Casement Windows

The Modern Choice for any Home

Windows typically come in two major designs: sash windows and casement windows. While hung sash windows are still widespread in countries such as the United Kingdom and United States, they have long been overtaken by casement windows which offer superior functionality and construction with more flexibility. Not only do they offer better views but they also offer both more opening choices including multiple opening methods in a single window.

Sash vs. Casement Window Designs

Sash windows are most frequently found in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. They are also sometimes called box sash windows in the United Kingdom or hung sash windows in the United States. They consist of two sashes which are arranged vertically and slide up and down on vertical tracks built into the frame. Typically, the top sash is fixed however double hung windows can also be found where both sashes can slide.

In contrast, casement windows are mounted to the frame on hinges and swing open like a door. In Europe, they typically swing inwards for security reasons. While sash windows require less space having no inswing or outswing sash, casement windows offer many advantages:

Casements can be completely opened.
Require less effort to open.
Easier to maintain and clean
No vertical guide tracks that wear and warp over time
Can feature multiple opening mechanisms (e.g. inswing, tilt only, tilt and turn)
Superior energy savings and thermal insulation with double and triple glazing
Can be used for emergency egress (e.g. fire escape)
Can be designed to mimic the look of sash windows for historic homes

Considering these advantages, it is no wonder casement windows are standard in much of the world today.

Opening Mechanisms

Today, side-hung windows are most commonly offered in tilt-and-turn, offering two distinct ways of opening. When turned, the window swings inwards or - less frequently - outwards, thereby opening up almost entirely like a door. In contrast, sash windows typically consist of a fixed half and sliding half meaning the overall window can never be fully opened. This means less fresh air and no option of being used for escape in an emergency such as a fire.

Additionally, side-hung casements employing tilt-and-turn mechanisms include a tilting function, which allows for ventilation without opening the casement entirely. While sashes also allow for this, the casement is usually tilted in such a way as to prevent rain from entering.

Insulation & Security

Unlike hung sash windows, casement windows come standard with double or triple glazing. This alone drastically improves their ability to insulate which means lower energy bills each month and no cold areas inside near the window. Additionally, using warm edge spacers and argon gas filling between panes can further boost the overall U-value. Single glazed windows are not even allowed in Germany nowadays nor in most new construction in the European Union. If your home requires the traditional look of hung windows, they can easily be simulated with casement windows. This provides the required historic look with modern performance.

Security wise, inswing casement windows are superior with no exterior hinges or sash that can easily be pried upwards. Additional security fittings including multipoint locking and upgrading to Resistance Class 2 (RC2) are available as well as laminated safety glass.

A Custom Appearance to Match your Home

Casement windows offer a wide range of custom design options including:

Timber and uPVC frames, or aluminium clad versions of both
The entire RAL colour range
Wood grain decors
Muntins / Georgian bars

Using the chosen RAL colour, a foil-based wood-grain decor and glazing bars, any modern side-hung uPVC window can be made to perfectly mimic the looks of traditional wooden windows without the drawbacks of out-dated systems.

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