When it comes to finding the right windows for your home, there are a few critical factors to consider, including style, visibility, energy efficiency, and security. Casement windows tend to be one of our top suggestions for window replacements because they offer all of these benefits and more. 

However, these aren’t the right windows for everyone, and with over a dozen basic style options for your windows, it’s important to understand whether or not they’ll suit your home and needs before you have them installed.

What is a Casement Window?

Casement windows are also known as “crank windows” because they tend to open outward with a handle or lever on the inside. The window glass is attached to the frame with hinges along the side. 

The Difference Between Casement & Sliding Windows

The opening of a casement window is typically narrower than your standard sliding window. However, because air flows through the entire length of the window (instead of being half blocked by glass in a sliding window), it actually provides more ventilation.

The Difference Between Casement and Awning Windows

Although both of these types of windows operate with hinges and cranks or levers, casement windows are hinged at the sides, while awning windows have hinges at the top edge of the window.

The Pros of Casement Windows 

Energy Efficiency

Casement windows are one of the most efficient types of window designs available. This is because of their tight seal, which runs around all sides of the window (kind of like a fridge door). When your windows are closed, there will be less air transfer in the crack between the edge of the pane and the frame.

Casement windows are also better for cooling your house naturally, thanks to a wider area for ventilation. Since they open to the side at a diagonal angle, they can catch a breeze or blowing wind more easily.

Energy efficiency is always one of the most sought-after traits when people are shopping for windows. They help keep your home more comfortable and contribute to lower energy bills for heating and cooling your home.

Great in Larger Window Groupings

If you chose bay or bow windows with multiple panes at the front of your home, casement windows are a great choice for airflow at the outer corners. They won’t take away from the style of the bay or bow windows, but they still give a nice option for letting a breeze inside. 

Open Views

Since there is no division of panes in a casement window (like there would be in a sliding window), they allow for a complete, unobstructed view. This makes them a great option for wide windows overlooking a beautiful landscape.

Customization 

Like many of the options at GreenFox Windows & Doors, casement windows can often be customized to very specific dimensions and made with different details designed to match the style of your home. You can choose to work them into other styles, including bay, bow, and French windows.

Security

Casement windows are very secure. Well-constructed casement windows are hard to break or pull open from the outside. They’re typically locked from the inside with powerful hook-shaped metal locks, preventing someone from wrenching the window open to gain access. 

The Cons of Casement Windows

Casement windows are not the right fit for every home. While our project managers will offer casement windows to clients during a consultation because of their benefits and popularity, there may be a few specific reasons to choose a different window style. 

Investment

Due to their energy efficiency and desirability, casement windows tend to cost a little more than sliding windows or double-hung windows. This cost is typically offset by energy cost-savings, but if your budget is a consideration, you may want to get window prices for two styles so you can compare.

Air Conditioner Compatibility 

If you have a window-mounted air conditioner or portable air conditioner with a hose attachment, casement windows may not be the right choice for your home. Because the glass can’t be closed tightly around the air conditioner or attachment, heated exhaust from the exterior-facing portion of the air conditioner may bounce off the glass and reenter the room. There will also be a greater transfer of your recently cooled air to the outdoors. For this reason, casement windows are ideal for home with central air conditioning.

Repairs

Some homeowners choose not to purchase casement windows when they’re having window upgrades done in their homes because of the potential costs of repairs. Because they require more mechanisms to open, it may be more difficult to repair casement windows. However, a qualified window repair company in Edmonton or Calgary should be able to repair your windows at a cost-effective price. Additionally, choosing high-quality installation and products will help you avoid the need for repairs.

Cleaning

Cleaning casement windows can be a bit tricky, depending on where they’re located in your home. To clean the inside glass panes, you’ll have to open the window from the inside and go outside your home to reach the glass.

Other Types of Windows to Consider

If you like casement windows, but you’re not certain they’re right for you, here are a few similar options to consider. 

Awning windows - which open on a hinge at the top of the window, instead of at the side. Awning windows can be a great alternative to casement styles, but they’re a bit more difficult to clean.

Single tilt slider windows - which are great if you’re concerned about cleaning. Single tilt slider windows allow you to tilt the window into the room so you can get a thorough clean inside and out without having to stand on a ladder outside or hire a cleaning company. These are a great option for second-story windows.

Need Personalized Help Choosing Windows?

Book your free consultation with a GreenFox Windows and Doors expert to walk through the options. Our window experts in Edmonton and Calgary have helped hundreds of homeowners select windows. We can even customize your windows for your home and show you our past work so you can envision exactly what new windows would look like on your home.