Casement Windows
There are so many different kinds of windows on the market these days, sometimes it can be tough to figure out which type is right for your home. One of today's most popular window types is the casement window. Most everyone has heard of casement windows, but do you know what they are? What makes casement windows different from other windows? What are their special features? Are they energy efficient? And are they are good choice for your house?
What is a casement window?
Casement windows are windows that come with a hinged sash that swings either in or out (like in a door). The casement window design is unique because they are attached with hinges to frames on one side of the window. Typically, these kinds of windows are hinged on the outside. They are hung either in singles or in doubles that use a common frame in between the panels. Casement windows are held open with a mechanism called a 'casement stay.' This is a metal bar that holds the window open or closed, keeping it secure in either position. Casement windows typically come equipped with a handle, crank, or lever that is placed near the bottom of the window. This handle is used for easy opening and closing, and its placement makes it easy to open, close, and lock the window in place. A friction hinge (a hinge used to hold its position at any point in range of motion) is required in casement windows in order to hold its open position and keep it secure in wind variations. There are two types of casement windows: awning and hopper.
Awning
Awning casement windows are hung horizontally. These are hinged at the top in order to swing outward. They are called awning windows because their outward swinging action opens much like an awning.
Hopper
Hopper windows are windows that have a bottom-pivoting action. Hopper casement windows open by tilting them vertically, typically toward the inside of a home. These windows often can be found in grade schools or high schools.
What are the benefits of casement windows?
Casement windows offer several advantages over other windows. These benefits include great ventilation, a high degree of energy efficiency, reasonable price, and better security.
Ventilation
Casement windows are capable of providing great ventilation in your Howard County home. They can be opened and closed to whatever degree you choose. More importantly, casement windows are capable of being opened fully, which is a quality many other types of windows do not offer. Sliding windows can only be opened on one side, and double hung windows can only have either the top or bottom half open at one time, but never the two simultaneously. Naturally, this ability to open casement windows completely brings as much of that cool summer breeze into the house as you desire. And it's that ability to open a casement window fully that helps to lower air conditioning bills in summer.
Energy efficiency
Casement windows, because they provide excellent ventilation, are very energy efficient. Casement windows form a seal when closed that is tight and encompasses the whole window frame. This tight seal reduces air that is capable of leaking out through the window's joints and gaps.
Security
The security offered with casement windows is unmatched in the window industry. Casement windows are very difficult to break into because the locks on casement windows are hook-shaped and embedded into the frame of the window. This makes casement windows highly resistant to home invasions.
Price
Casement windows are an excellent option for any budget-conscious homeowner. The cost for casement windows typically starts around $150, which includes installation. Additionally, because casement windows are energy efficient, homeowners can save money on monthly energy bills for the life of the windows. Of course, price will vary dependent upon the type of pane, the number of windows, and the installation cost set by your contractor of choice.
Casement windows are an excellent option for many different architectural styles. They've been around for a very long time because of their many advantages, including excellent ventilation, energy efficiency, and cost effectiveness. If you're looking for window replacements this year, talk to a window contractor in Howard County to see if casement windows are the right choice for you.
What is a casement window?
Casement windows are windows that come with a hinged sash that swings either in or out (like in a door). The casement window design is unique because they are attached with hinges to frames on one side of the window. Typically, these kinds of windows are hinged on the outside. They are hung either in singles or in doubles that use a common frame in between the panels. Casement windows are held open with a mechanism called a 'casement stay.' This is a metal bar that holds the window open or closed, keeping it secure in either position. Casement windows typically come equipped with a handle, crank, or lever that is placed near the bottom of the window. This handle is used for easy opening and closing, and its placement makes it easy to open, close, and lock the window in place. A friction hinge (a hinge used to hold its position at any point in range of motion) is required in casement windows in order to hold its open position and keep it secure in wind variations. There are two types of casement windows: awning and hopper.
Awning
Awning casement windows are hung horizontally. These are hinged at the top in order to swing outward. They are called awning windows because their outward swinging action opens much like an awning.
Hopper
Hopper windows are windows that have a bottom-pivoting action. Hopper casement windows open by tilting them vertically, typically toward the inside of a home. These windows often can be found in grade schools or high schools.
What are the benefits of casement windows?
Casement windows offer several advantages over other windows. These benefits include great ventilation, a high degree of energy efficiency, reasonable price, and better security.
Ventilation
Casement windows are capable of providing great ventilation in your Howard County home. They can be opened and closed to whatever degree you choose. More importantly, casement windows are capable of being opened fully, which is a quality many other types of windows do not offer. Sliding windows can only be opened on one side, and double hung windows can only have either the top or bottom half open at one time, but never the two simultaneously. Naturally, this ability to open casement windows completely brings as much of that cool summer breeze into the house as you desire. And it's that ability to open a casement window fully that helps to lower air conditioning bills in summer.
Energy efficiency
Casement windows, because they provide excellent ventilation, are very energy efficient. Casement windows form a seal when closed that is tight and encompasses the whole window frame. This tight seal reduces air that is capable of leaking out through the window's joints and gaps.
Security
The security offered with casement windows is unmatched in the window industry. Casement windows are very difficult to break into because the locks on casement windows are hook-shaped and embedded into the frame of the window. This makes casement windows highly resistant to home invasions.
Price
Casement windows are an excellent option for any budget-conscious homeowner. The cost for casement windows typically starts around $150, which includes installation. Additionally, because casement windows are energy efficient, homeowners can save money on monthly energy bills for the life of the windows. Of course, price will vary dependent upon the type of pane, the number of windows, and the installation cost set by your contractor of choice.
Casement windows are an excellent option for many different architectural styles. They've been around for a very long time because of their many advantages, including excellent ventilation, energy efficiency, and cost effectiveness. If you're looking for window replacements this year, talk to a window contractor in Howard County to see if casement windows are the right choice for you.