Casement Windows: Outdated Option Or Comeback Feature Of The Year?
Posted on: 11 December 2015
Casement windows are a type of window that is fixed on a hinge on one side of the frame. They open and close as the user turns a little crank. These windows were popular in homes through the 1950s, but they then fell out of vogue for a while as hung windows became the norm. However, homeowners are beginning to rediscover the benefits of casement windows, so they're making a bit of a comeback. Are casement windows the comeback feature of the year or a design choice best left in the 1950s? Take a look at the pros and cons of this window choice, and then decide for yourself.
Pros of Casement Windows
They let in plenty of air.
When you crank the window outward, it provides a sort of backboard for the breeze, trapping it so that it comes rushing in through the window. Side breezes that would not be funneled in by a hung window are let into the home by casement windows. If you live in a warm climate where you always want a cool breeze rushing through your home, this makes casement windows a great choice.
They do a great job of keeping heat (or cold air) inside.
When they are closed, casement windows are one of the most energy efficient window types available. This may be one reason they are making a comeback as homeowners are placing more value on energy efficiency. Because of the way the window is mounted so tightly into the frame, very little air can make its way through the gaps surrounding the window. Thus, your air conditioned or heated air stays inside where it belongs, saving you money on energy bills.
They're easy to clean.
Most of today's casement windows are made in such a way that when you crank them open, the entire hinge moves away from the window frame. This leaves enough space for you to reach through the opening and clean both the inside and outside of the window from inside the home. If you hate the idea of climbing on a ladder to clean the outside of your windows, this solves your problem. The window frame is also easy to keep clean, since the entire window moves away from it when opened.
Cons of Casement Windows
It's easy to break into them if they're left unlocked.
Lock your casement windows, and they will be nearly impossible to open from the outside. Leave them unlocked, however, and it's fairly easy for a burglar to pull them open without doing any damage at all. If you do not think you'll be vigilant about locking your windows each time you close them, you may be better off leaving casement windows in the past.
They can be costly.
Because they have more moving components (the hinge and crank system), casement windows are often more expensive than hung windows or other varieties. You can save money by going with a lesser known brand, but make sure you read plenty of reviews to make sure you're not sacrificing on quality by doing so.
You cannot get very large casement windows.
Casement windows can only be made so large because the materials get too heavy to be supported by the hinges once windows exceed a certain size. Thus, if your home has very large windows, you will have to go with a different window variety. Of course, if you just have one or two large windows, you could choose hung windows for these ones and use casement windows through the rest of the home.
So, what do you think? Are casement windows deserving of their recent comeback, or do their disadvantages leave them deserving of staying in the past? If you think casement windows might be a good choice for your home, talk with a window installation specialist, such as Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling, Inc.
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