making a case for casement windows

WHY CASEMENT WINDOWS ARE A WORTHY INVESTMENT


ICONSTRUCTION

& FUNCTION

One of the most crucial tasks of building, owning, and maintaining a home is choosing the best products that can offer both good aesthetics and performance. When it comes to windows, there are a lot of options to choose from and deciding which ones to have installed in your home can be overwhelming. This eBook will help you get to know more about casement windows, and let you see why they are a worthy investment.

CONSTRUCTION AND FUNCTION


CONSTRUCTION ■APPEARANCE. This type of window comes in a number of attractive designs and styles such as French, pushout, no grill, prairie grill, colonial grill, and top down grille. They can also come in wood, steel, wood-clad, aluminum, fiberglass, or vinyl. Casement windows can be customized to specific sizes and dimensions, making them suitable for a variety of architectural themes and requirements.

■EASE OF MAINTENANCE. Casement windows are easy to clean from the inside, with both sides of the glazing easily accessible. Because casement windows have fewer muntins, there are fewer spots for dust to settle in. Moreover, maintenance is easy: to keep the window operating reliably, all you need is a bit of regular lubrication and the application of either a medium-weight oil or one that is recommended by the manufacturer.

■FEW MUNTINS. Some homeowners like the look of muntins, the strips of wood, metal, or fiberglass that divide the window panes to smaller squares or rectangles. Some homeowners even install fake muntins to add more design elements and style to their windows. However, if muntins don’t interest you, casement windows are likely to be more to your taste.

■STRENGTH AND PROTECTION. Compared with other window styles such as double-hung, casement windows are harder to break into. Their locks are typically hook-shaped and embedded within the frame, making them practically untouchable from the outside.

CONSTRUCTION AND FUNCTION


FUNCTION

■EASE OF OPERATION. Casement windows use single-lever latches or tandem latches that allow you to open and close them with one hand. Opening and closing a casement only takes unlocking the latch and pulling or pushing the sashes and vice versa. Furthermore, as its operation is very simple and basic, issues such as a problematic latch can be resolved pretty easily.

■A FULLY OPENED WINDOW. No other window can be opened as far and wide as a casement window. When you swing the entire window open, you let the fresh air in and the warm air out, making for natural ventilation which does not only help you save on cooling costs but is also healthy for the family.

In the next portion, we discuss an important advantage of casement windows: energy efficiency. Stay tuned!


IIENERGY

EFFICIENCY

Gone are the days when homeowners would choose products for their homes based on aesthetics alone. Many have become more aware of the advantages that energy-efficient home products offer. As windows play a crucial part in maintaining a home’s energy efficiency, it is important to look for a type of window that has a reputation for helping curb the cost of utilities.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY


WHAT MAKES CASEMENT WINDOWS ENERGY-EFFICIENT

Now, here’s a good news for those looking to get casement windows -- they are the second best window design for energy savings, just next to fixed-pane windows. To prove this point, let us take a look at the features that make casement windows energy-efficient.

VENTILATIONAs casement windows open all the way outward, they provide excellent natural ventilation and lighting. Unlike double-hung windows that are typically closed on top, casement windows are open from top to bottom and side-to-side, offering maximum airflow and minimizing the need for artificial ventilation.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY


SEAL TIGHTNESSWhen a casement window closes, it pushes against a seal and a latch mechanism which gives off a force to pull the sash into the seal. Thus, it can minimize air leakage and help keep the warm air in, and the cold air out, and vice versa.

FRAMING AND GLAZINGA casement window’s energy-efficient construction and function can be maximized by choosing products that have equally efficient framing and glazing features. Wood, fiberglass, and wood-clad frames offer outstanding insulation values. Windows with multiple glazing, low-e coating, and gas fills are considered the best choice for energy efficiency.

In the next post, we take a look at the other advantages of casement windows and see how they can increase a home’s resale value.


IIIOVERALL VALUE AND OTHER ADVANTAGES

At this point, you may already be considering getting casement windows, but to help you finalize the decision, here are still more reasons why investing in them is a good idea.

OVERALL VALUE AND OTHER ADVANTAGES


THEY ARE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN OTHER WINDOW TYPES

Casement windows are among the best-priced window types you’ll ever find on the market. While the final price will depend on many other factors such as installation fees, you can be assured of a relatively cheaper starting price. They are also easier to install than other window types; thus, you are likely to be able to negotiate for the best installation rates.

THEY CAN INCREASE A HOME’S RESALE VALUE

Given all the advantages we have listed and discussed, any practical and responsible homeowner and buyer can recognize the benefit of having casement windows. Many people can appreciate its basic appearance that easily allows customization, and its classic appeal that suits any home style. Its strength and ease of maintenance also ensures optimal service life and protection.

Furthermore, everyone wants to save whenever and however they can. Energy-efficient casement windows can help increase your home’s resale value as more and more consumers are looking for homes that are designed to curb overall expenses in terms of upkeep.

OVERALL VALUE AND OTHER ADVANTAGES


MAKING THE MOST OF CASEMENT WINDOWS

Now that you’ve read through the benefits of installing casement windows, here are some tips on how you can maximize your investment.

CLEANING ■ Regularly wipe off dirt and debris from sills and tracks

■ Clean the frame, sash, and grilles with a mild soap and water solution, using a soft brush or rag

■ To clean the glass, use a mild glass cleaner and a soft cloth

MAINTENANCE ■ Regularly lubricate the hinges and locks to maintain ease of operation

■ Use dry lubricant in the window’s moving parts to prevent dust and dirt buildup

■ Avoid abrasive cleaners and hard-bristled brushes ■ Proper Usage ■ Even if you’ve got the best product, you should still handle and operate your window with care. Do not slam it shut or close it forcefully, as some parts of the glazing may be fragile.

■ Strong winds can also slam the windows shut. Make sure to close the windows during windy and stormy days.

As in anything else, proper care and maintenance will help keep your windows functioning beautifully for a very long time.


HOMECRAFT1407 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington, DE 19809

(302) 798-2790(302) 798-0302

www.HomeCraftInc.com

http://www.HomeCraftInc.com

making a case for casement windows

Business