types of Screens for Casement Windows:
- Fixed Screens – These are standard mesh screens that stay in place inside the window frame. They provide protection from insects but don’t allow for easy access to the window exterior for cleaning.
- Retractable Screens – These can be pulled down or across when needed and retracted when not in use, offering a cleaner look and more flexibility.
- Magnetic or Velcro Screens – Some homeowners opt for removable screens that attach with magnets or Velcro, making them easy to remove for cleaning or maintenance.
- Roll-Up or Pleated Screens – These function like retractable screens but fold or roll into a housing when not in use.
What Materials Are Best for a Casement Window?
A casement window can come in a few different materials: vinyl, wood, and aluminum. At ABC Seamless of Nebraska, we utilize reinforced, thermal resistant vinyl. It will not dent or rust like aluminum, nor is it subject to the warping, rotting, and pests associated with wood. Viny is also preferable due to its affordability, low maintenance, and customizability: we have a variety of interior, exterior, and hardware colors so you can match your windows to your home’s existing color scheme.
Replacement Windows Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island
ABC Seamless of Nebraska specializes in window replacement in Lincoln, Omaha, Grand Island, and the surrounding areas. We can install virtually any type of window, including casement, bay, and double hung windows. Whether you want to upgrade to a different style or replace an existing one that’s past its prime, we’re here to help. Call or go online today for a free consultation.
