Like doors, windows come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and opening mechanisms and although casement windows have been losing favour with some people, there are still the diehard followers. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons and explain why they retain their popularity.
Pros of casement windows
- Efficiency – after fixed-pane, casement windows are one of the most energy efficient types of windows available. According to Energy.gov: “Some operating types, including casement, have lower air leakage rates than others, which will improve your home’s energy efficiency”. The airtight seal created by the window sash against the frame prevents air entry and leakage.
- Functionality – the simplicity of the single-lever latch or tandem latches gives casement windows an advantage in the ease of access. It’s also worth remembering that most designs can be fitted with electrically powered operating devices.
- Ventilation – with casement windows you get a wide opening from side to side and top to bottom, offering excellent ventilation and natural light exposure. The opened window acts as flap to capture and channel the outside breeze into the room, like a funnel directs oil into a can.
- Design – one of the biggest advantages of casement windows is the wide range of designs on offer. Choosing from designs such as French, flat top, pushout, grille or plain and from a variety of frame materials including fiberglass, aluminum, wood, steel and vinyl, makes every window special. For the personal touch, casement windows can be customised to fit precise size and setting, making them completely unique.
- Security – casement window locks are embedded within the frame and hook-shaped making it exceedingly difficult for intruders to break in
- Cost effective – compared to other types of windows, casement are still one of the most reasonably priced. The simplicity of manufacturing and installation means that they will always be a firm favourite with developers and homebuyers
Cons of casement windows
- Size – because of the outwards opening design, casement windows are limited in the size of glass that they can accommodate. Builders will recommend that casement windows are smaller and less heavily constructed so that the weight of the glass doesn’t prove to be too much of a strain on the unsupported open frame.
- Restrictions on screens or shutters – the design of opening once again causes a problem for shutters, screens or storm windows. Unless you install the rather uncommon ‘inward’ opening casement windows, the fitting of these exterior casements is just not feasible.
- Potential risk – the flipside of a wide opening window is the potential risk to small children and pets. Common sense should prevail, but it doesn’t harm to stress the importance of vigilance when a casement window is open in an upstairs room or a high rise apartment.
Whatever type of window you choose to adorn the apertures of your home, it’s good to look at a variety of styles, materials and window glass. In our next post we shall look at how the windows of today evolved from the rudimentary ‘skin covered holes’ of yesteryear, and find out why the government saw fit to impose a window tax on the middle and lower classes of 17th century Britain.