What are some of the benefits of installing casement windows?

There are plenty of benefits to having casement windows in your home. Due to their functionality and design, they are perfect for almost any room. Here are some of the key benefits of casement windows:

• Maximum ventilation: Because these windows open wider than sliders or double-hung windows, they let in an abundance of fresh air, increasing ventilation and reducing energy costs to cool down the house. 
• Stunning views: Unlike other windows whose architecture can obscure the view, casement windows don’t have as many internal pieces between the panes of glass which allows for cleaner lines and a clearer, unobstructed view of the outdoors.
• Enhanced security: Casement windows use a hook-shaped locking mechanism embedded in the frame to provide the highest level of safety for you and your family.

While all of these functions are incredibly important, keep in mind that casement windows will require unobstructed space in order to allow them to swing open fully. Depending on your home’s interior or exterior space limitations, you may want to consider other options if a casement window will cause interference.

What are the parts of a casement window?

Casement windows contain many different parts to operate accordingly, including the:

• Frame: Where the window permanently attaches to the wall.
• Casing: Decorative molding used to seal the area between the frame and the wall.
• Sash: Where glass panes are held.
• Hinges: Because of their door-like function, casement windows need hinges to open and close.
• Crank: A crank handle is usually placed at the bottom of the window, allowing it to open when turned in one direction and close when turned in the opposite direction.
• Stays: Additional hardware bars are necessary to support the window and ensure it cannot be displaced by inclement weather.
• Latches: Casement window latches provide better security and are more difficult to break into.

At Zen Windows, our installation professionals are well-versed in the mechanics of casement windows, making the job smooth and simple from the start.

When should a casement window be used instead of a double-hung window?

Because casement windows are less common, they can cost slightly more to achieve the same level of customization as double-hung windows of a similar size. This leaves many homeowners wondering why they might choose casement windows over double-hung when they need a high-quality, operable window.

Here are some of the advantages that casement windows offer over double-hung windows:

• The most obvious benefit of casement windows is the ease of operability and how big an opening you can achieve. An entire casement window will swing out, creating an opening the size of the whole window. In contrast, a double-hung window will always have sashes blocking part of the opening.
• A casement window can be customized to have nothing obscuring your view at all, making them an excellent choice if you want a view or a lot of light. A double-hung window will always be partially blocked by the structure of the window.
• If energy efficiency is a high priority, casement windows win. The design of a casement window allows for a very tight seal along its edge, and a tighter seal always does better at keeping outside air out and conditioned air in. Double-hung windows can be efficient, but all things equal, a casement window will be more so.

When and where you should use casement windows versus double-hung windows also comes down to the aesthetics and style of your home.

In older, more traditional-style homes, double-hung windows often provide superior curb appeal. In more modern designs with sleek lines and less-ornate decoration, the simplicity of a casement window can’t be matched for exterior appearance.

The simplicity of casement windows means they can also be used close together more easily without creating a busy visual distraction. This is why casement windows are generally the preferred choice over double-hung for bay and bow window configurations.

How do casement windows operate?

Casement windows are composed of a single sash and are hinged on one side. They open and close manually using a hand crank that is usually located at the bottom of the window for easy access.

These types of windows operate like a door, swinging open and shut. Since they are fully operated by the crank, they do not require any physical force to raise or slide them.

Casement windows are ideal for providing air flow which can be regulated by how far the window is opened as well as beautiful, unobstructed views.

Are casement windows energy efficient?

Yes, a casement window’s construction makes it very energy-efficient. Since these windows have less moving parts and no sliding track there are fewer places for potential leaks.

Casement windows also have an airtight seal when closed, which eliminates drafts, and provide maximum air flow when fully opened, which will keep your home comfortable and lower your energy bills.