What Casement Windows Are, How Much They Cost, And If They Are The Right Windows For You.
Welcome to the The 2018 Twin Cities Homeowners Guide To Casement Windows. This guide, which you can read below, dives into the world of casement windows. With the information presented, you’ll have a better understanding of casements and if they are right for your replacement window project.
We’ve divided the guide into six key sections that homeowners care about when replacing their windows. If you’d like to skip directly to a section, click the appropriate link below.
- What Are Casement Windows?
- Aesthetics
- Performance
- Energy Efficiency
- Safety & Security
- Are Casement Windows Right For YOU?
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What Are Casement Windows?
Casement windows are attached to the frame by one or more hinges from the side. This makes casement windows open to the left or right like a door. They are operated with a crank or lever, and open outward. They are typically installed over sinks, appliances, and countertops, but they can look and function great anywhere in your home.
Because of their shape and design, casement windows are one of the most thermally efficient windows on the market.When closed, casement windows create a tight seal that eliminates air and water leaks. This makes casement windows ideal for Twin Cities homeowners who want looks, functionality, and energy efficiency rolled into one window.
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Aesthetics
Casement windows look great in both new and old homes. Like other types of windows, casement windows can be installed as a single unit or grouped together. Casement windows can also come with grid patterns for an extra elegant touch.
Casement windows provide amazing views.Unlike double hung windows, casements have no material (e.g., top and bottom rails) obstructing the glass. This gives you a pure, unimpeded view of the outdoors.
Three of the most common materials for casement windows are vinyl, wood, and fiberglass. Wood is typically used for casement windows that are being installed on a custom home. Vinyl can provide superior looks and performance for a great value, which makes it the most popular type of casement window material.
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Performance
Casement windows are attached to the frame by hinges on one side. They are usually operated with a crank or lever, though you can find “old-world” style casement windows that you can push outward with your hand. The crank or lever is often located near the bottom of the window, making casement windows ideal to install above counters, cabinets, and places that are a bit harder to reach. A stay or friction hinge is necessary when the window opens outward, to hold the window in case of wind.
Casement windows are the best of the best when it comes to ventilation.Since the whole window opens, you can let the fresh outdoor breeze flow freely into your home. And because of their shape, they allow these breezes in even at unusual angles.
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Energy Efficiency
Casement windows are one of the most energy efficient non-fixed windows.Since casement windows have few functioning parts, such as a sliding track, they create an ultra-tight seal when they’re closed. Glass panes are inserted in a grooved frame and sealed with a glazing compound to secure the glass. The only type of window that can get you better energy efficiency is a fixed window, since it does not open or close (thereby having no seal).
Naturally, the quality of the brand you choose plays a big role in determining energy efficiency. Visit our Window Energy Efficiency page for details on what makes a window energy efficient.
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Safety & Security
Casements are one of the toughest types of windows to break into, again due to their “simple” functionality. The lack of moving parts means fewer vulnerable spots for potential intrusion.The lock on a casement window is hooked and embedded on the inside of the frame, so there is no way to unlock casements from the outside.
Casement windows also meet egress laws, which are laws that determine the size of a window for emergency exits in your home. Due to how they open, casement windows can be relatively small and still adhere to egress codes. This makes casements one of the best windows to serve as a reliable emergency exit in spaces like bedrooms.
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Are Casement Windows Right For YOU?
Casement windows are a great choice for Twin Cities homeowners who want beautiful looks, reliable operation, amazing outdoor views, and superb mark energy efficiency.
If you would like to know more about casement windows, get in touch with Zen Windows Twin Cities. We’ll provide you with one of our famous 5-Minute Online Quotes, as well as the information you need to make the best decision for your home.
