Whether you are building a new home, renovating your current home, or looking to improve the look, feel, or functionality of a particular room in your home, the right windows can make all the difference. Which begs the question: what are the “right” windows?
In most cases, homeowners are looking for windows that meet their goals for aesthetics, airflow, energy efficiency, security, and care and maintenance. One window type that checks all the boxes?
The casement window.
In this article, we’ll first answer the question: What are casement windows?
We’ll then drill deeper to highlight the many benefits of casement windows, along with why combining casement windows with fixed windows in a space is a popular interior design solution.
Finally, we’ll underscore the importance of choosing high-quality, performance-forward impact casement windows—and where to find them.
What are casement windows?
Windows come in a multitude of design styles. While traditional single-hung windows may be the first window type that comes to mind, several other design styles are also available, including double-hung windows, awning windows, picture windows, and casement windows.
While you may or may not know them by name, you’ve probably seen—and admired!—casement windows in interior design. Offering full maneuverability thanks to the combination of side-mounted vertical hinges and a crank system operation, this distinctive (and ingenious) window type swings outward like a door.
Casement windows should not be confused with awning windows. While awning windows also feature hinges that are crank operated, their hinges are horizontal as opposed to vertical and placed at the top of the frame. Rather than opening sideways, they open upward.
6 benefits of casement windows
Because of the many advantages they offer, casement windows are a popular pick among architects, interior designers, and homeowners. Here’s a look at six benefits of casement windows.
1. Versatility
Casement windows are available in a breadth and depth of sizes, designs, materials, and colors. While they’re often installed as a pair of right and left casement windows, they can also be installed alone or as part of a larger installation featuring other window styles, such as French windows, bay windows, or bow windows.
2. Energy efficiency
Casement windows offer unparalleled energy efficiency. The crank operation is used to create an airtight seal against the window frame that is stronger than an alternative like double-hung windows, which need to fit on a track. This makes it harder for air to enter or escape when the window is shut thereby helping to keep your home cool in the summer, warm in the winter, and affordable all year long.
3. Security
The same characteristic that makes casement windows energy efficient also makes them secure. Factor in the internal crank, and they’re largely impenetrable to outside threats. Invest in impact casement windows, meanwhile, and you add another level of security during extreme weather conditions.
4. Optimal airflow
Many types of windows only partially open either up or down. However, casement windows offer full mobility. Depending on the temperature, weather, and personal preferences, you can open them a little or all the way to capture the full breeze and allow generous airflow throughout your home.
5. Abundant natural light and unobstructed views
While many types of windows are divided by a center mullion, the single pane of glass offered by casement windows translates to an influx of natural light and unobstructed views.
6. An elegant aesthetic
Because of their clean, minimalistic design, casement windows are an elegant addition to any living environment. Suitable for a variety of interior design styles, they are the embodiment of good design thanks to their beautiful blend of form and function.
There are some things to keep in mind if you are considering casement windows, however. Because of their hinged design, casement windows aren’t amenable to window air conditioning units which require up-and-down sliding windows.
Additionally, casement windows may not be the best fit for storm windows or screens due to their interference with the window’s ability to open and close. This is why impact casement windows are a best-of-both-worlds solution for many homeowners.
Combining matched fixed windows with casement windows
As mentioned earlier, casement windows pair well with other window types. For example, fixed picture windows are beloved for their ability to “frame” a gorgeous view while also adding curb appeal. Not only do picture windows and casement windows coordinate harmoniously with each other, but they also complement each other in terms of their primary functionalities.
The same applies for window installations featuring a combination of double-hung windows and casement windows. While some homeowners favor the aesthetic of double-hung windows for their traditional appearance, partnering them with casement windows allows for enhanced control over both ventilation and natural light.
Discover the best casement windows at CGI
Windows have the extraordinary potential to improve the appearance, comfort, safety, and affordability of your home. In this sense, they’re not just an investment in your living environment, but also in your quality of life. From this perspective, choosing the best impact windows within your budget is a wise strategic decision that will continue to pay off for years to come.
Enter CGI’s high-performance aluminum and vinyl impact windows and doors. Available in many architectural styles, glass types, and materials, they offer an unbeatable combination of beauty, performance, and value.
To find the just-right casement windows or other windows for your home or property project, access our exclusive dealer network today.
