Two of the most common window fashions available are casements, which are hinged to open and shut like doors, and sash windows, which slide up and down or horizontally. When it comes to picking between them, look does come into play, but there are several other important factors as well. Some windows open wider than many others, allowing for better circulation, and a few are better insulated, which can be important in cold temperatures.
Energy Efficiency
Fixed-pane windows are the most energy-efficient ones it is possible to install, but should you want a window which opens and insulation is a major concern, select a casement window. It swings in a horizontal plane and fits snugly against the frame when closed. Sash windows, which slide up and down, allow air to enter through the gap along the vertical sliding tracks, and although modern producers minimize this gap, they frequently don’t fully eliminate it. Many older houses have wooden sash windows which slide vertically and are single- or double-hung, and these frequently become loose enough to rattle in the frames. You’ll never have this issue using a casement window.
Air Circulation and Security
You can open a casement window wider than a sash window, which means that it gives superior air circulation in the warm summer months. If you’ve got a good-quality casement window, you can even leave it cracked open in the winter to keep air circulating and prevent condensation without losing security. The crank mechanism prevents anyone from opening the window in the outside. You can even leave sash windows broken, but they’re simple to open if you don’t devise some method for securing them, like installing deadbolts which match into pre-drilled holes in the frame.
Casement Window Cranks
Modern casement windows usually have a crank mechanism which you run by rotating a handle on the front of the window, and also one of the most significant drawbacks of the type of window is that the crank can malfunction. When that happens, you frequently have to remove the entire window in the frame to repair or replace the crank. A sash window does not malfunction in this manner, because it has no moving parts aside from the sash itself. Sash windows can stick, but you can generally restore smooth performance by spraying lubricant or rubbing soap over the tracks.
Bug Control and Maintenance
The way a casement window runs makes addition of an outside screen difficult, and that can mean more insects in the home through the summer. Some casement windows have been designed for use with outside screens, however, the screens usually have gaps across the handle which are broad enough for mosquitoes and flies to enter. Sash windows, however, are simple to cover with outdoor displays to store the bugs under control. The way a casement window opens additionally exposes the advantages to sun and rain, and it usually requires more maintenance than a sash window. Also, in case you have awnings or low overhangs, keep in mind that they could interfere with the performance of a casement window.