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What is a Casement Window?
Posted:
October 09, 2023
Categories:
Windows & Doors
Casements are a unique window option for homeowners, integrating aesthetically pleasing qualities with practical features like energy efficiency, safety, and convenience. Learn if this window option could be the perfect fit for your living space.
A casement is a single sash window that swings open to the left or right from side hinges. Casement windows are operated with either a handle or a hand crank, and swing up to 90 degrees. This is typically an outswing, but casement windows can be installed to swing inwards as well. Homeowners will want to choose high quality, heavy-duty hardware to make sure the window continues to operate smoothly over time.
Casement vs. Single Hung or Double Hung Windows
Single hung windows and double hung windows slide vertically on tracks, compared to a casement window that swings out or in from hinges. Hand cranks or handles make casement windows easier to open than hung windows, especially if you have to reach across furniture to access the window. Casements also provide a wider opening to let in air, as hung windows can only partially open.
Casement vs. Awning Window
An awning window operates similarly to a casement window, using a hand crank or handle, but swings up instead of sideways like a casement. Awning windows are often used in spaces higher up on the wall – such as above a door or large window – for extra light and ventilation. Casements will usually be the more convenient and aesthetically pleasing option for normal heights.
Casement vs. Fixed Window
A fixed window is a less versatile window option, only used for letting in natural light and displaying views, since it does not open to allow ventilation. A casement window is a good option for homeowners who want a similarly unobstructed view with the added option of opening the window for fresh air.
Unique Features of Casement Windows
Homeowners have both practical and aesthetic features to consider when deciding if a casement window is the right option for a particular space.
Easy Access for Hard-to-Reach Places
Perhaps the most common advantage of casement windows is their convenience for homeowners with difficult-to-reach living spaces or limited mobility. This makes casement windows a popular choice for bathrooms or kitchens, since you can operate them from a hand crank or push handle without needing to reach over a sink or counter space.
Series of casement windows bring significant natural light and optional ventilation to kitchens and other living spaces that would be difficult to achieve with hung or sliding windows.
Simple Design for Unobstructed Views
Casement windows are often paired with picture windows, as the simple design of single glass panes without divided lites beautifully showcases outside views. Because casements open sideways, they can also let in fresh air without obstructing the view as much as hung or sliding windows that have overlapping window sashes when opened.
Energy Efficient Ventilation and Sealing
Since casement windows open at a 90 degree angle, they can be positioned to catch breezes allowing for more efficient ventilation than other window types that open vertically or horizontally. Casements are an easy way to bring fresh air and natural sunlight into your home during temperate seasons.
Casement windows also have a stronger seal than other movable windows such as hung or sliding windows, as they do not run on tracks. Casements are pressure sealed when the window sash presses directly up against the window frame. These energy-efficient windows are particularly valuable for homes in climates that experience seasons of inclement weather.
Home Safety Functionalities
Casement windows are one of the safest types of window styles available to homeowners. Large casement windows can qualify as emergency egresses, providing an easily accessible emergency exit. Easy push-out or crank-out operation also removes the danger of little fingers getting hurt in sliding tracks or moving panes.
Versatile Styles to Match Your Home
Although casement windows are typically associated with a simplistic, modern style, there are many different types of casement windows that can be customized to match your home’s aesthetic. Customization options include materials, window sizes, and patterns of divided lites.
Wood-fiberglass casement windows, for example, allow for exterior durability combined with custom paint or stain options so your windows integrate seamlessly with your interior aesthetic. This home office maintains a clean but traditional look with custom painted casement windows from premier window manufacturer Marvin:
Double casement windows – also known as French casement windows – open in the middle, resembling French doors. Divided lites enhance the traditional feel of these windows and increase their similarity to french doors. Double casements are a pleasing option for homeowners wanting to combine natural light and ventilation with old-fashioned charm.
Casements can also be customized with a rounded top to add character, like this picturesque bedroom window:
Ideal Places to Install Casement Windows
Once you have considered the various benefits of casement windows, you will need to determine if your living space is conducive to installing a casement window. Since casements have up to a 90 degree outswing or inswing, your window should be unobstructed by foliage, patio furniture, or other obstacles that would prevent the window from opening properly.
Casement windows are also unable to accommodate window air conditioner units. This may affect their usability particularly in the upper living spaces of multi-story homes that need supplemental air conditioning solutions. Casements are best used in places that will benefit from airflow from the window itself.
Explore More Window Designs at Ring’s End
Don’t sacrifice beauty for functionality! Whichever window features are most important for your living space, the experts at Ring’s End are confident you can find the perfect fit among Marvin’s extensive collection of window designs. Check out our guide to keep exploring the many types of window options available to you.