Are you considering casement windows? These great windows can open wide to let in the fresh air. We have done the research to give you the best information on these large light-giving windows.
Casement windows can open either in or out depending on the type. The windows with a crank can open to varying degrees up to 90 degrees. Casement windows without a crank may open to 90 degrees or further depending on the hinge location.
Traditionally casement windows only opened outward. Today, designers have made a variety of casement windows that can open inward or outward depending on the hinge location. Keep reading to learn about the variety and advantages of casement windows that make them so popular.
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What are Casement Windows?
Modern casement windows are a single pane of glass held to the frame by the sash along the outside edges. The frame is mounted with hinges on one side, either on the left or the right side. The window opens—in or out—but not both. Depending on which side of the frame are the hinges, determines which way the windows open.
Older casement windows might have four to eight panes held together by iron or wood sashes holding the glass with the outer window frame. The entire frame pivots on the hinges. The individual panes of glass do not open.
Do casement windows have hinges?
Yes, casement windows have hinges on either the left or right verticle side. The entire window opens with the hinge. If the hinge is on the inside of the frame, the window opens inward. If the hinge is on the outside of the frame, the window opens outward.
How Far Can You Open a Casement Window?
You can open push-out casement windows, usually to 90 degrees. Some push-out casement windows will open all the way open. Casement windows with a crank mechanism open in varying degrees from 5 inches up to 90-degrees. It depends on the size of the window, as the wider the opening, the longer the crank mechanism needs to be within the bottom of the frame.
When Were Casement Windows First Used?
Casement windows were first used in Europe during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Clear glass was difficult to make, so the windows were often small.
In England, early casement windows had up to six panes of glass held in place by iron and later timber. These windows may or may not have opened. Not all casement windows had hinges.
What Types of Casement Windows are Available?
Casement windows come in a variety of styles to fit any homeowner's needs. The primary options include:
- Single Frame Casement Windows
- Double Frame Casement Windows
- French Casement Windows
- Push-Out Casement Windows
- Flanker Casement Windows
- In-Swing Casement Windows
- Awning Casement Windows
- Hopper Casement Windows
Single Frame Casement Windows
Many consider Single Frame Casement Windows as the standard casement window. These windows have a large pane of glass held in place by a simple sash in a clean-lined frame. They are often found in living rooms, or anywhere a homeowner wants a clear view of the landscape.
Double Frame Casement Windows
Double Frame Casement Windows are hinged on opposite sides, so the two windows close toward each other. Some Double Frame Casement Windows open and close toward each other with a frame post between the two windows.
French Casement Windows
Most Double Frame Casement Windows do not have such a center post. These are called French Casement Windows. Without the post in between, the windows give great views. These windows are called "French" because they function like a French Door which opens to the outside without a post in the middle.
Click here to learn "How To Convert Sliding Doors to French Doors."
Push-Out Casement Windows
Another popular casement windows are the Push-Out Casement Windows. These windows do not use a crank. Instead, they often have a handle at the center. You can unlatch them with the handle and push them open.
Flanker Casement Windows
Found often in master bedrooms, large kitchens, or prominent living rooms, Flanker Casement windows are found in parallel at each end of a picture window. Since the picture window does not open, the Flanker Casement windows can open to allow fresh air into the home.
Click here to learn more about "Types of Living Room Windows."
In-Swing Casement Windows
These windows open inward to protect outdoor plantings or other outdoor objects like flower boxes that are around the home. Depending on the design, these can be opened by a handle or by a crank.
"Should Window Boxes match Trim?" Click here to find out.
Awning Casement Windows
Some window experts do not classify the awning and hopper windows as types of casement windows. Awning Casement windows are top-hung windows with hinges on the top. The window then tilts open, often up to 45 to 90-degrees.
Hopper Casement Windows
Hopper Casement windows open inward and are hinged on the bottom of the window. They are often found in basements and bathrooms. They are called hopper windows because when they are open, they look like a hopper which is a synonym for a chute.
What is the difference between Casement and French Casement Windows?
French Casement windows are two casement windows that close together without a frame post between the two windows. When closed, the two windows form one expansive clear, unobstructed view. If two casement windows close toward each other with two sash posts on the respective windows, they are not French Casement windows.
What are the Advantages of Casement Windows?
Casement windows offer homeowners some great advantages over slider windows or double-hung windows (others call these sash windows), which can have either the top or the bottom open but not both.
Here are the main advantages of casement windows:
Casement Windows Offer Great Views
With large panes of glass held by the sash on the frame, casement windows give homeowners an uninterrupted view of the landscape. Modern design often uses large casement windows for living rooms and master bedrooms.
Casement Windows Give Fresh Air
Even if your casement window only opens a few inches, it will let in the spring breeze. Many casement windows can open to 90-degrees and some all the way. These windows open your home to all the fresh air you could want.
Casement Windows Give Tight Security
Casement windows close and latch tightly. They are difficult to open without breaking. Even if an intruder breaks a casement window, if it is crank-operated, they are difficult to open. Also, since the screen is inside, you have one more layer of complication.
Casement Windows Can Keep a Home Warm or Cool
With the casement window closing solidly into its frame, it can create a tight seal, ensuring that your home stays warm in fall and winter. Or, in warmer climates, the tight seal will help keep the air-conditioned air inside the house with you.
Casement Windows Keep Screens Cleaner
Since most casement windows open outward, the screen is on the inside of the window. This keeps the screens much cleaner than those on the outside of the glass exposed to the elements.
Modern Casement Windows Are Long Lasting
In the past, casement windows' crank mechanism sometimes failed over time. Modern designers have worked to make better crank mechanisms that are ready for a long life of use.
Since casement windows only have one frame edge attached to your home, they open easily. Double-hung windows have two sides of the window in the frame track to move up and down. These tracks can become dirty over time, leading to windows that don't slide up and down as easily.
The Disadvantages of Casement Windows
The higher cost of casement windows is their main disadvantage. Since they are prevalent in higher-end homes, the cost of the windows can be comparatively more.
Casement windows can be challenging to clean, especially on higher floors. Older windows may have mechanical failures. Sometimes blinding sunlight reflects into the home through the open casement window. Casement windows can be difficult to clean on upper floors.
Why are Casement Windows so popular?
Modern home and office designers often choose casement windows over double-hung windows. The advantages of the unobstructed view, ease of opening for fresh air, and solid security make casement windows a popular choice in new construction.
In Closing
If you have wondered about windows that open wide, casement windows are a great choice. They can open in or out. Some casement windows will open 45, 90, and more degrees letting the outside fresh air into your home. With a classic style, casement windows make a great addition to your home.