Before sash windows became the next big thing, casement units were the standard choice in many homes across the country. They used to come in metal frames and leaded glass but were replaced by timber framing material over time. Casement windows can also be used singly or in pairs. They are hinged on the side, allowing you to swing them outward. A crank or lever serves as the windows’ lock, ensuring they stay firmly in place when closed.
While there are more contemporary styles available today, casement units remain toe to toe with sash windows on the most popular list. Casement windows, in fact, offer a number of rewarding features that add greatly to your home’s look and feel. Here are the top six reasons that make this window style your number one choice:
6 Reasons that make Casement window your number one choiceClick To Tweet- Exceptional Versatility. While they are usually found in traditional Cabin and Cottage-style homes, the clean and simple design of casement windows allows them to fit in with most residential architecture. They are available in a variety of design features, providing extensive opportunities for customization. Flat top casement windows, for example, looks excellent with contemporary modern homes due to their slim frames and expansive glass areas.
Vintage homes, on the other hand, stand out better when paired with French casement units, which add a touch of elegance to its overall look. You’ll also have the option to equip this window style with creative grille patterns, including Colonial, Prairie, and Farmhouse. Because casement windows can be manufactured to your choice of size, color, hardware, and configuration, matching them with your home’s distinctive appearance is worry-free.
- Superior Durability. Casement windows are designed to provide increased security and lasting performance. They remain solidly in place when they’re closed, especially when you choose an extremely durable framing material for them. It’s important that you consider each framing material’s pros and cons before making your decision because what you choose can affect your windows’ longevity and performance.
BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY. Working on your kitchen sink can be an enjoyable experience when you have casement windows providing light and a good view.
Wood, for instance, is a champ when it comes to insulating value, but is prone to rot. It will also require frequent maintenance to keep it in good shape. Vinyl, on the other hand, trumps wood in maintenance-free performance. However, it easily warps when exposed to extreme changes in weather and temperature. While aluminum allows for a sleek-looking window, it’s not on par with wood’s insulating action. You may do well to choose composite frames and sashes. It combines the strengths of different materials, resulting in a weathertight, longer-lasting window.
- Maximized Functionality. This window style can meet some of your home’s specific needs. If you want a window that can help you save space, for instance, you can have casement windows installed over kitchen sinks, above counter tops or appliances, and even in small-scale bathrooms. They don’t just maximize available square footage, but these windows can brighten up your rooms, as well. Casement windows have a large glass area that allows copious amounts of natural light to stream inside your home. This same expansive glass also offers a panoramic view of the outdoors, making casement units great alternatives to picture windows when it comes to optimizing your home’s viewing area.
FRAMING THE PERFECT VIEW. Casement windows offer an expansive view of the outdoors, seamlessly connecting nature with your interior living spaces.
- Excellent Natural Ventilation. You can open casement windows all the way outward. In fact, you can angle them to direct breezes into your home, letting you benefit from superior natural ventilation. Because casement windows improve indoor air quality, you can avoid the health risks involved with high moisture levels in your home. At the same time, you can enjoy cooler and more comfortable living spaces, minus the high energy costs.
- Significant Energy Savings. Casement windows are only second to picture units when it comes to energy performance. When you close them, the sash presses against the frame, creating a durable, airtight seal. This prevents outdoor air from leaking in, while ensuring that costly regulated air remains inside your home. The glass technology included with your new casement windows can augment this. Make sure that they come with low-emissivity (low-E) glass as this helps keep your home naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Low-E glass can also protect your interiors from sun damage, meaning, less fading on your walls, furniture, and flooring.
CHOOSING YOUR CASEMENT WINDOW. Keep sturdy construction and superior energy performance in mind when making your selection.
To confirm if your new casement windows are truly energy-efficient, make sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label. This means that your new units have met stringent energy performance requirements. You can also compare different casement windows by checking the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) label, which provides information on the following ratings:
- U-Factor. This measures how well your new units keep heat from escaping your home. A lower number means better insulating value, resulting in a more energy-efficient window.
- SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient). This rates the way your casement windows block unwanted heat gain from your home. A lower SHGC means less heat gain, which can help save on cooling costs. This is especially important when summer rolls around.
- VT (Visible Transmittance). This rating determines how effectively your replacement windows brighten up your home with daylight. A higher VT means they let in more natural light, which can help you save on costs associated with artificial lighting during the day.
- AL (Air Leakage). This rating measures how much air can enter your home via the window. You can ensure fewer drafts inside your home by choosing windows with low AL.
- Smooth Operation. You won’t have to worry much about jamming or sticking when opening and closing your casement windows. All you need to do is lift the latch or work the lever then push the sashes out for effortless operation. In fact, casements are designed for one-handed operation, making them highly easy to use.
When you’re ready to experience the many advantages of casement windows for yourself, make sure that you choose a reliable window company for the job. Even the loveliest, highest-quality replacement units will require an expert to ensure they are properly and efficiently installed. Additionally, don’t forget to check for solid window warranties included with your new units. After these, all that’s left to do is enjoy the maximized beauty, comfort, and energy efficiency your casement windows are sure to deliver.
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Author Bio:
As Creative Director for Renewal By Andersen of Western New York, Christine Salamone continues to deliver quality window replacement services to homeowners in the Rochester and Buffalo, New York areas. She has more than 10 years of industry experience. With her team fat RBA Western New York, she’ll make sure your home improvement project runs smoothly from start to finish. Catch more of her updates on the company blog.
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