What Is a Casement Window?

Casement windows, also known as crank windows, are popular with homeowners for their functionality and style. Designed as windows that open out, they allow maximum ventilation and natural light while staying sturdy for security and pretty to the eyes. 

But what are casement windows, exactly? Why should you choose this type of window over others? 

We’ll answer this question and discuss the key features, benefits, and considerations of casement windows to help you decide if they’re your pick for replacement windows. 

Let’s dive into it!

Types of Casement Windows 

There are several casement window types, and they differ based on design and operation. 

Most casement windows open outward—some open to the left, others just to the right, and the rest open both ways like French windows. Regardless, they’re all attached to their frame by one or more casement window hinges at the side. 

Here are some common types based on operation:

• Single-Frame Casement Window: Features one sash that opens outwardly with a crank; ideal for small spaces.
• Double-Casement Window: Two side-hinged windows that open from the center, offering unobstructed views and maximum ventilation when open; also known as French casement windows.
• In-swing Casement Window: Has one sash and opens inwardly; ideal if opening outwardly becomes an obstruction.
• Push-Out Casement Windows: Pushed outward to open without a crank. Friction hinges hold position when open.
• Combination Casement Window: Combine casements with other window types for custom configurations and styles.

The types of casement windows homeowners choose depend largely on their preferred style, functionality requirements, and specific needs of their space.

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Pros of Casement Windows

Casement windows offer many unique benefits to homeowners, including:

1. Enhanced Security 

The embedded hook-shaped locks within casement windows’ frames make them more secure against external tampering, offering better home security.

Not all casement windows are created equally. For instance, Burano’s casement windows have security features such as: 

• Built-in ‘snubber’ to keep the hinge side tight and safe
• Multipoint hardware that secures the locking side of the window
• Triple-sealing system to weather-proof indoor spaces effectively

2. Energy Efficient

Casement windows seal tightly against their frames when closed, reducing air leakage. This means reduced energy costs by preventing heat loss in winter and keeping interiors cool in summer. This is especially important in Canada, where doors and windows brave all seasonal conditions from sweltering summers to brutal winters.

Take Burano Doors’ casement windows as an example. Made with Hydraglass 50™ warm edge technology on the Super Spacer® platform, they reduce heat loss, condensation, CO2 levels, and UV rays in your home—all while reducing energy costs.

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3. Durable

Casement windows can be made from various materials, such as wood, vinyl, aluminum, fibreglass, or composite (a combination of materials). The type of material used will directly impact their durability. 

When they’re manufactured intentionally to last, high-quality casement windows should withstand the harsh Canadian climate. For example, Burano Doors casement windows use 100% pure virgin uPVC, which is resistant to rust, corrosion, blistering, flaking, peeling, and warping. 

4. Offers Excellent Ventilation 

Casement windows can open fully, providing an unobstructed pathway for fresh air to enter your space. Homeowners can control airflow precisely with its hand crank. More than that, you can adjust the angle of the window to direct breezes into the room as desired, creating optimal ventilation conditions without compromising security or aesthetics.

5. Unobstructed Views 

Casement windows typically have slim frames and minimal materials between the glass panes. This kind of frame design allows for more views of the outdoors and offers more chances to benefit from the sun.

When opened fully, casement windows swing outward, providing an expansive opening without any central vertical obstruction. If you have rooms with an ocean or mountain view, installing a casement window provides uninterrupted views of the surrounding scenery.

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6. Customizable Window Option 

Casement windows are perfect for home upgrades because, in addition to their features, they’re also highly customizable and add value to your home. For example, our uPVC-based Burano Doors casement windows come in various patterns, designs, styles, and types that you can tailor to your home.

Cons of Casement Windows 

Though with many pros, casement windows come with their fair share of cons.

1. Hard To Clean 

Because of their wide panes, casement windows have hard-to-reach areas that can’t be cleaned as usual. You’d have to use a ladder outside to wipe second-story casement windows clean which takes extra effort.

2. Wear and Tear 

If not made with quality materials, the hardware in your casement window can be susceptible to rust, damage, and gravity pitfalls. Since they open outward, they might sag on the exposed ends over time, creating space for drafts and making weatherproofing useless.

3. Weathering 

Regardless of how strong they are, casement windows’ huge glass panels can be damaged by strong winds and extreme weather conditions. They’re especially vulnerable to misalignment or hardware damage if left open during turbulent weather. 

How Much Do Casement Windows Cost? 

The cost of Canada-made casement windows varies widely depending on factors such as the size, material, brand, and any additional features or customization options. 

For example, vinyl casement windows are more affordable than those made from aluminum, fibreglass, or wood. 

Generally, casement windows are available in a range of price points to accommodate different budgets.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $360 to $980 or more per window, including installation, when you choose casement windows for your home. 

Read more: 5 Questions You Should Ask When Buying Replacement Windows

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Expert Advice: Are Casement Windows for You? 

Casement windows are versatile, secured, and energy-efficient and provide excellent ventilation with unobstructed views, making them perfect replacement casement windows for any home.

At Burano Doors, you have more freedom to choose the best casement windows for your home since we offer custom options at prices homeowners can afford.

Burano Doors will manufacture, deliver, and install your new casement windows hassle-free. As a trusted manufacturer of windows and doors in Canada for over 45 years, we can guarantee professional installation by our in-house, NFRC-trained installers. 

Plus, Burano Doors has a lifetime warranty on all hardware, components and glass for your casement windows. 

Have questions about installing casement windows or need a free home estimate? Get in touch with us today!