Casement windows are a great addition to any home, commercial or industrial building. However, before you decide to begin installing, it's very important to understand exactly what casement windows do as well as how they compare to other window types so you know whether or not their right for your needs. Although this type of window is both functional and great looking, it's not the best option for every single use. If you're thinking about installing one or more new windows, take some time to learn about and consider casement windows.
Windows are extremely important. Besides being a great source of natural light, they are extremely functional as a source of ventilation and provide us with a connection with the outdoors. When you can't be outside on a warm sunny day, throwing open your casement window to let a little of the outside in is the second best way to enjoy great weather. Most people prefer to work or live in rooms with a window or two to rooms without, but all too often we take them for granted and forget the important role they play in our everyday lives.
Making Choices
Having the right window is important. You may have seen a house with the wrong types installed and noticed how unappealing and awkward some window types look in different areas. For example, some builders make the mistake of putting large bay windows in a bathroom which, if placed in the wrong spot, can seriously compromise a homeowner's privacy. Functionality is always one of the most important factors to consider, which is why placing window types that do not open may be a great decision for your child's bedroom, but not for your kitchen.
There are many things to mull over when you're picking out a new or replacement set. Chief among these, other than making sure the style fits the room, is making sure the style fits the design of the building. Shape, size and the material used to build the window are all important things to consider. You want to make sure that the window you're installing doesn't mar the appearance of the building by not complementing the original style. Although mixing and matching different building styles can freshen up the look of your space, it can also detract from its appeal.
Another important thing to consider, and something that some people tend to forget, is making sure that your windows do not conflict with each other - both in style and functionality. For example, you want to make sure they are evenly spaced in a room both for the organization of the interior as well as the appearance of the exterior.
You also don't want to mix too many styles in the same room, or so that they look messy from the outside. Remember that casement windows open outward and if placed in the wrong spots, one window can inhibit the opening of another window. It's a good idea to plan well in advance so you can discuss your plans with a professional and make alterations before the project begins.
How Casement Windows Work
Casement windows are different than many other types of windows because of the way in which they are built. Casement options open like doors because they are hinged on one side, and are often placed next to each other and hinged on opposite sides. The casement window is similar to the awning window, which is hinged at the top and the hopper window, which is hinged at the bottom.
In older times, before glass was a standard of building, shutters acted as closures. Later, shutters were used to cover the glass from nicks and scratches, or for security reasons. Although shutters today are mostly for decoration, they were extremely important to the evolution of casement windows as they were modeled after shutters. Some forms of functional casement shutters are still used in modern buildings.
One issue some people have with casement windows is that it is sometimes difficult to hang a screen. Because they open outward, the screen parts must be placed on the inside - which can look and feel awkward. Because they sometimes do not have screens, keeping them open for long periods of time can let in dust, dirt and flies. However, for the same reason, they are ideal for letting in a quick breeze or airing out a room temporarily.
When it comes to choosing the right windows for your home, you should always consider the casement window as a worthy candidate. From beach houses to mountain cottages to commercial buildings and everything in between, the casement window is a great solution for letting a little bit of the outdoors into your space. Take some time to compare beautiful and functional casement windows to decide whether they will fit both your budget and your project.
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Did you know?
Before sash windows were invented, casement windows were the most common kind of house window, and were often made from leaded glass rather than the soda-lime glass that makes up most window panes.
As part of the renovation on our home, we decided to have casement windows installed. We thought it would take forever to find a good contractor, but this site made it much, much easier!
Mark and Cheryl
