If you are here, the chances are you are looking to get new casement windows but not sure whether they will be your perfect pick, right?
Well, shopping for new windows regardless of the style is a tough challenge, especially if it’s your first time and you strive to get the best deal for your money.
Our team has gone through tons of information and contacted many specialists and experts to provide you with this casement window guide.
So now you have everything you need to learn right here in one post. Interested? Keep reading!
Contents
So What’s the Big Deal About Casement Windows?
Well, windows are a big deal, don’t you think so? Imagine living in a house that had no windows?
You would have no access to fresh air, sunlight, to nature, and honestly, that would just be a really tight security cell.
The right windows should be easily accessible, easy to open and close, stylish, great at ventilation, and easy to maintain.
This is why we recommend casement windows. Let’s look at some of the facts, shall we?
- Casement windows work with almost all home looks. They can give both traditional and more contemporary looks depending on whichever style you prefer.
- Casement windows are the easiest windows to operate and maintain. You might want to disagree, but have you considered how noiseless casement windows are in contrast to sliding windows? Also, casement windows do not collect debris like sliders and are effortless when opening, unlike double-hung windows.
- Casement units are also great with ventilation because you decide how much air you want in. With the Canadian climate, it’s a real blessing, isn’t it?
- Casement windows are fantastic energy savers. That multipoint locking system prevents any energy from escaping the room.
- Does it count that you feel a little safer with casement windows as well? These windows can serve as emergency escape routes when you are out of options. You must have an egress window in your house, and casements are quite a good option for this purpose.
- Casement windows offer beautiful unobstructed views, unlike double-hung windows. No check rails and quite a huge glass area bring you the perfect view outside.
- Finally, we know we’ve mentioned this before, but casement windows are stylish. New windows give this regal and beautiful feel.
Where Should I Place My Casement Windows Within the Home?
There are a few things to consider when placing your casement windows.
Some of these include ease of operation, ventilation, and of course, the interior/exterior of your house and rooms.
You want to place your casement windows in a position where the casements can open freely, depending on the direction in which you want to open.
However, all experts agree that some of the best places to install your casement windows are the bedroom, living room, home office, and kitchen.
Depending on the style of your bathroom, you might want to consider it as well. It’d be great in venting excess humidity, plus some companies offer obscure glass options for privacy.
Double or Triple Glazing?
Just in case you’re lost, we’ll talk briefly about what glazing is and its relevance to windows.
In simple words, a double-glazed window is a window that has two panes of glass with a space between the panes usually filled with an inert gas that acts as an insulating barrier between your interior and the exterior.
The triple-glazed glass does provide even more insulation by having 3 panes of glass and two gas-filled cavities.
There are many benefits associated with using multiple glazed windows as opposed to single glazed glass, some of which are reduced noise transmission from outside, UV protection, and enhanced security.
Deciding between double or triple glazed glass, in our opinion, boils down to your budget and personal preferences.
The triple-glazed window usually costs at least 15% more than the double-glazed unit, which might seem a little erratic.
Yes, it offers better insulation from both heat and noise, but the double-glazed glass already does a fantastic job.
Remember that windows are only one of the players in thermal conduction. The walls, floors, and window frames matter as well.
So try to go from your budget first, and always ask your window company as many details as possible regarding your replacement project to get the most out of your new windows, either double or triple-glazed.
Why Should You Consider Vinyl as the Go-to Option for Your Window Frame?
There are several window frame options available to you: traditional wooden frames, fibreglass window frames, composite, aluminum, and vinyl window frames.
The most common options are aluminum and vinyl window frames. Well, just cut to the chase here; we prefer vinyl for several reasons.
- Vinyl frames are affordable and accessible.
- Vinyl frames are very versatile. You get many stylish options available to you just by choosing vinyl frames. They could have smooth, textured, or faux wood finishes, which make them a trendy choice.
- Vinyl frames are also easy to maintain, unlike wooden frames that are expensive and require a lot of maintenance as they are susceptible to rot and weathering in certain climates.
- Vinyl frames are also good insulators. They offer better insulating properties than many of the options available.
- While aluminum frames might be generally stronger, their proneness to dents, corrosion, and fading quickly place vinyl higher in our quality estimation.
Anything Else You Should Know?
Now that you have made up your mind about the type of casement frame you want, you should be thinking about installation.
If the installation is poor, this whole article would have been a waste, and we wouldn’t want that. Here are a few tips that can help:
- Carefully decide who will be installing your windows for you. Many companies that sell windows also offer installation services, so weigh your options carefully.
- Be clear and assertive with what you want. Ask as many questions as possible, and provide all the details about your preferences, house exterior, etc.
- Make sure your installers follow CSA guidelines and your local building codes.
- Only go with the Energy Star-rated and NAFS-11 products.
- Monitor the work, ensure you like what you see, and ask about any maintenance tips you may need.
Now you are fully equipped with the right knowledge to shop for your casement windows.
We hope you will enjoy your new units for many years to come!
