What Are Casement Windows
Casement windows add style to modern and traditional homes. They are a great alternative to the standard double-hung window.
If you love to let fresh air waft inside your home, casement windows should be high on your list of considerations. They open fully, are easy to operate, and have a timeless look.
But while there are many advantages to using casement windows, there are also a couple of drawbacks. Here’s what you should know before adding these windows to your space.
What is a Casement Window?
Casement windows feature a frame with one large panel of glass. They have hinges on the side of the frame and a crank you can turn to open or shut the window. These windows open outwardly, either toward the left or right.
If you’re interested in a casement window for your home, there are a few types. Here are the most common:
Single Casement Window
The single casement window features one frame and one glass panel. It will have hinges on one side and open outwardly.
Double/French Casement Window
The double casement window resembles a french door, which is why it’s known as a French casement window. It has two windows that open outwardly – one on the left and one on the right. There is no post in the middle.
The French casement window is ideal if you want maximum airflow and need to fill a wide window space.
Triple Casement Window
The triple casement window is large, often equal in height and width to a bay window. It has a fixed center window with operable casement windows on each side.
Most triple casement windows will work to replace a bay window.
Push Out Casement Window
Rather than opening with a crank, the push-out casement window features a handle you push on. Then, when you want to close it, you grab the handle and pull it back toward you.
Flush Casement Window
When you shut a standard casement window, it overlaps the frame, creating a lip and a tight seal. Flush casement windows are different – they don’t overlap at all. Instead, when closed, they are flush with the frame, which is where this window gets its name.
Fixed Casement Window
A fixed casement window looks like a standard window but doesn’t open. It’s similar to a picture window and a good fit if you want the look of a casement window without the function.
How Much Does Replacing Casement Windows Cost?
The average cost to replace a casement window is about $650. Many factors influence this price, including the window’s size, brand, and material.
How Much is a Vinyl Casement Window?
You can get a single vinyl casement window for $250-$600, depending on the window’s size, brand, and energy efficiency. If you want to add grids, the price will be higher.
What are the Standard Casement Window Dimensions?
Casement windows come in many sizes. The average width for a casement window is 1 foot 5 inches to 4 foot 11 inches. The standard heights for a casement window run from 1 foot 5 inches to 6 foot 1 inch.
Sizes vary by brand and frame material. For example, it’s much easier to find larger sizes of casement windows in a wood frame versus a vinyl frame.
The Pros and Cons of Casement Windows
Casement windows are a good option if you like to open your windows often. They’re ideal for over the kitchen sink, but you can use them anywhere.
Here’s a deeper look at the pros and cons of casement windows.
Pros:
- Easy to open and shut – Casement windows feature a crank or a handle and are easy to open and shut.
- Classic style – If you want a simple window that looks good in every type of home, this is it.
- Energy efficient – Casement windows have weather stripping around the perimeter, creating a tight seal when shut. They are among the most energy-efficient types of windows.
Cons:
- More expensive – Casement windows are more costly than single or double-hung windows.
- Crank maintenance – The overuse of the crank on a casement window may lead to maintenance or repair issues.
- Easier to break – Since casement windows open outwardly, they’re more at risk for breakage than a sliding window.
- Not ideal for AC units – Casement is not the ideal style if you need to add a window AC unit to your room.
Casement vs. Double Hung Windows: Which is Better?
Are you deciding between a casement and a double-hung window? These windows come in similar sizes, and both allow for plenty of ventilation. The most significant difference between the two is the way they open.
A double-hung window slides open. The top pulls down, and the bottom pushes up. Most double-hung windows have a tilt-in feature allowing you to clean the outside glass from inside your home.
Casement-style windows don’t slide. Instead, they open outwardly. Casement windows are elegant and energy efficient, but they’re also more complicated to clean and more expensive.
How Long Do Casement Windows Last?
All casement windows should last at least 20 years if well-maintained. If you have a wood frame versus vinyl or fiberglass, you can expect your window to last 25-30 years.
But, even though the window will last for decades, the crank won’t. The crank on a casement window may only last a few years before needing repairs, depending on how often the window is open and shut.
Can You Put an Air Conditioner in a Casement Window?
You can’t put a regular air conditioner in a casement window, but you can use a portable air conditioner.
To run the vent of a portable AC unit through your casement window, open the window enough for the vent to fit. Then insert a foam, fabric, or board kit to fill the space. You can find these kits at major chain stores and on Amazon.
If you can’t find a kit you like, you can make your own insert out of plexiglass or plywood.
What’s the Best Size Casement Window for Over the Kitchen Sink?
As a general rule of thumb, install a window over your kitchen sink that is taller than your cabinet. So, If you have standard 34 ½ inch cabinets, consider a window that’s 36-37 inches tall. As far as width, that depends on the space you have. You can add a single or double casement window.
If you don’t have space for a tall kitchen window, don’t worry. You can choose a window as small as 12 inches in height and 14 inches in width.
Casement vs. Awning Windows
Casement and awning windows get confused for one another, and for good reason – they both work on hinges. An awning window has a hinge on the top and opens up and outwardly. A casement window has hinges on the side and opens outward toward one side.
Awning windows are ideal for long narrow spaces, while casement windows are suitable replacements for taller rectangular windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Are flush casement windows more expensive?
Flush casement windows are newer and a little more expensive than the standard lipped casement window design.
Can you install a casement window sideways?
You should not install a casement window sideways. These windows are manufactured to support the weight of glass vertically. When you switch the orientation, you increase the chance of leaks and breakage and void your manufacturer warranty. If you want a long narrow window, purchase an awning window instead.
Can you open a casement window from the outside?
If a casement window is locked, you can’t open it from the outside. These windows are secure.
Can you place a screen in a casement window?
Most crank casement windows have a screen on the inside of the house. (And if yours doesn’t, you can add one.) Push casement windows don’t have screens.
Do casement windows have weep holes?
Weep holes are small drains in the exterior frame of a window. They keep the water from clogging the frame and rotting the house. Most casement windows have weep holes.
Is a casement window better than a fixed window?
A casement window opens through a crank, and a fixed window doesn’t open at all. Both serve different purposes. If you want your window to be stationary, opt for a fixed window.
Can I install a casement window upside down?
If you install a casement window upside down, it will be more likely to leak, rot the frame, and break.
Final Thoughts
Casement windows will add an elegant style to your home. They allow for easy opening, and excellent ventilation, and can last as long as 30 years. They are a good choice if you want something other than a standard double-hung window in your room.
The biggest downside to casement windows is that they may need crank maintenance or replacement after a few years, depending on usage. They also aren’t ideal if you live close to other structures that block the window from fully opening.