When you’re looking for replacement windows, there are a lot of different options to choose from. Single-hung, double-hung, sliding, awning, and casement windows. Replacement casement windows can be a great choice for homeowners, but it’s important to find the right windows from the right installers to ensure that you get the most out of them.
What is a casement window? What should you look for in a replacement casement window for your Tampa Bay home? And what should you look for in an installation company that puts in casement windows?
What Is a Casement Window?
A casement window is a type of window that swings open rather than sliding along tracks within a window frame.
Because of how these windows open and close, they have different parts than a hung or sliding window will have. Some parts, like the window frame and the sash, will be consistent with other window types, but others may differ. The parts of a replacement casement window include:
- Casement Window Sash. The portion of the window that holds the glass.
- Glass Pane. The glass of the window set in the sash.
- Stiles. The vertical portions of the window sash to the right and left of the glass.
- Rails. The horizontal parts of the window sash along the top and bottom of the glass.
- Locking Handle/Cam. These are the mechanisms that are used to keep the casement window sash closed when engaged. Some casement windows have two locking handles or cams.
- Keeper. The receiver for the locking handle/cam that the other part slots or hooks into. Similar to how a sash lock works on a single- or double-hung window.
- Hinge. The hinge secures the sash to the window frame while allowing it to swing either inward or outward.
- Operator Arm. This is an armature mechanism used to hold the casement window in place when it’s open. This is connected to the to operator handle for the opening and closing of the casement window.
- Operator Handle. This is the handle used to operate the window so it can be opened and closed. Often works in a spinning motion.
- Window Frame. The portion of the window that holds the window sash, typically consisting of a frame apron, casing, head, jambs, sill, and stool.
The neat thing about casement windows is that they can help a home stand out from ones that use mostly single- or double-hung windows. As noted by Grand View Research, the overall market size of the U.S. windows market was $12.32 billion in 2022, and double/single-hung windows accounted for $6.65 billion of that.
Considering that single-hung windows are typically cheaper than any other window type, that they make up almost 54% of the market means that they’re the most common window type. Installing windows that are clearly different helps make a home really be more unique.
Benefits of Getting a Replacement Casement Window
When you’re choosing windows, why should you choose a casement window, specifically? There are a few reasons why a casement window might be a good choice for a given window opening, such as:
- Casements Maximize Air Flow. Because of how they swing open, casement windows do an excellent job of maximizing airflow into a room. They leave the window opening completely unobstructed, so more air is able to flow through the window than with hung or sliding windows where the window sash blocks part of the window opening.
- The Ease of Operation. For some homeowners, grabbing onto a window lift and moving the window vertically or horizontally may be physically challenging. With casement windows, the handle helps make opening and closing the window easier.
- Large, Unobstructed Viewing Area. Casement windows can often be mistaken for picture windows when closed, since they have a single large window sash with uninterrupted window glass.
These unique features of casement windows might make them ideal for specific homes and homeowners. They’re often a great fit for moderate-sized window openings where the sash won’t be too heavy a weight.
Are Casements Ideal for Every Window Opening or Home?
No. While casement windows can be a great fit for some window openings in the home, particularly in bedrooms or bathrooms where you want the most airflow for the open space possible, not every window opening is best served with a casement window replacement.
Some windows where you might not want a casement window include particularly large window openings or openings where the handle might be obstructed by other items in your home.
Why are larger windows often less than ideal? Because of the way casement windows hang from the window frame when open. The weight of the casement window is all rested on one side of the frame when open and, when there’s a strong breeze, that can pull on the casement window’s hinges. This makes it easier for a casement window’s frame to become warped when using a particularly large window sash that puts a lot of weight on the window frame.
So, casements are often best used on smaller windows in rooms where you want the most air flow possible. This is why it helps to consult with a window installation specialist to ask about what kinds of windows are the best fit for your home.
What to Look for in a Replacement Casement Window
Not all replacement windows are created equally—particularly casement windows! When looking for replacement casement windows in the greater Tampa Bay area, there are a few things that you should consider:
- The Energy Efficiency of the Window. While casements are great for maximizing air flow, you still should consider the window’s energy efficiency characteristics. Windows should have low u-factor and SHGC ratings to maximize energy efficiency when they’re closed, as that helps you save money on your energy bills for years to come.
- Impact Resistance. In Tampa Bay, you need to have the toughest possible windows to protect your home. Hurricanes and other forms of severe weather are a consistent hazard that homeowners face every year. Having impact-resistant windows is critical for protecting your home from the worst impacts of hurricane season.
- Vinyl Construction. Vinyl impact windows are the perfect fit for homes nearer the coastline, where salty ocean breezes carry saltwater up to your home. Vinyl window frames resist pitting and corrosion from chemical exposure far better than aluminum windows. Additionally, they’re far more energy efficient because vinyl conducts far less heat than aluminum—0.19 to 237 watts per minute Kelvin according to Engineering Toolbox. This makes vinyl over 1000 times more energy efficient for resisting heat transfer than aluminum.
These are just a handful of the things you should look for in a new casement window for your home. There are countless other considerations to make, such as color availability, style, hardware finishes, and more that all impact the look and feel of your new windows.
What to Look for in a Replacement Casement Window Installation Company
When looking for a company to handle your replacement casement window installation job, what should you expect? Odds are good that you’ll want the following:
- Professionalism. Is the installation team and the office staff friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable about window installation? You should be able to expect prompt and friendly service from your window technician and the office staff supporting them.
- Reliability. How long has the window installation company been in business, and how many satisfied customers do they have? You’ll want to work with a company that has a long track record of customer satisfaction so you know you’ll be getting quality service.
- Variety. Is the window installation company able to offer a variety of windows from different brands? The best installers aren’t beholden to a single manufacturer and work with several brands to help you find the best windows for your home.
- Communication. You should be able to expect proactive communication from your window installation service provider. Do they reach out to you to keep you in the loop with your window order’s status? Do they consult with you beforehand to help you know exactly what you’re going to be getting and to pick the best windows for your needs? That’s the kind of communication you should be getting from your installer.
- Guarantees. Does the window installer back up their work with a lifetime guarantee? If so, how long is a lifetime and what does it cover? For Karoly Windows & Doors, our lifetime labor warranty lasts for 25 years and covers any errors in the installation process that may occur. If something is wrong with your installation, we’ll work with you to make it right. For 25 years after installation. We also offer a 50-year warranty on materials because we work with the best window manufacturers in Florida and are confident in the quality of the windows we sell and install!
Need a quote for replacing your casement windows or want any other kind of windows for your home? Reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors today to request a quote from Tampa Bay’s best window replacement company!
